Rugby Family to me is not something to just throw around; it's a lifestyle and something I've personally lived through. Going through multiple serious injuries, ACL reconstruction, and multiple invasive birthmark ankle surgeries left me wondering if I would ever play the same again. I didn't return to my best physically or mentally for about a year, but my rugby family never left me feeling like I was “less than.” They constantly checked in with me and reminded me why I fell in love with rugby in the first place. Rugby family does not just support you when you're winning or in the highest points of your career. They stick with you through all of it, even when you are at your lowest. Growing up in a huge family, I was used to the noise, chaos, and moving pieces, and rugby family was just an extension of that. I had another group of people who celebrated and supported me and especially kept me accountable. Since birth, I have been self-conscious about my birthmarks because they are very large and noticeable. However, when I stepped on that field and was immersed in my rugby community, none of that mattered anymore. What mattered for me was showing up for the people that mattered most on that field and putting my body on the line for them. I wanted to give them nothing less than my best effort and support because they would do the same for me any day. I play at Life University as a fly-half and a vice captain for the team. I have found my place in this team, and now my next role is to give back to the community that has done so much for me. The family I have found in this community is priceless and the rugby culture is like no other. Looking ahead, my hopes as I continue playing rugby at Life University have grown alongside my role as a fly-half and vice captain. I want to continue pushing myself to compete at the highest level while raising the standard through my performance, community envolvement, communication, and accountability. Playing in this position has taught me the importance of leadership under pressure, and I aim to keep developing those skills in big moments for my team. More importantly, I want to give back to the rugby family that has supported me through injuries, setbacks, and growth. That means being someone younger players can rely on and look up to, creating an environment where everyone feels valued, and making sure no one feels alone in their struggles. My goal is to leave a lasting impact on this program and sport by strengthening a culture built on resilience, trust, and commitment to something bigger than myself.