In celebration of International Women’s Day, we want to put a spotlight on what it looks like to be a leader – strong, connected, courageous – as we showcase and build these muscles through the sport of rugby. We celebrate the achievements of three current ICEF Rugby players and their mums, while finding out how rugby has impacted their lives. We know that visibility and awareness helps drive positive change for women in our community.
Sarah Wells of View Park High School (junior) with her mum, Mrs. Raquel Wells
Growing up, Sarah was always involved in sports. She participated in basketball, gymnastics, and volleyball. She was first introduced to rugby by her older sister, Hannah, at View Park Middle School. She played while she was in middle school and the sport intrigued both her older brother Joshua and her. They both began playing rugby and this is her fourth year playing.
“Rugby has helped me develop a voice and sense of leadership. Being a part of ICEF rugby has pushed me outside of my shell to meet new people. I feel this season I have learned the most. I feel the most connected to the girls and have no problem stepping up and taking on a leadership role when needed.”
She’s also learned about the importance of accountability.
“Taking responsibility for your actions only helps you learn and grow as a person.”
She explains how intense the sport can be with “often a lot of fear and nervousness when taking the field.”
She also excels in track and she goes on to say that, “Rugby has really helped me manage my nerves in both sports.”
As a result of our Mental Awareness Workshops this year with ICEF Rugby, she has developed methods that calm her nerves and assures herself that, “I can do whatever I put my mind to.”
Academically, Sarah has always been focused and has worked hard. She explains, “Rugby has only continued to push me to progress academically. Many of my teammates work hard in school as well and have set an example that you can excel in both your sports and academics, influencing me to do the same.”
Mrs. Wells, who has always encouraged her children to try out different things, wondered what Sarah saw in such a physical sport. Over time, she believed that playing rugby wasn’t “just a phase [but] a genuine love for the sport.”
For International Women’s Day, both Sarah and Mrs. Wells chose Malala Yousafzai as their inspirational female leader, who said: It is very important to know who you are. To make decisions. To show who you are.
“Malala is an inspiration to us both because of her fearlessness,” Sarah explained. “This quote is inspiring because it is saying that your choices show who you are as a person, and that you need to make decisions that are true to your character.”
Ryanne Payne of ICEF View Park High School (junior) and her mum, Mrs. Deborah Payne
For Ryanne, rugby has helped develop leadership for her in many ways, most notably by her role as an intern coach this year, as part of an eight-week tackle rugby program delivered to elementary and middle school students with ICEF Rugby. Her role specifically focuses on leading middle school girls through fitness and a variety of engaging activities to master the art of tackling safely along with game-based situations.
Emotionally, she explains how rugby has been and probably always will be one of the best outlets for her.
“I’ve managed emotion in the right way on and off the field. I’m grateful to rugby as I know it will be a part of my life, because to no surprise it has become my passion.”
Academically, rugby has led to progress with Ryanne’s school work. She realized soon that rugby could be a a sport she could possibly get a scholarship from. She also shares her passion for international travel and explains that it is another privilege she has benefitted from by learning to “understand the many cultural similarities and differences that exist around the world.”
Ryanne’s mum explains how she is more committed to her academic life and goal preparation, and goes on to say that she “loves her relationship with her friends/teammates … truly solid.”
For International Women’s Day, both Ryanne and her Mum are inspired by our former First Lady, Michelle Obama, who said, “There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish.”
Kimaya Lampkin of ICEF Inglewood Middle School (eighth grade) and her Mum Mrs Kimberly Lampkin
Kimaya decided to attend ICEF Inglewood Middle School because it had more opportunities for sports and academics than the schools near her growing up. Before attending ICEF Inglewood, in the 6th grade, she didn’t play any sports. She was introduced to rugby, volleyball, and lacrosse during PE class in the 6th grade. It was when Coach Hughes first started teaching her rugby that her passion for rugby really developed.
She explains that she loved it since that day. Kimaya’s leadership and character has developed as a result of playing the sport.
“Rugby has developed my character by strengthening my leadership qualities, helping me to create better relationships with my teammates, have more control over my responsibilities, and it helps me lead my team,” she explained. “Rugby has helped me manage my emotions on the field because if I get angry or frustrated, I wouldn’t let it show, but I will take it out when I tackle my opponents.”
Academically, she also is more focused, receiving better grades (5 As,1 B) and achieving 85% or higher in most assessments.
Kimaya’s mum, Kimberly Lampkin, is also incredibly supportive of ICEF Rugby and decided to enroll Kimaya in ICEF as she believed it would afford her daughter greater opportunities, academically and also athletically.
“When Kimaya was in the 6th grade, she came home so excited wanting to join the rugby team,” she recalled. “I had no idea what rugby was at the time so I had to look it up online! … I was shocked!”
Kimberly couldn’t believe that girls were tackling each other without a helmet. Initially she experienced feelings of apprehension, but she decided with her husband to allow her to play rugby. Now, they are both in love with the game. The impact that ICEF Rugby is having on Kimaya is purely positive.
“Kimaya is very shy but when she is on the rugby field she becomes a different person,” Kimberley said. “I’ve noticed that she has become more of a leader and a great teammate.”
Impressively, Kimaya has attended every varsity girls game this year sharing “just because I’m not playing doesn’t mean that I’m not a part of the team.”
For International Women’s Day, Kimaya and Kimberly chose Serena Williams as an inspirational female, who said: You can become strong, powerful and beautiful.
“She is strong and beautiful,” noted Kimaya, who, “strives to be like her in every way. Her work ethic is impeccable and she is always positive, respectful and humble.”
Thank you to these wonderful women for sharing their stories. Truly inspirational leaders!
#IWD2017