1. You will learn how to challenge yourself.

When you play rugby, there is no holding back. You will learn how to keep going even when you have nothing left. When you're exhausted and there are 10 minutes left in a game, you will find a way to push through. There will always be new ways to push yourself to go further then you ever thought you could, whether it's in the weight room, on the field or mentally. You'll learn that you can do anything that you set your mind to with hard work and your teammates beside you pushing you to be your best.

2. You'll learn how to get back up when you get knocked down.

When you get tackled during a game, there's no time to lie around. You'll learn to pick yourself back up no matter how hard you get hit. In life, there are times when everything gets thrown your way all at once, practically knocking you off your feet. Rugby will teach you the importance of picking yourself back up again and moving forward.

3. It's a great way to stay in shape.

There's no doubt that rugby is an extremely physically demanding sport, requiring both speed and strength. It's a great and fun way to get exercise. With conditioning and practice, you'll be in great shape (and you'll always have gym buddies for the off days, too)!

4. You'll be a part of a community.

Rugby provides you with an opportunity to meet so many amazing people. Your teammates will become great friends, and they'll have your back on and off the field. Plus, you'll have so much fun at pasta parties, team bonding and even a formal at the end of the semester!

Rugby is a great conversation starter too. I can't tell you how many times I've worn a rugby shirt out and have gotten into lengthy conversations about it with random strangers. It's like a whole different lifestyle, and you can easily strike up a conversation with anyone who's familiar with the sport.

5. You'll build confidence.

On the field, you can't go in for a tackle being unsure of yourself; it's all or nothing. You have to know that you can do it. Rugby can help you gain more confidence than you ever imagined, and it will translate off the field, too!

6. You'll learn the importance of hard work.

You'll learn that nothing is given to you. If you want to win, then you have to work your butt off at practice. You'll learn how awesome it feels to win when you know that you put all of your effort into it. You'll know that when you really want something, the only way you can achieve it is through hard work and believing in yourself.

7. You'll learn something new.

College is all about stepping out of your comfort zone, and what better way to do that than trying something new? Rugby is probably completely foreign to you and might seem a little intense, but it's a great opportunity to learn something new and have fun. Many of the girls on my team haven't played before college. Don't let the fact that it seems scary and unfamiliar hold you back!