My first rugby team was with American University in 1996. I was taking some political science classes and a girl, I think her name was Erin, walked into my classroom and asked if anyone wanted to play rugby. Sure, why not. After years of cross country and track I was tired of simply running.
The team was in it's debut year and was affiliated with the Maryland Stingers. We had three coaches: a married front row named Kit Desch and Carmita Signes and a back named Mika Huffington (I think). Mika was a good looking man and a favorite among the ladies. As a back, I wasn't exposed to Kit and Carmita as much as Mika but I recall that I really liked Carmita. She had two long braids down her back and had an invincible spirit. I have no mementos of my spring playing for that team. I wish I had but I don't. I even loaned my jersey to another girl and never got it back. About ten years later I ran into Carmita at Pumpkinfest in Philly. I walked up and introduced myself. She said that she remembered me and I hope that it was the truth. Like I said, I liked her.
Years later I officially enrolled in university at Texas A&M University and joined their rugby program, run by Craig Coates and Kathryn Nichol. Those were some of the best times of my life. I was a wing at the time, speedy although no one would really know it because I had hands like bricks. I couldn't catch the ball if it was covered in glue. What can I say? I only had to complete one successful receipt of a baton in my previous career. Only in my senior year did I finally learn how to have soft hands. It's amazing what having good hands will do to your confidence. I suddenly was looking for work on the pitch. My days at A&M were some of the best of my life. It was the first time that I had real girlfriends. Kate's group of rugby girls have gone on to make her proud. A few of us still play first division rugby but those who have hung up their boots have become coaches and referees. We had a good mentor.
In the ten years since university I have played in Argentina, Italy and now Hong Kong. I have moved through all the numbers except 10 and 15 (I can't kick). Where in Texas I was one of the smallest members on the team, in Hong Kong I am one of the biggest. I have gone from wing to front row. Each new team, and country, has presented a unique challenge. I have to absorb new cultures, languages and styles of play. On top of that, rugby itself has been evolving. While my body has gotten slower, rugby has gotten faster. I can only hope that I can evolve at a similar rate to the game; otherwise I'll be left behind.
The team was in it's debut year and was affiliated with the Maryland Stingers. We had three coaches: a married front row named Kit Desch and Carmita Signes and a back named Mika Huffington (I think). Mika was a good looking man and a favorite among the ladies. As a back, I wasn't exposed to Kit and Carmita as much as Mika but I recall that I really liked Carmita. She had two long braids down her back and had an invincible spirit. I have no mementos of my spring playing for that team. I wish I had but I don't. I even loaned my jersey to another girl and never got it back. About ten years later I ran into Carmita at Pumpkinfest in Philly. I walked up and introduced myself. She said that she remembered me and I hope that it was the truth. Like I said, I liked her.
Years later I officially enrolled in university at Texas A&M University and joined their rugby program, run by Craig Coates and Kathryn Nichol. Those were some of the best times of my life. I was a wing at the time, speedy although no one would really know it because I had hands like bricks. I couldn't catch the ball if it was covered in glue. What can I say? I only had to complete one successful receipt of a baton in my previous career. Only in my senior year did I finally learn how to have soft hands. It's amazing what having good hands will do to your confidence. I suddenly was looking for work on the pitch. My days at A&M were some of the best of my life. It was the first time that I had real girlfriends. Kate's group of rugby girls have gone on to make her proud. A few of us still play first division rugby but those who have hung up their boots have become coaches and referees. We had a good mentor.
Texas A&M Rugby, circa 2003-2004
In the ten years since university I have played in Argentina, Italy and now Hong Kong. I have moved through all the numbers except 10 and 15 (I can't kick). Where in Texas I was one of the smallest members on the team, in Hong Kong I am one of the biggest. I have gone from wing to front row. Each new team, and country, has presented a unique challenge. I have to absorb new cultures, languages and styles of play. On top of that, rugby itself has been evolving. While my body has gotten slower, rugby has gotten faster. I can only hope that I can evolve at a similar rate to the game; otherwise I'll be left behind.
CWB Hong Kong Rugby, circa 2009-2010
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