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.
Justina DeBruzzi’s journey into the world of sports began almost as soon as she could walk, with hockey skates on her feet. Born in Denver, CO, and growing up moving around frequently due to her father’s military career, sports were an integral constant throughout her life. From her early days on the ice to her adventures in soccer and T-ball, athletics provided a sense of stability and belonging. An amusing memory from her childhood still stands out—Justina, bored in the outfield during her first T-ball game, slipped through a fence to join a boys’ soccer match, only to have her parents realize she had played an entirely different sport that day.
Ice hockey was Justina’s first love, a passion instilled in her by her father. Despite dreaming of being a gymnast or ballerina, it was the thrill of skating that captured her heart. As she matured, her athletic pursuits expanded, leading her to a college hockey career that she cherished. But as her time on the ice came to an end, Justina found herself yearning for a new challenge, a new community to belong to. That’s when rugby entered her life.
Introduced to the sport through a partner, Justina quickly found a home in rugby, even before she began playing. The sense of camaraderie and the intense competition drew her in, filling the void left by hockey. Today, she continues to push herself both mentally and physically, with a rigorous training regimen that includes strength training, conditioning, and recovery practices like yoga and contrast baths. She also prioritizes mental fitness, utilizing visualization, meditation, and weekly sessions with a psychologist.
Like many athletes, Justina has faced her share of challenges. The financial burden of her early career was significant, requiring her to work odd jobs to make ends meet. Injuries, too, have been an obstacle, but she’s learned to refine and optimize her training to overcome these setbacks. Through it all, her love for the sport and the support of her rugby community have kept her motivated.
One of Justina’s most memorable moments in her athletic career was competing in the Minnesota state high school ice hockey tournament, a testament to her dedication and skill. Balancing her athletic pursuits with other mainstream aspects of life is a challenge she continues to tackle. Raised with the mentality that “team comes first,” Justina has had to work hard to find balance as she’s matured.
Justina has always aimed to compete at the highest level she can play at, but in looking beyond her playing year she eventually wants to transition into another coaching role. She envisions a life where she continues to contribute to the sport, whether through raising a family or leading the next generation of rugby players. Her favorite players, Kate Zackary, Stacey Waaka, Ardie Savea, and Jerry Tuwai, inspire her to keep pushing her limits.
Justina’s journey from hockey to rugby is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and love for competition. As she continues to evolve as an athlete, she remains committed to making an impact both on and off the pitch.
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