With the Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) National 7s just a month away, CCU women’s rugby is sporting a 10-0 record in conference play.
Head coach Courtney Morris noted that the tight-knit chemistry and mental toughness of the team is directly related to their perfect record on the season.
“This year, I think it’s more mentality, that we have grown. We just became more mentally tough,” Morris said. “Everyone’s been on the same page more. So instead of
hanging heads down whenever we’re losing, they’re starting to be like, okay, you scored on me, but I’m about to score on you two more times.”
Morris and the team admitted that this mentality is present in forward Curriyah “Riyah” My’Angel Earlione Scott. Scott’s steady and competitive influence has extended beyond just a few players on the team, but moreso the whole roster. Therefore, when it comes to the play on the pitch, the game plan is rather simple according to captain Kennedy Raboin.
“Well, you give Scott the ball, she’s going to score. The team works together to get Scott the ball,” Raboin said. “It really is a whole team thing. She’s like, our end, pushing through the finish line.”
With team strategy centered around Scott, Coastal women’s rugby has maintained an undefeated record in conference play and are on their way to competing for a national championship.
Scott attributed her success to leaning on her faith in God to guide her in life, while also pushing her on the pitch.
“The main things about God is operating in peace, love and joy. I make sure that I’m at a place before I start the game: completely at ease, mentally, physically and emotionally,” Scott said.
Scott said she knows if she finds herself in an emotional state, God allows her to take time for herself to come back down and move forward with a clear head.
Due to her recent success and exposure, Scott was invited to an Olympic training camp and the Lit Sevens camp to develop her rugby skills while also competing against talented players. Not only did this allow her to bring back a newfound motivation for her team and teammates here at Coastal, but it also served as an eye-opening experience for her future in rugby.
“Being in the environment around the coaches and just seeing how athletic I really am, it kind of pushed me to want to go that route to play professional rugby,” Scott said. “I think the biggest things were the mindset and the morale. I could say mindset-wise, being around people who train for the Olympics or even just people who are training on more elite teams than I am. It gives you a different type of drive.”
