Phoebe Caudill: Building Community Through Rugby Across Continents

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 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.

Phoebe Caudill’s athletic journey is one defined by determination, adaptability, and community. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Phoebe’s introduction to sports began in her Girl Scout days, participating in a fundraiser for track and field. She continued to excel in distance running and mid-distance events, but it was pole vaulting that held a special place in her heart due to the sense of camaraderie she shared with her coaches and teammates.

Growing up, Phoebe wasn’t pushed to excel by any specific mentor but rather fueled her passion for sports on her own terms. For Phoebe, sports have always been about finding community and expressing her physicality in ways that promote both mental and physical health. Her father’s humorous advice before every meet, “Run like you stole it,” encapsulated the lighthearted yet determined spirit with which she approached athletics.

Phoebe’s rugby career took off in an unexpected direction. After a personal challenge involving domestic violence, she sought a way to reconnect with others and heal. Her therapist recommended team sports, and Phoebe found herself choosing between lacrosse and rugby at the University of Houston recreation center. Ultimately, she picked rugby because it required less equipment, and from her first match, she was hooked. Sport became more than just an activity for Phoebe—it was a coping technique that helped her overcome the effects of domestic and mental violence, allowing her to rebuild herself with newfound strength and resilience. While in Australia, her involvement with the philanthropic organization “No More” and a video created by ABC Australia have been pivotal in shaping the strong, phoenix-like character you see today.

Phoebe’s daily life is a balance between her role as an Office Manager with [RE]SPORT and her rigorous training regimen. With the help of Mattison Grey, a leadership and mental skills consultant, Phoebe keeps her mind sharp, knowing that mental strength is just as crucial as physical fitness in competitive sports. Her preparation for competition involves analyzing game footage and finding moments of calm before stepping onto the field, often engaging in simple yet meaningful routines like walking through her neighborhood, listening to music, and mentally envisioning her performance.

One of her most cherished memories in rugby comes from her time in Australia, where she played for both the Cottesloe Shegulls and South Darwin Rabbitohs. Phoebe’s time in Australia culminated in back-to-back Grand Championship wins—one in Western Australia and another in Northern Territory. These achievements were especially rewarding because of the close-knit relationships she built with her teammates and the cultural immersion she experienced. The sense of belonging in these teams helped shape Phoebe’s understanding of the true power of sport as a tool for social connection.

Phoebe is currently navigating one of the toughest challenges in her career: feeling like her mental and skill levels aren’t quite matching up with her physical capabilities. After returning to the U.S., she struggled to find teams that supported her the way her Australian clubs had. However, with patience and persistence, she’s working with her therapist and Mattison to regain her confidence and performance on the pitch.

For young athletes entering rugby, Phoebe’s advice is simple but powerful: “Work on technique, and build skill off of that.” Looking ahead, Phoebe dreams of reaching the national team level, whether as a player, coach, or commentator. She’s also exploring new opportunities, such as pursuing coaching certifications and livestreaming games with her teammates. Through her personal experiences and involvement with “No More,” Phoebe exemplifies the transformative power of sport—not just as a physical outlet, but as a means of healing and building a stronger, more resilient character. As she continues to develop her own career in rugby, Phoebe remains committed to building community, fostering growth, and inspiring others to chase their dreams.


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