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Day in the Life: Athlete at University of Arizona


Name: Jake Schumacher

Year in School: Sophomore  

Major: Business Management/ Real Estate 

Years Playing Rugby: 7 years 

Position in Rugby: Wing 



Why did you choose your school?

I chose the University of Arizona because it offered the ideal balance between athletics and academics. Arizona has a highly competitive rugby environment that allows me to continue developing at the highest collegiate level in the U.S., while also providing strong institutional support for student-athletes. At the same time, the Eller College of Management is a nationally ranked business school, which aligned perfectly with my academic and career goals in business. The opportunity to pursue both rugby and a rigorous business education in a supportive environment made Arizona the clear choice for me.


What was your process of being recruited?

Coach Sean Duffy recruited me during my junior year of high school. Interestingly, he initially reached out while recruiting one of my teammates, which led to our first connection. I received an email from Coach Duffy and was fortunate to speak with him over the phone, where we discussed my background, goals, and fit within the program. Shortly after that conversation, I was offered a spot on the team. I then arranged an official visit, during which I toured the university, met with the coaching staff and players, and experienced the team culture firsthand. Seeing the facilities, campus, and overall environment confirmed that the University of Arizona was the right place for me both athletically and academically.


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

The strong sense of brotherhood and the lifelong friendships I have built with my teammates are my favorite parts about being on the team. Being a part of the team creates a level of trust and accountability that goes beyond the field, and those shared experiences have helped shape my character both as an athlete and as a person. In addition, the program has a strong and supportive alumni network that is genuinely invested in helping current players succeed after graduation. 


University of Arizona Campus

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

My favorite part about being a student at the University of Arizona is the balance it offers between a strong academic experience,  an active social environment, and high-performance rugby. The university provides rigorous coursework and access to excellent resources, while also fostering a welcoming campus culture where students can build meaningful relationships outside the classroom. This balance has allowed me to stay motivated academically while still enjoying a well-rounded college experience. Being in an environment that values both personal growth and academic success has helped me develop strong time-management skills and has made my overall experience at Arizona both challenging and rewarding.


How do you balance schoolwork and rugby?

At first, balancing schoolwork and rugby was challenging, but the support of Arizona’s rugby study halls helped me to adjust to the demands of both academics and athletics, which requires a strong sense of discipline. Over time, I learned that effective time management and consistent routines are essential. Each day after my classes end, I go to the library and work to complete my assignments before practice begins at 4 p.m. This allows me to fully focus on training during practice without worrying about schoolwork. After practice, I prioritize recovery and rest so that I can perform at a high level both physically and academically. Developing this structured routine has helped me stay organized, reduce stress, and maintain success in both areas.


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

I start my day at 7:00 a.m. by going to the gym, then have breakfast afterward. I then attend two to three classes, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., followed by lunch. Depending on my workload, I spend the afternoon at the library finishing my assignments before practice begins at 4:00 p.m. Practice runs from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. After practice, I cook dinner and spend time with friends. 


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

The biggest challenge is balancing school and rugby. There are certain weeks, especially around finals, when I have multiple exams and major projects due, leading up to important matches. Managing both can be demanding, but strong time management and maintaining balance make it much more manageable. Putting in consistent effort both on and off the field is essential to being successful as a student-athlete.

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

Being a USA Rugby CRAA Division 1A athlete requires a high level of balance and time commitment, which has limited my ability to participate in other campus organizations so far. However, I plan to join the Eller Professional Sales Club in Spring 2026 to further develop my professional skills and expand my involvement within the business community.


School Spirit is everywhere at Arizona!

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

The University of Arizona is one of the best decisions I have made. There truly is no other place that offers the opportunity to compete in high-level rugby while also studying at a nationally ranked business school and having an active social life. The university provides strong academic resources and support that allow me to pursue my career goals, while the rugby program challenges me to grow physically, mentally, and as a leader. In addition, the social environment on campus has helped me build lasting friendships. The balance between athletics, academics, and student life has made my experiences at the University of Arizona both rewarding and memorable.


School Website: https://www.arizona.edu/ Men's Team Website: https://www.arizonarugby.org/

















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