Sarah Hart Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Radiologic Sciences
Years Playing Rugby: 2 years
Position in Rugby: Prop
Why did you choose your school?
I always knew that I wanted to come to the mainland for college, but choosing where was a little difficult. It wasn’t until I talked to my high school guidance counselor that I told her I wanted to pursue radiology, and she gave me a few schools, including Colorado Mesa. After some research, not only did I like what they had to offer in terms of academics, but they also had an amazing campus that was the perfect size and supportive people who helped people like me, transition from being many miles away from home to creating a new one.
What was your process of being recruited?
To start, I have never played rugby, nor did I intend to play in college. However, one day there was a booth recruiting for women's rugby, and I remember one of the girls shouting at me saying, “Hey you! You look like you could play rugby.” Not believing a word she said, I still decided to sign up because I wanted to stay active while in school, and they told me that I did not need any experience. I showed up at one of their practices, and it was so much fun that I kept coming back thereafter. This is now my second year with the team.
What are your favorite parts about being a member of the rugby program?
My favorite parts about being a member of my rugby team include the little family we have created and its overall positive influence on me. I have never been on a team that was as close and bonded as this one, that we care for each other on and off the field. I have also always been insecure about myself for being a big girl, but in rugby, there is a position for every type of person, giving you a chance to shine at any position.
What are your favorite parts about being a student at your school?
My favorite part about being a student here is the many events my school provides. From painting with strangers to concerts with famous people, this school knows that it does not always have to be just studying and classwork but also having fun and making amazing memories with new friends along the way.
How do you balance schoolwork and rugby?
One thing that helps a lot is that my team and I do study sessions. Many of our veterans took the same classes as our rookies and even sometimes have the same majors, so asking them for help keeps us on track with our schoolwork and grades. It also helps to bond us better off the field so that we can be even closer and more comfortable with one another on the field.
What does a typical day and/or week look like for you?
All of my classes are usually in the morning, but depending on the day, I will have practice in the evening, or I am at work. On the weekends, I try my best not to work and to study instead or have some social time (my best friends are also on the team, so being able to see them is not an issue).
What’s the biggest challenge about playing rugby at your school?
I could say the biggest challenge is the grueling practices during the hottest days or the coldest or not
being able to be available for other clubs all the time. Still, after really thinking about it, it’s my family not
being able to see my games. Being from Hawaii, family is an important value to me, and it’s hard when I
can only see them once or twice a year because plane tickets are very expensive. However, my teammates
are now my second family, and everything I do on the field is for them, and they are my biggest supporters
when I’m not with my family.
Besides rugby, what else are you involved in on campus?
At our school, we have these alliance clubs that promote equity and inclusion, bringing people closer
together by educating people on new cultures or simply connecting with people who are also a part of
that culture. I am in the Ho’olokahi Polynesian Alliance club. Their mission is to make a home
away from home and educate people about the different Polynesian cultures through many events held every year.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with a high school player who is interested in your school?
Here at Mesa, you’ll have many opportunities to find out what it is that you’re really interested in and
create many relationships with people who can and will support you on your journey through college. As
someone who came from a small island with no family or friends in the first place here in Colorado, I
quickly adjusted to the culture here and now know what it is that I want to do with my life with people
who encourage me to be the very best version of myself.
School Website: https://www.coloradomesa.edu/ Team Website: https://cmumavericks.com/sports/womens-rugby Head Coach Mack Lewis: mnlewis@coloradomesa.edu
CMU Graphics/Photo By: Courtney Hull
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