Approaching the rugby table at my university’s club fair was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself. That single moment sparked a journey that has shaped my college experience in powerful ways. I’m approaching my fourth year of playing rugby with the UNCG Fishbones, and the sport has given me not only physical strength and confidence but also leadership, resilience, and a stunning sense of community. I had a wonderful introduction to the sport during my first semester. I was new to rugby but immediately felt at home. However, during the spring of my freshman year, the team went through a rough patch, with leadership conflicts leading many players, including myself, to step away. I couldn’t imagine going back to life before rugby. I was determined to keep the team alive, so I picked up the phone and called every single one of my teammates, trying to figure out how we could move forward. Two years later, our team is thriving. Now, as forward captain and club president, I find so much joy in teaching the rookies. I love teaching the game. The contact portion of practice is my favorite. Being able to watch the confidence build in my team as they realize that with proper form, even the smallest player can be a formidable asset. But really, my favorite part of leading is sharing the culture and traditions that make rugby unique. We celebrate rugby names earned through experience on the pitch and memories made with the team. I always tell the loving story of why my teammates call me “Longhorn.” It started during my time volunteering at the Piedmont Farm Animal Sanctuary, working with rescued livestock, including a very adorable calf sprouting his horns, who brought tears to my eyes at my first rugby social. I tell strangers it’s because of how hard it is to tackle me, which is not untrue. The name stuck, and now it’s part of our team history, just like the stories behind every player’s name. One of my proudest moments as a leader came during the fall of my sophomore year. We were without a coach at the time, but the rugby community is deeply interconnected. At the Triad Rugby 9/11 Tourney, I went to support a teammate. While chatting with Fear the Maniacs, they asked where my boots were. I laughed and told them my rugby bag was in the car. Moments later, my great-grand big handed me a pair of shorts. After a warm-up, I was on the field, playing against my teammate and loving every second. Later, while socializing, I reconnected with someone I knew from summer 7s practices. By the end of the day, we had secured both a forwards coach and a backs coach for our team. Rugby has also pushed me to give back beyond the field. In addition to my work at the sanctuary, my team is organizing efforts to introduce rugby to young girls in the Triad area. We want to share the confidence, teamwork, and empowerment this sport has given us. Rugby taught us to take up space, to be bold, and to lift each other up. We believe every girl deserves that opportunity. Looking back, I see how much I’ve grown from a curious freshman to a team leader committed to building something that lasts. Rugby gave me a family, a purpose, and the courage to lead. I carry those lessons with me into every part of my life.