Juliette Robinson (SFS’28) is a first year in the School of Foreign Service. She plans to major in international politics and pursue a certificate in international business diplomacy. She conducts research as a Mortara Undergraduate Research Fellow, consults at Georgetown Global Consulting, works for the Center for Social Justice and writes for the Free Speech Project. For fun, she captains the Georgetown Women’s Rugby team and enjoys exploring DC (especially the different food options) with friends.
When I first arrived at Georgetown, I was eager to find a place where I belonged. The Hilltop is a whirlwind of activity, the buzz of conversations in Red Square, the ringing of Healy’s bells and the ever-present hum of airplanes overhead (you eventually stop noticing it). Like so many first-year students, I was searching for a community: a space where I could be myself and build lasting friendships. I found that space in Georgetown Women’s Club Rugby. 
Sports have played a huge role in my life since I was young. Walking away from competitive athletics in college to focus on academics was a difficult decision. But I quickly realized I didn’t have to choose between the two. The Women’s Club Rugby team became the perfect blend of my competitive drive and the camaraderie that makes sports meaningful. It gave me an outlet to push myself physically while surrounding me with teammates who genuinely support one another.
More Than a Team
I’ve played rugby since I was 11, but the team welcomes players of all levels, creating an inclusive and supportive environment. It wasn’t until I stopped by the rugby table during the student activities fair and met a few players that I decided to continue my rugby journey at Georgetown.
Their enthusiasm was contagious. They talked about the sport with passion, but more than that, they spoke about the friendships they had formed. Their team wasn’t just a team but a family.
Adjusting to college life comes with unexpected challenges. You have to motivate yourself to lug your laundry downstairs, navigate doctor’s appointments alone, and grow comfortable with eating by yourself. There’s a gap where your family used to be: where your dad would yell at you to pick up your clothes, where you’d look at your mom in the doctor’s office, where your brother would talk your ear off at the dinner table.
Through rugby, that gap was filled.
Now, I always have someone to trek down to the laundry room with, pre-med teammates diagnose my colds, and I always have someone to grab a meal with. Rugby has given me more than a sport, it’s given me a second family.
My favorite memories aren’t from our biggest wins but from the small moments in between. The car rides filled with laughter and off-key singing, the post-practice Leo’s runs, the nights spent in a teammate’s townhouse, talking about everything and nothing at once. Whether we’re huddled on the pitch strategizing or sprawled on a dorm room floor debating which restaurant has the best gyros in DC, there’s a sense of belonging that’s hard to put into words.
A Competitive Arena
But make no mistake, rugby at Georgetown isn’t just about fun. With a former U.S. Olympian as our coach, we push ourselves to compete at the highest level. Practices are intense, filled with conditioning drills, scrimmages and game analysis. We take the game seriously: training hard, playing smart and stepping onto the field ready to leave everything out there.
The thrill of a well-executed play, the satisfaction of a hard-fought match and the pride of defeating our DC neighbors fuel our passion for the game. This season, we beat American University 101-0 and George Washington University 77-17. These results showcase the intensity and dedication we bring to every match.
Rugby demands both mental and physical toughness. It’s a game of strategy and endurance, but more than that, it’s about trust. You have to believe in your teammates. Know that they have your back in every ruck, every tackle, every sprint down the field. Some of my proudest moments at Georgetown have come from those split-second decisions on the pitch when instinct and teamwork align to create something unstoppable.
A Global Rugby Community
Rugby isn’t just a sport — it’s a global community. At Georgetown, it has given me incredible opportunities to compete at the next level. This year, two Hoyas (myself included) had the honor of representing Georgetown and the Mid-Atlantic conference at the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) All-Stars tournament.
The games were grueling, testing every ounce of endurance and skill we had. But after a hard-fought weekend, our undefeated Mid-Atlantic team took gold, and I was named to the All-Tournament team. Standing on that field, medal around my neck, surrounded by teammates who had become friends in just a few days, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude: for the sport, for my teammates and for the experiences rugby has given me.
Beyond college, rugby opens doors. Many players go on to compete in club leagues, social or highly competitive, and even at the national level. Even outside of direct competition, the rugby community is tight-knit. The connections you make, whether with teammates, coaches or fellow players, extend far beyond the pitch. But even if you never play another match after graduation, rugby stays with you. Rugby creates a unique support system rooted in shared experiences of discipline, teamwork and resilience. It’s a sport that teaches you how to take hits, both literal and metaphorical, and keep moving forward.
In the grand scheme of things, Georgetown Women’s Club Rugby is just one of many communities on Georgetown’s campus. But for me, it has been one of the defining parts of my Georgetown experience. It has challenged me, shaped me and given me a family on the Hilltop.
And when you find yourself wandering through Healy Lawn during the student activities fair, I hope you stop at a table (hopefully ours) and find your home, too.
