Roseline Okpara: A Journey from Brooklyn to Pan African Games with Nigeria

Roseline Okpara, known as Roz to her friends and teammates, began her athletic journey in Brooklyn, New York, where her high energy led her mother to enroll her in tennis at a young age. This choice became a pivotal part of Roz’s life, as she spent her formative years on the courts under the mentorship of Liz Shweky in the New York Junior Tennis League. Tennis wasn’t just an outlet for Roz’s boundless energy; it was where she learned discipline, accountability, and how to manage her frustrations—valuable lessons that would follow her into her rugby career.

Growing up in a Nigerian household, Roz often felt the pressures of societal expectations. Being the oldest child and only daughter, she faced constant scrutiny and was told how to behave, what sports to play, and even how to look. However, this environment only fueled her desire to compete, and Roz found herself excelling in multiple sports throughout her school years, including track and field, basketball, and softball. It wasn’t until a college friend introduced her to rugby that she discovered the sport that truly resonated with her. From that moment, she never looked back.

Roz’s journey to becoming a rugby player is as much about mental strength as it is about physical prowess. Her daily regimen is rigorous, with early morning workouts and a commitment to maintaining both her physical fitness and mental well-being. She credits her hobbies, such as music and games, for helping her stay balanced and cutting out negative self-talk. Her approach to competition is measured, setting goals for herself and acknowledging that sometimes those goals shift, but the important thing is to keep moving forward.

In 2021, Roz faced one of her greatest challenges as an athlete when she tore her Achilles. The recovery process was grueling, both physically and mentally. There were days of triumph and weeks of feeling like no progress was being made. But Roz’s relentless dedication to her recovery, bolstered by the stories of other athletes who had faced similar injuries, kept her going. She came out of that experience not only stronger but wiser, understanding that progress isn’t linear and that setbacks are part of the journey.

One of Roz’s proudest moments in her rugby career came when she represented the Nigerian National Team in the Pan African Games. Being part of a historic moment—playing for Nigeria in their first women’s 7s national team—gave her a sense of connection to her roots and hope for the future of rugby in Africa. She sees immense potential for growth in Nigerian rugby, and her experience has ignited a passion to help the sport expand, especially in underrepresented communities.

As Roz continues to play for All Blues Rugby in Oakland, she remains focused on playing smarter and staying healthy. She envisions a future where she continues to be involved in rugby, even after her playing days are over, perhaps through mentoring or promoting the sport. For Roz, rugby has given her a platform to challenge outdated perceptions about women’s sports, and she hopes to use her voice to make rugby more inclusive for all.