To my rugby babes,

This is likely going to sound super cliche, but thank you for making my first season(s) playing rugby one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Going into my sophomore year of college I was feeling a little lost: friendships from the past year had ended and I wasn't quite sure who my "people" would be, per say.

But, on a whim, I joined the rugby team--mainly because I missed the camaraderie of a team (and I had heard good things from friends who were on the team). The first day of practice was definitely tough, full of anxiety and hard drills, but I forced myself to keep going and to play in matches as soon as possible. And that was, quite possibly, the best decision I've made in college thus far. By doing this I found my "people".

Through the blunders that accompanied my trying to learn to play a sport I had never even watched before, you did not shame me but helped me learn from my mistakes. I played sports my entire life growing up, and I never got that experience from a coach or teammates because their drive was to win and mistakes did not make winners.

The relationships forged on the rugby pitch did not stop there. You said (and still say) hi to me when our paths cross walking around campus. And on my bad days, this was especially needed. You made me feel valued and needed: feelings I was desperately lacking upon joining the rugby team. I was uncertain of myself and capabilities before my first practice, but even after my first hour and a half, I was starting to see myself as a strong woman who could hold my own in whatever challenges I may be presented with.

Never in a million years would I think I would enjoy tackling other women for a few hours every Saturday. I was never a morning person before rugby, but I quickly became excited to wake up early(ish) on match days--honestly, quite the miracle. And I truly don't think I would feel this way without y'all being as wonderful as you are. You made me more of a morning person, not a small feat, and one no one has achieved before.

Seniors, I will miss you dearly. You are some of the kindest people I have ever met and never made me feel small or "too young", as other older students have done during my time in college. You treated me as an equal, which certainly did not go unappreciated. You are all blessings in my life, and I know you all will go on to do great things, being the strong-willed women I know.

So, thank you. For being some of my favorite people at college, and just in general. Thank you for showing me my own strength--that was lying dormant until I stepped on the rugby pitch.

Thank you,

One of your rookies