All Blues take home Bronze at Nationals!

Almost exactly a year ago I was participating in Bobsled National Push Championships.  This was the first step towards the 2014 Olympic Team and it was imperative for me to do well in order to have an opportunity to showcase myself throughout the season.  Every athlete participating understood the importance of this event.  I was proud of my result last year although I knew I still had a long road ahead of me.  I would have never thought a year later I would find myself competing in Rugby National Championships

After my name was not announced on the 2014 Olympic roster I put one foot in front of the other and eventually made my way to Budapest, Hungary.  Two fencers I had trained with throughout the summer had a training camp in Hungary and allowed me to stay with them.  I followed them to training and explored every aspect the country had to offer.  They were patient and understanding and allowed me to bounce ideas off them.  We talked about what I would do next with my life and the different sports I would like to try as I transitioned out of athlete life.  Ironically that same day we were at the gym training and I was approached by a girl who asked me if I played rugby.  The very next day she brought me to practice and for those two weeks I became a Budapest Exile.  I was given small insight into what the sport had to offer and I immediately fell in love with the camaraderie and culture of the sport.  I knew this was something I wanted to explore and learn when I made my way home. 

After practice with the Budapest Exiles Feb. 2014

Rugby is a much more difficult and complex sport than I had ever anticipated.  I enjoy challenging myself and learning how to have fun again.  Although I have only been playing for a few months I am slowly starting to understand the game and have already met some amazing people.  I am thankful to my teammates for patiently teaching me the ins and out of the sport and I am proud to have helped the Berkeley All Blues come home with a 3^rd place result at Rugby Sevens National Championships!