From East Palo Alto to the Pitch: Venise Sanft’s Rugby Journey

Venise Sanft, affectionately known as Nise, hails from East Palo Alto, CA. Her journey into the world of sports began in elementary school, with a diverse array of activities including soccer, rugby, volleyball, and cheer. Initially, sports were a fun pastime, but everything changed during her late middle school years. Influential coaches during this period instilled a sense of discipline and seriousness, marking the beginning of her athletic aspirations.

Growing up in a Pacific Islander household where athleticism was a family trait, Nise was never one to sit idle. Her parents, deeply involved in her brothers’ football and rugby activities, naturally extended this involvement to her. This upbringing, combined with the encouragement from her grandparents to follow dreams with faith, shaped her passion for sports. Her family, especially her grandparents and parents, played a pivotal role in providing access to opportunities they themselves didn’t have.

Nise’s training regimen is deeply intertwined with her spirituality. She finds solace and motivation in talking to God, which she describes as the ultimate physical and mental reset. This spiritual connection helps her prepare for competitions, getting her into the right mindset through prayer and music.

Confidence has been Nise’s biggest challenge as an athlete. She is on a journey of self-love and appreciation, constantly reminding herself of her achievements and the faith that has brought her this far. Overcoming this hurdle involves continuous growth and positivity, believing in herself and the divine support she feels.

Balancing life as a student-athlete comes naturally to Nise. She manages her academic responsibilities efficiently, completes assignments promptly, and maintains regular communication with her family through FaceTime. This balance extends to dealing with setbacks and injuries, where she turns to her faith to regain a positive mindset.

For young athletes starting out in rugby, Nise’s advice is simple: play for the love of the game, stay positive, and back yourself with confidence. She emphasizes the importance of enjoying the sport and not letting anyone’s opinions undermine one’s potential.

Looking ahead, Nise sees rugby as a growing global phenomenon that unites diverse communities. She aspires to be a part of this evolution, motivating younger generations from her hometown and showing them that they can achieve anything. Her ultimate goal is to go professional, and she is actively participating in development programs and camps to enhance her skills and knowledge of the game.

Post-sports, Nise envisions a peaceful life with a big family and little ruggers of her own. She admires players like Bundee Aki and Charlotte Caslick and humorously identifies with Jerry from Tom and Jerry for his cuteness, speed, and hilarity.

On the lighter side, Nise’s quirky side comes to light with her favorite cartoon character, Jerry from Tom and Jerry, her dream superpower of teleportation to avoid long trips, and her love for seafood. Her go-to dance move for celebrating wins is the Dougie, and she enjoys some fun antics like playing pranks on teammates and psyching herself up in silly ways before competitions.

Currently living on-campus at American International College, Nise is committed to helping marginalized communities and has earned accolades such as the Most Valuable Player on her high school basketball team. She proudly plays for the American International College rugby team and East Palo Alto Razorbacks, continuing to embody the spirit of a true “Pioneer of the Pitch.”