Day in the Life: Varsity Athlete at St. Bonaventure University
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
Name: Triniti Shaffer
Year in School: Freshman (class of 2029)
Major: Criminology
Years Playing Rugby: 4 1/2 years
Position in Rugby: Fly half/wing
Why did you choose your school?
St. Bonaventure has a wonderful program that supports my academic goals and an excellent rugby culture that allows me to compete at a higher level. The criminology program especially stood out to me because it goes beyond textbooks and lectures, giving me the opportunity to gain real-world insight and be fully prepared for a future in criminal justice. Aside from academics, the campus itself has a warm, cozy feel and is full of friendly people, especially the staff and professors. The women’s rugby team really helped my decision. When I first met the team, I could see their drive and the energy they brought to everything, whether it was a practice, a team event, or a game. It is a very welcoming school.
What was your process of being recruited?
At first, I had emailed Coach Pyke to let her know I was interested in the program and coming out. We talked back and forth and had a Zoom call so she could tell me more about the university. I picked a date for an official visit to the school to tour the campus and meet the team. During the visit, I got to see how well the team worked together in a game scenario. After that, I kept in touch for a couple of months, I received my offer from the coach, and made my decision not long after.
What are your favorite parts about being a member of the rugby program?
I went into college knowing I would always have people to go to if I needed anything. It's nice to have a built-in family, especially when I'm far away from my hometown. My coaches also play a big role in this program; they push the team to succeed on and off the field.
What are your favorite parts about being a student at your school?
The professors are great and supportive; they always offer plenty of office hours for you to pay them a visit, whether it’s for help in that specific class or just to hang out and talk. They are very approachable. The classes are also really engaging; you walk away from each one learning something.
How do you balance schoolwork and rugby?
For me, balancing the two has always come pretty easily. Our lifts are in the morning, way before my classes, practices are later in the evening, after my classes, and our games usually end up on the weekends.
What does a typical day and/or week look like for you?
I normally don’t wake up early unless I have a lift, which is Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8-9 am. After that, I have two classes, one from 11:30-12:45 pm and the second from 2:30-3:45 pm. My earliest class throughout the week is on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30-11:20 am, followed by 11:30-12:20 pm, and my third class is 1:30-2:20 pm. We also have practices on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
What’s the biggest challenge about playing rugby at your school?
The biggest challenge for me is finding the time to reset throughout the week.
Besides rugby, what else are you involved in on campus? Being a freshman, I am still finding my way around, and I do see myself getting more involved in the future, but right now, I'm just playing rugby!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with a high school player who is interested in your school? When I first chose St. Bonaventure, I was very nervous, and now that I am here, I'm excited to say that I’ve made lifelong friends.
School Website: https://www.sbu.edu/
NCR D1 - Women's Team Website: https://www.sbu.edu/athletics/club-sports/women's-rugby Head Coach Meredith Pyke mpyke@sbu.edu
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