MILWAUKEE — With all eyes on the Olympic Games in Paris, many sports such as women’s rugby are starting to get more national recognition.

What You Need To Know

  • The U.S. Women’s Rugby Team brought home a bronze medal Tuesday

  • Sabina Montijo, vice president of Scylla Women’s Rugby Club in Milwaukee, said the accomplishment offers great visibility for the sport

  • With rugby clubs around the Badger State, and chances to start one, athletes who are interested are encouraged to try rugby out, regardless of experience

 

The U.S. Women’s Rugby Team brought home a bronze medal Tuesday. 

This was pure excitement for Sabina Montijo, a longtime rugby player in Wisconsin. 

“You just knew this team was going to do something special,” said Montijo.

Team USA won the match against Australia as time expired, a moment many will always remember. Montijo said she knows the hard work and dedication rugby takes. 

“Never give up,” said Montijo. “Never stop. USA doing that just shows it’s not over until it’s really over.”

With the national attention rugby is getting, Montijo said she is hoping to share her passion with Wisconsinites. 

She’s the vice president of the Scylla Women’s Rugby Club in Milwaukee. 

“We’re Wisconsin’s only Division I rugby team on the senior side,” said Montijo. “It has a very big Midwest presence. We have a lot of divisions in the Midwest and a lot of teams specifically in Wisconsin.”

Kayla Smith is also a longtime rugby player and is thankful she’s able to still play competitively after a high school and college career.

“I’m constantly challenging myself to do new things or try new positions or just grow myself as a rugby player,” said Smith. “I am 32-years-old, so I do feel it a lot more after games or matches. It does take me a lot longer to recover but it’s constantly growing and being able to keep playing.”

With the fall season approaching, Smith and Montijo encouraged those interested to try rugby out even if they haven’t played before. 

“If you aren’t in the Milwaukee area, Madison has a club. Fond du Lac has a club. Chippewa Valley has a club. There’s so many different avenues to get involved. Maybe there isn’t a club in your area, but you can start it," Montijo said. 

The duo said by getting involved with the sport, athletes open the door to many opportunities of friendship and community, as they try to capitalize on the momentum of a magical Olympic moment for women’s rugby.

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