Missy Young

Meet Missy Young, a Sophomore studying sociology with an option in crime and justice, who plans on mastering in psychology and eventually working in the FBI's Counterterrorism department.

Right now, however, she's busy juggling the commitments of being a full-time student and a rugby player, representing Oregon State University up and down the west coast.

Sports have always been a huge part of Missy's life, and rugby is no different. "I have never had such a close team in my life," she says, referring to Oregon State's club team. "We expect 100% from each other and ourselves, and I think that is what has created such a strong bond between us all."

"Rugby is my sport because it continually pushes me to do better," Missy says. Her favorite aspect of the game is the courtesy it's physicality encourages. "Rugby players respect hard work," she says, "no matter the score, which team won, or how horrible the Sir (referee, that's just what we call them in rugby) was."

According to Missy, representing OSU, playing a sport she loves, is one of the greatest feelings ever. "I have a lot of respect for OSU," she says, "and the university is very supportive of us kicking butt," she jokes.

Although it is tough for Missy to decide on her favorite rugby-related memory, a game in Bellingham, Washington, which took place a few weekends ago, stands out to her. For the better part of the game, she says, "I had been kinda off. I was cold, running the wrong angles, and letting their defensive wing get the best of me." However, after a water break and conversation with her coach and teammates, Missy scored three times within 18 minutes. She chalks the credit up to her team, explaining "if it hadn't been for their awareness and encouragement, I wouldn't have been able to do it. It was one of my happiest moments in rugby because I felt like I made my team proud."

Missy Young is from Sisters, Oregon, and encourages anyone interested in rugby to check out the club.