Communication, trust, and respect — this is the philosophy that New Mexico State University’s Women’s Rugby Club has adopted this season to maintain the robust culture and sisterhood of their sport, both on and off the field.
Although these athletes train and compete just like any other sport here at NMSU, the inner workings of their team differ from most.
As a club sport, everything is run independently by coaches and players. Things like funding, governance, marketing, and even setting up the field before games are only a few roles these athletes must fill.
“There’s not a ton of money for club sports, it’s constant [self] advocacy for the team,” Coach Justin Karrenberg said, “Which [takes] more time and energy from the students who are already training, and in school, and doing all of these other things.”
Throughout today’s digital and physical world, rugby has caught the attention of many. Although the players here at NMSU have participated in the sport long before its rise in popularity, figures like Ilona Maher, a professional and Olympic rugby player and social media personality, have been inspiring and influencing girls of all ages with messages of body positivity and rugby content — showcasing the impact joining a sport can have on someone’s life.
“I think I walk with more confidence, I go into rooms with more confidence,” Jessica Jimenez, player and secretary for the team, said. “[Rugby] has changed me for the better. It supports you getting out of your comfort shell.”
A great deal of stereotypes have been formed around women playing high-contact sports, such as the long-believed idea that women should do “daintier” and more “ladylike” activities. It’s common for sports, like softball, to be modified or watered down to be more “suitable” for women, yet rugby holds its players to the same grueling standards no matter the gender.
Coach Karrenberg added, “Men’s rugby is the same exact thing. [Women] are out there playing contact, doing the same exact thing. There’s no tone down.”
Like most team sports, communication and trust within the team are vital to making effective plays and game strategies. But, off the field, it’s equally, if not more, important for the women’s rugby team.
“On the field, you need to make sure your teammate is going to be able to get there for you and support you.” Syra Jasso, player and the team’s government affairs executive, said. “ But also, off of the field, if you need an ear or just someone to hang out with.”
Since NMSU’s women’s rugby functions as a club sport rather than under official NMSU athletics, no one is obligated to stay on the team – people can come and go as they wish. Despite this, most tend to stay, not because of a binding contract, but for their pure love of their sport and teammates.
“We’re all there because we want to be, we’re all very motivated, and we’re very open to helping new people learn,” Jasso said.
Every practice is open to anyone interested in rugby or curious about the atmosphere– no experience needed!
“It’s still very competitive,” rugby player Alexus Jesko added. “Everybody that shows up wants to be there. You meet your closest friends on that team.”
NMSU Women’s Rugby Club will next compete on Sept. 13 against Colorado Mesa University at 11 a.m. The team welcomes anyone who is interested in stopping by to join practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30-8:00 p.m. on the upper intramural fields.
