We’re excited to continue our series, “Pioneers of the Pitch,” where we celebrate the groundbreaking athletes, administrators, coaches, referees, and fans making their mark on rugby in the USA. Each installment takes you on a journey through the inspiring stories of rising stars and seasoned legends, both on and off the field. Whether honoring their contributions during their lifetime or posthumously, we shine a light on these exceptional individuals and uncover their tales of dedication, passion, and triumph.
As we gear up for the WER Legacy Cup Semifinals on September 7 and Finals on September 14, our focus is on shining a light on WPL athletes, sharing their stories, and helping them gain the recognition they deserve.
Amanda Cox’s journey in sports began in the fourth grade with rec softball, a simple start that would lead her to a lifelong passion for rugby. Growing up in Williamsburg, VA, Amanda was naturally gifted in academics, but sports presented a new challenge—a challenge she embraced with determination. Her high school basketball coach played a crucial role in shaping her understanding of performance, instilling the importance of not just striving for excellence but also maintaining humility.
Her early experiences in sports taught her to work hard for her achievements and how to deal with failure constructively. These lessons became vital as she navigated through life, shaping her into the athlete and referee she is today. A pivotal moment in her life came when she was forced to adopt a low-impact lifestyle due to long-term health concerns. This unexpected change led to a period of depression, but Amanda emerged stronger, learning to meet her body where it was. Now, she maintains her physical and mental fitness with a routine of daily walks, yoga, and pilates—activities that keep her balanced and in tune with her body.
As a TMO (Television Match Official) and referee coach, Amanda’s competition is now mental. She spends hours watching games, analyzing the application of the laws, and continuously learning. Even after years of involvement in rugby, she finds herself challenged by the complexity of the game. Her dedication to the sport is evident in her commitment to watching multiple games each week, constantly honing her understanding of rugby.
Amanda’s most memorable moment in her athletic career came in 2005 when she won the Women’s D2 National Championship with Raleigh Rugby Football Club (RRFC). It was a historic, albeit unofficial, victory, and the memory of that hot day in Florida, the close score, and the extra time needed to secure the win still brings her joy.
Balancing rugby with her personal life has been challenging, but Amanda credits her supportive partner and family for helping her achieve her goals. Her advice to young athletes is to be gentle with their bodies, to understand their limitations, and to listen to their bodies, especially when it comes to injuries. She emphasizes the importance of planning for the future, not just in terms of health but also financially.
Looking ahead, Amanda hopes to see the Women’s Premier League (WPL) go professional and dreams of being paid a living wage as a referee manager. Her role as a TMO at the Major League Rugby (MLR) level brings her immense joy, and she hopes to continue working in both spaces for as long as possible.
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