Rising Stars: Meet Sami Harrell of East Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sami Harrell.

Hi Sami, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started playing rugby in college at the University of Cincinnati. I grew up playing basketball and running track, my university didn’t have a club basketball team and I wanted to join a sport that was new to everyone so I felt like I could contribute. The rugby team was so welcoming, they came up to me and asked if I had ever thought about playing rugby and that was enough for me to join. My college rugby team are still some of my best friends. So when I moved to Nashville for work at the Southern Environmental Law Center, I knew rugby would be a great place to make friends and find community.

I joined Nashville Women’s Rugby, the Stone Lions. I knew Nashville had a team because in college we used to come down to the big tournament they help host, Nash Bash. I remember that tournament always being a good time and have always been at home in the rugby community so I knew the team would be a great place to find friends, get exercise, and get out some aggression. That was 3 years ago, I became a captain 2 years ago.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Since my joining we have gone through a surprising amount of changes. I joined as the team was trying to rebuild from the pandemic. We have since gone through fluctuations in numbers, a coaching change, and a few other trials that are common for sports teams. Our coaches and our entire board are volunteers. So though it is sad to see coaches go, we absolutely understand that it is a big commitment and sometimes people can no longer make it fit. We are definitely on the upswing now, we have a strong coaching core and had a huge influx of players due to the success of the USA women’s 7s team at the Paris Olympics. Every set back truly is a set up for a come back.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our goal is to provide a welcoming space and to promote the growth of rugby in the south. That has meant keeping rugby accessible to everyone. We’ve got teammates from all walks of life and all levels of experience. There are some players who have been playing rugby for decades and others who just started this year. We are happy to teach and try to meet people where they are. We understand that trying a new sport as an adult is not an easy thing to learn, further we understand many people on our team have many commitments; from their families, to high stress jobs, to their communities. We try to provide an open and understanding environment so people will always know that rugby and the Stone Lions are always there for them. I’ve said to our team multiple times, Rugby is Hard. In a way that feels unique to rugby, one superstar will not win you the game and so many people of so many sizes are needed to have a good team. You can’t win with 15 Ilohna Mahers, well maybe you could at our level, but that’s not the best team you can put together. I joke that on my 10th year playing I am just now starting to learn the rules. But if you trust your teammates to support you on the field and off we can be so much more successful as a team.

A big saying among the team right now is Jock Mode. The idea behind Jock Mode, is that every single person should be doing what they can to get a little bit better every single day. In Jock Mode your hard work leads to progress.

One thing I have enjoyed about NWRFC is how accepting the team is of people from all walks of life. We are a proud member of International Gay Rugby and as a part of that have traveled to Canada and Italy to participate in the international rugby tournament the Bingham Cup. I have always known rugby to be an inclusive space but especially in this time it is so critical to provide a safe space for people to come and have fun with their friends.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
As the Forwards Captain of Nashville Women’s Rugby, I want to first thank the team for letting me grow in my knowledge of the game and for helping me to find my voice as a leader on the team. I think I have learned to speak up when I need help. One of my biggest struggles has been not realizing that it is ok to ask for help. But in rugby, because I know we can not be a successful team without everyone doing their part, it has helped me to ask for help off the field as well. I have been able to speak my goals for myself and our team in the sport. We work together to set goals and though it absolutely sucks to set a goal and not achieve it, if you do not speak what you want into existence you will not acknowledge the progress you’ve made to get there. Every single day we get closer to our goals. It is great to see my teammates get better every day and to see our team put what we practice into action. I love the hype we feel together before the game. I’ve shared with my team how badly I want us to win and play well, and they have been sharing that energy back. I’ve also been able to share when my personal struggles aren’t allowing me to show up how I would like to for the team; without hesitation the team is happy to pick up the slack.

Pricing:

• Social Membership $25
• New Player Membership $50

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nashvillewomensrugby.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nashvillewomensrugby/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NashvilleWomensRugby