Balancing Life, Family, and Rugby: The Story of Kaelene Bavery-Lundstrum

Kaelene Bavery-Lundstrum, affectionately known as ‘Lunde,’ began her journey into sports during her junior high school years, with Cross Country, Basketball, and Track and Field as her starting points. It was Track and Field that truly captured her attention, challenging her to constantly push her limits and better her scores with each competition. Growing up in Bird Island, MN, Kaelene’s family wasn’t particularly interested in sports, but they were always active and spent much time outdoors, which laid the foundation for her passion for athletics.

Kaelene’s path to rugby was influenced by her early successes in Track and Field, where the desire to improve and compete was instilled in her. This drive carried over to her rugby career, where she excelled on the field, becoming a 9-time NCAA D3 All-American in Track and Field and an All-American Rugby player in college. Her talent and dedication led her to earn caps in both 7s and 15s for USA Rugby, a testament to her skill and commitment to the sport.

Throughout her athletic career, Kaelene’s training regimen has evolved. Early on, she was heavily focused on gym workouts, including cardio and lifting, in addition to field sessions with teammates to hone her skills. However, in recent years, she has scaled back her training to prioritize family and life outside of rugby. While she admits she may not be as fit as she once was, Kaelene’s knowledge and mental approach to the game have significantly improved, allowing her to continue performing at a high level.

Preparing for competition involves a balanced approach for Kaelene. She ensures she gets adequate sleep, eats healthily, and stays hydrated. Mentally, she tries not to overthink things, allowing her body to take over when it’s time to compete. Despite facing significant challenges, including losing her love for the sport after being let go from a professional contract, Kaelene found her way back to the game with the support of a welcoming and encouraging team, reigniting her passion for rugby.

One of her most memorable moments in sports came when she stood for the national anthem, donning the USA jersey for the first time. That experience, representing her country on the international stage, remains a highlight in her athletic journey.

Balancing her athletic pursuits with other aspects of life has become increasingly important for Kaelene. As her priorities shifted, she now places more emphasis on spending time with her wife and children. This balance has required her to adjust her training and competition schedules, but Kaelene remains committed to the sport she loves.

Kaelene’s advice to young athletes is simple yet profound: enjoy the game and don’t take any moment for granted. She has seen the sport evolve rapidly over her career, becoming faster and better, and she hopes to see this trend continue with more people getting involved in rugby.

As for her future in rugby, Kaelene remains uncertain, with much depending on how the Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) develops. While she has considered returning to Track and Field at the Masters level, her primary focus is on her growing family and introducing her children to various sports.

Kaelene’s journey in rugby is a story of perseverance, adaptability, and love for the game. From her early days in Track and Field to earning numerous accolades in rugby, she continues to inspire those around her with her dedication and passion.