Mia Taylor: From Swockey Nights to the Rugby Field

Mia Taylor’s journey into sports began at an early age, with an upbringing steeped in athleticism. Born into a very active family, Mia started playing organized sports in the first grade, beginning with town league soccer. Soccer and swimming were her favorites until high school, where she discovered rugby—a sport that quickly became her passion. Mia attributes much of her early development to her father, who coached her in soccer through elementary and middle school. His enthusiasm for sports was infectious, and his creative coaching techniques, such as setting challenges and tracking her personal bests in swimming, fueled Mia’s competitive spirit.

Growing up, Mia was heavily involved in various team sports, including hockey, basketball, and lacrosse. These experiences honed her ability to read the game and find space on the field, skills that transitioned seamlessly into rugby. Her time on the swim team also instilled in her a mental toughness that has been invaluable on the rugby pitch. Mia credits her active family and supportive parents for encouraging her to explore multiple sports, sometimes leading to hectic evenings where she would participate in both swimming and hockey—what she fondly refers to as “swockey nights.”

In high school, Mia’s athleticism continued to flourish. She cross-trains by playing ice hockey and swimming for her high school teams and enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. Her versatility as an athlete was put to the test in eighth grade when she broke both thumbs in a skiing accident, sidelining her from swimming and a major hockey tournament. However, Mia’s determination led her to tackle another goal: hiking all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot mountains, which helped her stay active and mentally resilient during her recovery.

One of Mia’s most memorable athletic moments came during her junior year when she played a crucial role in her rugby team’s state championship victory. The win was especially significant as it marked the culmination of hard work under the guidance of inspiring seniors and playing alongside her younger sister. The joy of victory was sweetened by the camaraderie of her team, which Mia cherishes to this day, particularly the celebratory moment when she and a teammate doused their coach with a cooler of water—a fitting tribute to the coach who had pushed them to their limits.

In 2024, Mia’s team, Belmont Rugby Football Club, won the High School State Championship, and she captained the team to victory. This achievement was the highlight of her senior year, solidifying her leadership on and off the pitch.

As a senior, Mia has taken on the responsibility of mentoring younger players, sharing the values of rugby, and fostering a positive team environment. She takes pride in the growth of rugby at Belmont High School and has played a part in its increasing popularity. Looking ahead, Mia hopes to continue playing rugby through college and beyond, aspiring to be a role model to the next generation of players just as her predecessors were to her.

Mia’s athletic achievements extend beyond rugby. She has excelled in swimming, where she placed third in the 100-yard butterfly and fourth in the 100-yard breaststroke at the state championships during her senior year. She has also been a standout player on her high school ice hockey team, helping them reach the final eight in the 2024 State Tournament.

As Mia reflects on her journey so far, she remains committed to her athletic pursuits and is excited about the future. She continues to dream big, inspired by her favorite rugby player, Naya Tapper, and fueled by her love for mangoes in all forms. Whether she’s on the pitch, in the pool, or hiking a mountain, Mia Taylor embodies the spirit of a true athlete—determined, resilient, and always ready for the next challenge.