Day in the Life: Athlete at Norwich University

Name: Lilian Lu

Major: Computer Security Information Assurance/ Concentration Digital Forensics

Years Playing Rugby: 1 year

Position in Rugby: Scrum-half

Why did you choose your school?

Norwich University’s rich legacy as the oldest military college is the birthplace of the country's inaugural ROTC program, and it was the deciding factor in what I wished to pioneer in my career. Pursuing a college experience while building a disciplined lifestyle was the best way I could prepare myself for the Marine Corps. This campus is also a breeding ground for the competitive spirit; no student comes in with a guaranteed future in the military or civilian world. Instead, opportunities would be available only to those who take the initiative and show determination, making it an ideal environment for personal and professional growth.

Although my focus was entirely on the military, I was fortunate to find an academic passion in Cyber/Information Warfare that would only assist my skills in the intelligence field. Norwich has played a significant role in my educational pursuit and opportunities by supporting me in the community and financial assistance.

What was your process of being recruited?

As a recruit undergoing freshman discipline training, our introduction to various sports and specialty teams, such as the Mountain Cold Weather Unit, came during a demonstration day. This event provided opportunities for interaction with different teams, including my initial encounter with the rugby team, which welcomed both novices and experienced players. Initially, my interest lay primarily in pursuing a path towards the Marine Corps, so my attention gravitated towards Semper Fi, the Marine Corps specialty unit.

However, it wasn’t until my second semester of freshman year that I began to seek a commitment to keep me more physically active. Once again, I found myself drawn to the rugby team, inspired by the players' passion and dedication to their sport.

My involvement with the rugby team marked a turning point. I was surprised by the camaraderie that permeated the team environment. The sense of unity and companionship I experienced was incredibly uplifting, ultimately solidifying my commitment to the team. 

 What are your favorite parts about being a member of the rugby program?

 One of my favorite moments stems from my first sevens game against UNE. Despite my limited experience with the sport and a rudimentary understanding of the rules, the coach at the time told me to do two things: to follow the ball and tackle those with possession.

Having rugby been my first ever sport experience, the adrenaline rush made everything a blur, and before I knew it, I scored my first try. Looking back, rugby had become a place where I could channel stress into physical exertion and become part of a united team flowing together and communicating to receive the instant like-minded happiness of playing rugby.  

What are your favorite parts about being a student at your school?

Norwich has a criterion for those living in the Corps of Cadets: the military lifestyle. We are expected to wear the assigned Corps uniform during the business day (7 AM – 5 PM) and would wear it in academic classes and at mealtimes. My favorite part is the traditions gifted by being a part of this community. Everyone has bonded over rigorous military discipline, and it has become a special connection to everyone during those ceremonies.  Hearing the cannon go off during the morning ceremony, bonding over the hardest activities you had ever done in your life. You come to appreciate how much this school gives.   

In terms of academics, the smaller classrooms (from as little as 5 to 30) allow students like me to receive more involvement and opportunities to put their major or desired specialty to work. For instance, as a Cyber major, the school offers internships and collaboration opportunities with government, military, and global companies. For example, I secured an internship collaboration with the NSA in New Mexico for the summer of 2024. Norwich fosters a culture of leadership and initiative, empowering students to chart their own paths. It is ultimately up to you, and that autonomy makes Norwich remarkable.

How do you balance schoolwork and rugby?

 At Norwich, being in the Corps of Cadets is like having a job with expectations you would need to balance with your academic demands. As freshmen, we receive guidance from cadre (mentors) on effective time management, delegation, and prioritization to avoid falling behind.

Regarding extracurriculars, our rugby staff excels at scheduling all our season’s events and seamlessly integrating them into our academic calendars, which are accessible through our school emails. This allows us to structure our academic and extracurricular commitments around the rugby schedule. I prefer this method because I get reminders for upcoming events and facilitate time to do homework, practices, game days, etc.

 Additionally, I try to utilize the hour breaks between my classes to tackle homework. This helps me free up my evenings after practice for relaxation and socializing with friends. This strategy enables me to strike a healthy balance between academic pursuits and rugby engagements.

What does a typical day and/or week look like for you?

As a Corps member, I am pursuing a Marine Corps commission. Therefore, my week consists of Marine Corps PLC training Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 0500 to 0630, followed by military lab on Tuesdays from 1400 to 1600.

Throughout the weekdays, my academic classes run from 0800 to 1600, Monday through Friday. However, my Corps lifestyle is intertwined with my coursework. On Tuesdays from 1300 - 1400, Fridays from 1600-1700, and Saturdays are dedicated to Corps training and, if in season, rugby game day.

In the evenings, I dedicate my time to rugby practice. During the rugby sevens season, which typically runs from February to April, practices are held on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at noon, followed by supplementary evening sessions. Games are scheduled throughout April. In the fall semester, during fifteens season, practices occur in the afternoons from Monday to Friday, with two noon practices per week. The preseason for fifteens begins in August, and the season extends until early December.

What’s the biggest challenge about playing rugby at your school?

 My biggest challenge was staying optimistic and motivated as the semester stretched long. Many students, including myself, wake up at 0400 and don’t return to the barracks until 7 pm for homework and to go downwind. This schedule keeps students busy on campus; however, it can be draining If they don’t find a balance between rest, work, and leisure and taking a Saturday to appreciate nature. I find opening my schedule to hanging out with friends outside of academics and sports is a good way to reset, or taking a Saturday to appreciate nature, often takes away any weariness.

Besides rugby, what else are you involved in on campus?

Besides rugby, I serve as the Editor-in-Chief of the Norwich newsletter organization, the Guidon, where I oversee coverage of campus and community events while networking with students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, I am actively involved with the Norwich Christian Fellowship (NCF) team and contribute to the Corps of Cadet Junior Ring Committee.

However, Norwich is all about striving for continuous growth. Each student is always pursuing a future goal. For instance, next year, I will be on the cadre staff for the incoming students to mentor them to be better leaders and to become wiser listeners. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with a high school player who is interested in your school?

To any high school player considering Norwich University, Norwich Women’s Rugby gave me a spirit of free will, the joy of pursuing out of passion rather than obligation. Amid the rigors of academics and Corps life, rugby became my hobby and a genuine source of fulfillment.

I encourage you to seek something you are passionate about, whether you live a military lifestyle, are a civilian student, or are a commuter at this campus. By doing this, no matter where you choose, you're bound to find a community and the support this school provides in academics, sports, and even the people here.

Personally, my journey of self-discovery and growth began with my involvement in the Guidon, where I honed the crucial skill of active listening. By practicing this, you not only can track and analyze the field but also come to understand others and, most importantly, yourself. Remember, growth comes from pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone.

In choosing Norwich, you're not just selecting a school; you're joining a community that fosters personal and academic growth, provides unwavering support, and encourages you to challenge yourself to become the best version of yourself.

Legendary Legacy: The History of Norwich Women's Rugby (norwichrugby.org)

School Website: https://www.norwich.edu/ Team Website: https://norwichathletics.com/sports/womens-rugby Head Coach Baylee Annis bannis@norwich.edu