How Rugby Has Shaped Who I Am When I first stepped onto the rugby pitch as a freshman at Orchard Park High School, I had no idea how much the sport would change my life. I’ve now played on both the 7s and 15s Orchard Park girls’ rugby teams for four years, and each season has pushed me physically, mentally, and emotionally in ways I never expected. Through blood, sweat, bruises, and laughter, I’ve become more than just a player, I’ve become a leader, a teammate, and a stronger version of myself. Rugby isn’t a sport for the faint of heart. It requires fearlessness, grit, and trust. As a flanker and sometimes center, I’ve learned to make quick decisions under pressure, to tackle hard without hesitation, and to support my teammates no matter what. Our team has earned multiple state titles, both in 7s and 15s and I was recently selected as an All-Star player. Those achievements are amazing, but what I’m most proud of is how rugby has shaped my character. Before rugby, I didn’t fully understand the meaning of resilience. Now, I do. I’ve fought through injuries and defeats, early-morning practices and tough conditioning drills, and I’ve come out stronger. Rugby taught me how to bounce back. Not just on the field but in life. It also taught me discipline. As someone who struggles academically and tends to be a little messy, rugby gave me structure and purpose. I had to stay eligible to play. I had to show up. I had to put in the work, and that discipline has started to carry over into my schoolwork and other areas of my life. But the biggest thing rugby has given me is confidence. I used to doubt myself. I worried about not being “good enough.” But rugby is a sport where everyone brings something unique to the team. I discovered that my aggression, my determination, and my drive were assets. I began to lead by example. My teammates started calling me “Savage” because of how fiercely I play, and that nickname stuck. It’s more than just a name, it’s a reminder that I am powerful. Off the field, rugby has made me a better person. I’ve learned empathy by helping younger players find their footing. I’ve learned humility in defeat and grace in victory. I’ve learned to stand up for my teammates and for myself. Rugby has become a community, a sisterhood…where we lift each other up. It’s the kind of bond that goes beyond wins and losses. As I prepare to graduate, I’m planning to continue playing rugby in college. I recently visited West Chester University and loved the energy of the team. I want to keep growing as a player and as a person, and I know rugby will continue to be a part of that journey. Rugby didn’t just give me a sport. It gave me a second family, a deeper sense of purpose, and the belief that I can take on any challenge life throws at me. And for that, I’ll be forever grateful.

“Dut, dut, dut, dut.” “Dut” is much more than just a simple rhythm or sound. To me, as a drummer it is the backbone of the band. It is the pulse that unifies us. As a drumLINE, we all dut together. Being a part of the Marching Band as the tenor drum was not something I originally planned, but something that has become a vital part of my identity. It helped me grown as a leader, teammate and friend. Up until 8th grade, I played standup bass. In eighth grade I originally signed up to play cymbals. The band director challenged me to try something new– the tenor drums. I was quite skeptical at first seeing how ginormous they were, but at the same they seemed very intriguing to me. The first time I placed the harness on my shoulders, I knew I had found my calling in the marching band. The sound of the drum and its five different pitches was very intriguing to me, and the harness felt just right. It was meant to be. Every time I step onto the field with my harness on my shoulders and my drums attached, I am locked in. Every step I take leading to the 30 yard line, is with pride. The forty pounds I carry on my chest doesn't weigh me down, but instead, it lifts me up. I feel a sense of unity and belonging as I look around the field with determination in my eyes. I see my peers, and think to myself, how truly lucky I am to be there. I have learned how to “roll with the punches” when something doesn't go according to plan. I had opportunities to learn how to overcome struggles and always look for the bright side of a situation. In a world where everybody wants to be the same, dress the same and look the same, music has shown me how to find myself. Music found me when I was looking for a purpose. Music gave me a purpose. Being a part of QMB has taught me the importance of commitment, leadership, and teamwork. I have learned and demonstrated many valuable lessons throughout the years as well. The one lesson that has stuck with me throughout the years is; “Success is not given, it’s earned.” I find myself thinking about this mantra every day. It manages to follow me everywhere I go. The work that I put in outside of practice when nobody’s watching is what really counts. I have lived by this in many other aspects of my life outside of marching band, such as in my schoolwork, as captain of the varsity rugby team and as a member of the female wrestling team since eighth grade. I have always been taking risks, even knowing some outcomes may not look pretty. This year, I became the drumline section leader after putting in countless hours of hard work and effort and showing leadership throughout my years of QMB. Music has taught me commitment, how to grow, how to step up, and how to be positive in even the most negative of situations. Music has taught me how to embrace and empower everyone with the attempt of lifting them up and being themselves like how QMB did this for me. In college, whether it’s playing a sport, joining a club, or studying at the end of the day in the lounge with the friends I have made, I will carry with me the lessons I have learned from my tenor drum and the music program. Never underestimate the power of Dut!