A Champion’s Mindset: How Nic Carroll Brought Martial Arts Discipline to Rugby

Nic Carroll’s athletic journey is rooted in resilience, independence, and a deep-seated passion for pushing their limits in contact sports. Born and raised in Middletown, NJ, Nic’s exposure to sports began early, with their dad, Michael Carroll, coaching them in softball and soccer. However, it was in martial arts that Nic first found their stride. At the age of 11, they started practicing Taekwondo, a sport that quickly became more than just a hobby—it became a central part of their identity. By the time they were 15, Nic had also embraced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), excelling in both disciplines and even participating in mixed martial arts (MMA) training.

Their Taekwondo teacher, Doug Smith, played an instrumental role in shaping their athletic mindset. Doug instilled in Nic the importance of breaking through expectations, pushing past limits, and never allowing others to define their capabilities. In a male-dominated space, Nic thrived under his mentorship, developing a reputation for not backing down and always proving their worth through hard work and skill. This fearless attitude would follow Nic through their entire athletic career.

When Nic entered college at Drew University, a teammate from their BJJ days suggested they try rugby. Nic didn’t hesitate. They had always been drawn to contact sports—whether it was being a catcher in softball or a goalie in soccer, they relished the physical aspect of competition. Rugby, with its emphasis on physicality and team cohesion, was a natural fit. What began as a college sport soon blossomed into a lifelong passion, and Nic balanced their rugby and MMA training throughout college and even after graduation.

Nic’s early experiences in rugby taught them the importance of camaraderie and trust among teammates. Their individual toughness and physical skills were certainly valuable, but rugby required something deeper—an ability to trust and uplift those around them. As they describe, “It doesn’t matter how hard I can hit or how fast I can run if I’m on my own; my team needs to be there with me.” This realization led to Nic becoming a more complete player, focused not just on their own performance but on the collective success of the team.

One of the highlights of Nic’s rugby career came in 2017 when they helped lead the New York Rugby Club (NYRC) to victory in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) Nationals. Reflecting on that moment, Nic describes it as the perfect culmination of teamwork, hard work, and passion. The energy, the environment, and the unity of the team made that win stand out among all their athletic accomplishments. While they had achieved individual success in the past through their martial arts competitions, nothing could compare to the feeling of winning as part of a team at that level.

Balancing the demands of rugby with their work as an IT Systems Administrator hasn’t always been easy, but Nic is fortunate to have a supportive work environment. Their company’s philosophy of promoting work-life balance allows them to pursue their rugby goals while maintaining their professional responsibilities. In a sport where many athletes struggle to find that balance, Nic recognizes how lucky they are to have an accommodating workplace that views their athletic pursuits as an asset rather than a distraction.

However, the journey has not been without its challenges. For Nic, one of the toughest hurdles has been overcoming injuries and setbacks. Like many athletes, they admit that it can be difficult to mentally recover from setbacks and to find the motivation to push forward. After a particularly rough end to a recent season, Nic found themselves doubting whether they could continue. It was through self-reflection and grounding themselves in their long-term goals that they found the determination to come back stronger. They remind themselves that healing, both physically and mentally, is a process, and they continue to take setbacks in stride while keeping their sights on future aspirations.

Looking ahead, Nic is excited about the potential future of women’s rugby. They see the increased attention on the sport, especially after the USA Women’s Olympic Bronze Medal, as a turning point that could lead to more opportunities for athletes. Nic’s personal goal is to play rugby professionally, whether through Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) or another avenue. However, they also remain open to other roles in the sport, including coaching, refereeing, or administration. What’s certain is that Nic’s connection to rugby will not end when they step off the pitch. They are committed to contributing to the growth of the game in whatever capacity they can.

When Nic’s rugby journey eventually comes to a close, they have another passion waiting for them—animal rescue. Nic envisions a future where they can dedicate themselves to building a network that supports and enhances rescue operations across the U.S. Their goal is to create sustainable jobs and systems for shelters and rescue organizations, a dream that, like their rugby career, will require resilience, dedication, and a willingness to push beyond limitations.

Nic’s story is one of perseverance, community, and a constant drive to challenge themselves. Whether on the rugby pitch or in life, Nic embodies the spirit of breaking through expectations and pushing themselves and others toward success. Their journey is far from over, and the rugby world can expect even greater things from them in the years to come.