During a late summer day in my first week of college, I stumbled through the campus activities fair at the University of Virginia, feeling overwhelmed by the sea of colorful booths and enthusiastic students pulling people toward the clubs they loved. Though I’m sure the memory has exaggerated over time, I remember bodies pressing in from every side as the August sun beat down on my neck. Flustered, I decided to leave, having scribbled my name down for one or two clubs. But just as I turned to go, a hand reached through the crowd, grabbed my arm, and pulled me forward. Someone shoved a flamingo sticker into my hand and asked, “Have you ever thought about playing rugby?” I looked up, saw a warm smile paired with an effortlessly cool outfit, and replied, “Yes.” That moment changed everything. Since that day, rugby has been the most transformative part of my college experience. It became my family—bolstering my confidence, surrounding me with unwavering friendship, and immersing me in a culture rooted in tradition, values, and deep mutual respect. Attending a military boarding school in high school chipped away at my confidence, especially around my body type and strength—traits that didn’t align with rigid military standards. I graduated during COVID, unsure of who I was or what I stood for. Even after taking two gap years in search of healing, I arrived at college still uncomfortable in my own skin. But from my very first rugby practice, things began to shift. Nancy Kechner—an icon in the college rugby world and the coach of Virginia Women’s Rugby—immediately saw something in me. She complimented my size and athleticism and told me she had big plans for me. Three years later, I’m proud to be an NCR All-American, preparing to tour South Africa and England playing the sport that changed my life. Rugby gave me permission to take up space—to own my presence, my power, and my body. Thanks to this team, I’ve done things high-school-me would have never imagined: celebrating freely at beach week, wearing what I want without second-guessing, and walking through the world with my head held high. This sport and this team have given me confidence I didn’t know was possible. Beyond confidence, rugby gave me family. The friendships I’ve formed are unshakable. I know this because I’ve tested them. From the pointless lies I told when I was still wrestling with insecurity, to the times I shut people out during emotional slumps, my teammates never gave up on me. They showed up. They stayed. We’ve laughed until we cried, cried until we laughed, and bonded over everything from bruises to late-night rants. There are no awkward silences anymore. When asked to share secrets, we realize we’ve already shared them all. These aren’t just teammates—they’re sisters. Finally, there’s something incredibly special about the broader rugby world. It’s a community built on respect: you play your heart out on the field, and you celebrate together afterward. It’s full of tradition, grit, and joy. I’ll leave college with a collection of memories—hilarious, heartwarming, and deeply meaningful—that no other group could’ve given me. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without rugby. As I write this, I’m sitting in my living room, surrounded by five other ruggers laughing, chatting, and just being themselves—and that puts the biggest smile on my face. I am going to miss these days, but know I at least have one more year to savor them. One more year in college rugby to seize the moment, and play my heart out with this team that has become a family.