Balancing Acts: The Dual Life of Jade Greenfield, Rugby Athlete and Nurse

Jade Greenfield’s journey in rugby is a testament to her commitment to both her sport and her career as a Neonatal ICU Nurse. Growing up in Washington Heights, NYC, Jade was introduced to sports at an early age, with soccer as her first love. However, it was rugby that truly captivated her, inspired by her older sister, Maya, and supported by key figures like her high school coach, Harold Delucia, and her college coach, Alana Gregory.

Jade’s early experiences in sports were filled with excitement and a deep sense of connection. From cheering on her sister at games to practicing skills together outside of practice, Jade developed a strong bond with team sports. Her parents played a significant role in encouraging her participation in various activities, helping her realize the importance of physical and mental well-being—values that have guided her throughout her athletic career.

As a dedicated rugby player, Jade maintains a rigorous training schedule. She practices twice a week, including fitness sessions, and supplements her training with gym workouts, sprint sessions, and skill-focused practices with her teammate, Jane Carino. Balancing her demanding role as a full-time nurse with the pressures of competing in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is no easy task. Jade acknowledges that maintaining mental fitness is particularly challenging, but she has learned to manage stress by framing her thoughts positively and being kind to herself.

In preparation for competition, Jade combines physical training with mental routines that keep her focused. Her pregame rituals, which include a specific playlist and a well-rehearsed warm-up routine, have been a constant since her high school days. She also values the importance of staying grounded through light-hearted moments with her teammates, ensuring she doesn’t overthink and stays in the right headspace for the game.

One of the biggest hurdles Jade has faced is managing her mental health. The daily struggles with motivation and energy have, at times, led her to consider stepping away from rugby. Yet, her deep love for the game and the unwavering support of her teammates have always brought her back. Jade has learned to trust in herself, her team, and her coaches, recognizing that what matters most is giving 100% of what she has, even if it varies from day to day.

Among her many achievements, one moment stands out—making a drop kick from the corner during a high school 7s game. It was a kick she expected to miss, but the confidence she found in herself at that moment was transformative. That kick became a pivotal point in her career, reinforcing her belief in her abilities and setting the stage for future successes.

Balancing her rugby commitments with a demanding nursing career is a constant challenge, particularly with the constraints of her work schedule. Despite the difficulties, Jade is deeply passionate about both her profession and her sport. She acknowledges the sacrifices she makes, especially missing out on social and family events, but the support of her family helps her stay focused on her goals.

Jade views setbacks as challenges to be navigated rather than roadblocks. Her advice to young athletes is to embrace every opportunity, from attending skills camps to trying out for higher-level teams. Looking to the future, Jade is excited about the growth of rugby in the U.S., especially with the potential professionalization of women’s rugby through the Women’s Elite Rugby (WER). She dreams of transitioning from WPL to WER and representing the Mexican National Team, and she’s actively working towards these goals.

After her playing days are over, Jade hopes to stay connected to the rugby community through coaching, mentoring, or commentating. Her dedication to the sport is evident, and she envisions a future where rugby continues to grow, and she continues to be an integral part of that evolution.