CU Division 1 Rugby

Collegiate rugby experience balancing academics, early morning lifts, and national tournaments

Project Overview

This page showcases my journey as a Division 1 athlete on the University of Colorado Boulder Men’s Rugby Team, where I balanced elite athletics with an intense academic workload in engineering and computer science.

Rugby wasn’t just a sport — it was a discipline that shaped my mindset, resilience, and approach to challenges both on the field and in the lab.

My Journey

I had the opportunity to compete with the CU Division 1 Rugby Team during my sophomore year of college.
I played two seasons, primarily at outside center and left wing, positions that demanded speed, spatial awareness, and physical endurance.

During the second season, I suffered a concussion that forced me to make a difficult decision — to step away from the game to prioritize my long-term health and well-being.
It was one of the hardest choices I’ve made, but also one of the most responsible.

Rugby gave me everything — strength, structure, friendships, and a sense of belonging. And though I ultimately had to hang the boots for good, I carry those lessons forward every day.

Training Commitment

  • Four weekly practices focusing on phase play, defensive structure, and situational drills.
  • 6:00 AM weightlifting sessions, 2–3 times per week for explosive power and endurance.
  • Weekend matches and tournaments against top national programs.
  • Film study and tactical meetings every friday afternoon to refine team execution.

Academic Balance

Balancing Division 1 rugby with a double-major curriculum taught me time management, resilience, and commitment.

  • Allocated focused work blocks between classes and training.
  • Kept a structured daily routine to manage both physical recovery and academic performance.
  • Applied discipline from training into large technical projects and software builds.

Match Highlights

Playing high-level rugby taught me how to perform under pressure and lead with confidence.

What I Gained

  • A deep sense of accountability to teammates and responsibilities.
  • Strength in leadership, self-discipline, and strategic thinking.
  • A lasting mindset of resilience — vital in engineering, software development, and life.