Strasko earned her first 15s cap last summer before signing with the OTC. /// Photo: Paul Rudman/KLC fotos for USA Rugby •
The current group of USA 7s residents has been training at the Olympic Training Center for three weeks now. One of the newly contracted athletes – Life University alumna and 15s Eagle Nicole Strasko – took time from her busy schedule to report on her time in Chula Vista, Calif.
The 26-year-old is currently contracted through December, but hoping for an extension into the New Year. She’s settling into this new lifestyle alongside fellow new residents and roommates Megan Foster and Elizabeth Cairns. Strasko’s first potential 7s cap will come in early December should she be chosen for Dubai 7s, the first stop on the 2016-17 Women’s Sevens Series.
The Rugby Breakdown: What is your status with Life University schooling wise?
Nicole Strasko: I have around a year left of chiropractic school left to finish up. Right now, there are no online courses to take to continue remotely, so I will need to go back at some point for a couple quarters that makes sense with the rugby schedule and any opportunities that lie ahead. I can PEAK (which is like an internship) anywhere in the U.S., so I’m hopeful to PEAK and train simultaneously in the future.
I believe in making things work and doing what drives me and stick with my two passions; if there’s a will, there’s a way! I’m going to play rugby for as far as it’ll take me, and thanks to all the people from LifeU, friends and family, my dream of becoming an elite athlete is happening. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else than where I am right now.
TRB: Do you need a part-time job to supplement your income?
Strasko: I currently am in the process of promoting a business that my close friend, roommate and former teammate from LifeU, Samantha Elmore, and I started. It’s an all-natural homemade lotion business called “Fit Hippies Mixin.” We have an Instagram page, Facebook page, and most recently Etsy page where people can actually buy it online. I’m really proud of our business and strongly believe in the natural healing lifestyle.
TRB: What’s been the biggest adjustment for you transitioning to a full-time training environment?
Strasko: The biggest adjustment is all the time I have to put towards my body recovering! I love that I can focus on rugby and getting my body to heal faster, recover faster, and in turn am able to train at a higher intensity for longer. The facility is amazing and offers amazing resources that I’m thankful for daily.
I’d also like to give Kimberly Knipe, Life University women’s rugby strength and conditioning coach, a shout-out for preparing me well for this environment. An athlete can never really prepare fully without being in the element, but I believe she, coach Rosalind Chou and the rest of the staff really prepared me well.
TRB: Is there any adjustment in going from veteran player – your role at Life University – to rookie in the 15s and 7s pools?
Strasko: Since this is my third full year playing rugby in general, I’ve in a way always felt like a rookie; however, the coaching staff at Life saw me as a leader, so I was more than happy to take that role for the team. Now, although I am a true rookie with USA, I feel very much a part of the team. I will always have the leader mindset, but so many of the athletes at this level do. I think maintaining the same positive and relentless mindset is what matters most, not who is named captain or leaders of the team. Every person has a role, and as a previous captain I understand very well how important it is that everyone on the team understands that. So, I am very happy to fill whatever role is best fit. I am also very confident in the leadership USA has.
TRB: Any teammate at the OTC in particular who inspires you, on and off the field?
Strasko: Honestly, all the women are so passionate and hold each other accountable on and off the pitch, which I appreciate a lot. The veterans have beautiful passing skills and footwork, which I aspire to improve. I admire Alev [Kelter]’s super high kickoffs, and I continue to strive for Nicole Heavirland’s and Ryan Carlyle’s fitness! I love having Nana [Joanna Fa’avesi] and Lauren Doyle beside me while playing on the pitch, because they’re always communicating with me. I find myself by Ryan Carlyle a lot not only due to our positions, but because I vibe well with her too. I don’t know that I can pick just one right now, they’re all great.
TRB: Being a USA forward, are you working with the local 15s residents in any capacity?
Strasko: I see them at practice a few times a week, which is great, especially for tackling and when we have split time with just forwards! I’m training 7s, but that only enhances my 15s game as well. It’s great having coaches such as Richie Walker and Pete Steinberg who work well together, and are very open to hybrid players who play both 15s and 7s.
TRB: Last thoughts?
Strasko: Overall, I’m honored, happy and loving it out here. Great people, rugby, views and opportunity.
#NicoleStrasko