What’s your history with rugby? How did you first hear about it and what made you want to join?
For me, it was love at first sight. During the informational we watched a national championship game that they had recently won and the energy in the air was electric. The camaraderie and the love for the sport was contagious and after that I knew I had to try out for the team. I remember telling my mom I wanted to try out and she laughed at me because she thought I was “too small”.
The first time I ever heard about rugby, I was eight years old and my mom dismissed it as a “brutal blood sport.” As a gymnast, I never imagined it was something I’d be capable of playing. Fast forward to the summer before college, I was at Pittsburgh Pride with friends when someone from a local rugby team approached me and tried to recruit me. At the time, I laughed it off. Little did I know, that moment was a preview of what was to come.
My real journey with rugby began at Penn State in 2017. I had convinced myself I was done with sports for good, but my roommate had matched with someone on Tinder who happened to play rugby. I got roped into being the wingman which meant tagging along to a rugby informational session and then dinner at the rugby house afterward. At the meeting, they played a recording of a national championship game they had recently won. The energy in the room was electric. The passion, the camaraderie, the sheer love for the game was contagious. I remember sitting there and realizing: I have to try out.
When I told my mom I wanted to try out, she laughed and said I was “too small.” But for me, I thought about the informational where everyone was cheering each other on and laughing about how hard of a hit they made. I wanted to know what it was like to have a whole team cheering you on and I knew I wasn’t going to let my mom or size stop me.
What do you love about rugby? What moves you about playing the sport / being part of the community?
The easier question to answer is “what don’t I love about rugby”. There’s so much to appreciate, both athletically and socially. I’ve been playing for about five years (with a break during COVID), and the lessons I’ve learned on the field have carried into every part of my life. What makes rugby so special is that truly anyone can play. It doesn’t matter if you’re short or tall, young or older. There’s a place for you. It’s also the most gender-inclusive and sexually diverse sport I’ve ever been part of, and that diversity is what makes the community so unique.
I love that after games, both teams come together to share a meal. I love that the rugby world feels small, because no matter where you go, everyone seems to be connected. The “go forward together” mindset has taught me that success only comes through trust, communication, and working with the people around you. Some of the best friendships I’ve ever had have come through rugby. And then there’s the global side of the sport. Watching New Zealand’s haka, following international rivalries, and seeing the incredible talent from around the world. It’s inspiring to be a part of. Rugby is more than just a game. It’s a community, a culture, and a lifelong love that anyone can join.
What’s one stereotype about rugby players - that you’ve had to personally face or otherwise - that you really hate?
One of the biggest misconceptions about rugby is that you have to be a certain size to play at a high level, or at all. At 4’11, I’ve been underestimated and teased about my height my whole life. When I went out for tryouts at Penn State, I honestly didn’t think I’d make the team because of my size, but rugby quickly taught me that there’s space for every body type on the field. On certain teams I got less playing time because I was small or told I could play certain positions (within reason lol, I’ve never wanted to be a prop) because I was at a physical disadvantage.
How has rugby impacted your life?
Rugby has completely changed my life. It’s given me not only a sport I love, but also a community that has become like family. I literally live with my best friend from my current rugby team, and honestly, being part of this group is one of the main reasons I’ve stayed in DC. I can’t imagine leaving the people who mean so much to me. I also fell in love with DC as a whole on my own.
Beyond friendships, rugby has transformed the way I see myself. As someone who grew up being underestimated for my size, the sport has helped me build confidence and recognize that strength comes in many forms. The mindset I’ve learned on the field like resilience, communication, and always moving forward together has carried over into my daily life.
Rugby constantly pushes me to be my best self, both as an athlete and as a person. It’s taught me to embrace challenges, trust the people around me, and never back down from an opportunity to grow.
If you could tell your younger self one thing as the rugby player you are today, what would it be?
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be: rugby will always find its way back into your life and that your story doesn’t end at Penn State. You’ll keep playing after graduation, and you’ll find opportunities to compete at a high level even when you think your time as an athlete is over. That the sport will continue to challenge and inspire you long after college and that your journey doesn’t end when you leave campus! In many ways, it’s only just beginning!
Is there a person or moment in your rugby career that has been particularly impactful to your rugby career or to your life in general?
The most impactful person in my rugby career has been my friend Alex from Penn State Women’s Rugby. Losing her to suicide was heartbreaking, but her presence in my life continues to shape me. Alex was thoughtful, loyal, and had a way of making everyone around her feel valued. Her favorite phrase was “friendship over everything,” and she truly embodied that both on and off the field.
As an underclassman, I looked up to Alex not only as a teammate but also as a mentor. She was someone I could go to for help, guidance, or simply to listen. She was an incredible rugby player and coach, but even more than that, she was a role model whose huge heart, unwavering spirit, and fierce loyalty left a lasting impact on me and so many others. I miss her every day, but I carry her lessons and her love for the game with me whenever I step on the field.
At Penn State, some of us would write FTWC (“For Those Who Can’t”) on our wrists before games. It wasn’t just about remembering those we had lost, but also honoring teammates who were injured or had to step away from the sport. I was taught that every time you put on a jersey, it’s an opportunity to do something good. Not everyone gets the chance, so you have to make the most of every moment.
Support club rugby! You can find Celeste on Instagram @the1avendermenace or catch them playing with their home team, the DC Furies. If you want to watch a match or are in the DC area and interested in joining, find the Furies on Instagram @dcfuries or online at www.dcfuries.com.
