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.
Emily Tunney’s journey into the world of sports began in the water, surrounded by a family of swimmers and water polo players in Palos Heights, Illinois. However, it wasn’t until high school that she found her true calling in the competitive arena of badminton. Under the guidance of influential coaches like Lilian Perez from Cuba and Coach Sukit, Emily transformed herself both physically and mentally. She shed 40 pounds in a year and began thriving in sports, finally able to compete with her peers.
Despite her success in badminton, it was rugby that truly captured Emily’s heart. She discovered the sport in college, and it opened a new world of competitive aggression and physicality that she had longed for. With rugby, Emily found a community of strong, muscular women who shared her passion and drive. The intensity of the sport became addictive, and she embraced the challenge of building her strength to become a more well-rounded athlete.
Emily’s training regimen is a testament to her dedication. Working out 5 to 6 days a week, she balances intense strength sessions with rugby practice, even fitting in early morning workouts before long shifts at the hospital where she works as a critical care nurse. For Emily, rugby is not just a sport; it’s a vital outlet for stress relief and mental clarity. Her commitment to a whole food diet and maintaining her sleep schedule further supports her physical and mental well-being.
One of the biggest challenges Emily faced was embracing the muscle she needed to build for rugby. After years of focusing on weight loss, it was a mental battle to see the numbers on the scale rise as she gained muscle. However, she learned to take pride in what her body could do and the strength she developed. This newfound confidence was a crucial step in her growth as an athlete.
Emily’s favorite moments in her athletic career include running a triathlon, but she is most excited about her future in rugby. She hopes to continue growing as a player with Chicago North Shore and lead her team to more victories. Looking ahead, Emily envisions herself contributing to the sport as a referee, ensuring that women’s teams receive the support they deserve.
Balancing her athletic pursuits with her demanding career as a nurse and her studies in NP school is no small feat, but Emily takes it all one week at a time. Her advice to young athletes is simple: “Don’t be afraid to be strong, competitive, or passionate. The more you put into the game, the more fulfilling it becomes.”
Emily Tunney’s journey from the swimming pool to the rugby pitch is a story of transformation, resilience, and the power of finding one’s true passion. As she continues to evolve both as an athlete and a professional, she embodies the spirit of rugby—a sport that welcomes all body types and celebrates strength in every form.
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