Kate Muldoon: Balancing Academics and Athletic Ambitions

Kate Muldoon’s athletic journey began at the age of four when she was introduced to gymnastics in Arlington, VA. Though she initially focused on gymnastics, rugby was always present in her life, with her father and brother both playing the sport. After moving to Colorado in 2012, she started playing flag rugby with her younger brother and eventually joined a co-ed tackle team. Her rugby journey took a brief pause as she concentrated on gymnastics, but she returned to rugby in high school, a decision that would shape her future.

Despite dabbling in various sports like soccer and volleyball, Kate acknowledges that rugby was the only sport where she truly found her stride. Her parents were always supportive of her athletic endeavors, spending hours at her gymnastics meets and encouraging her to pursue outdoor activities. These experiences laid the groundwork for Kate’s love of rugby, a sport she describes as offering camaraderie like no other.

Now a student-athlete at Brown University, Kate balances a rigorous training schedule with her academic commitments. As a key player on Brown’s rugby team, she has helped lead her team to significant victories, including winning a 7s national championship in her freshman year. Kate describes this achievement as one of her most memorable moments, an experience filled with excitement and pride as her team’s hard work paid off. Her accomplishments didn’t stop there; she also won a 7s national championship with the Chicago Lions in the summer of 2023, an unforgettable season where she bonded with her teammates and celebrated being an underdog team without professional players. In 2024, Kate was honored as Brown Rugby’s Athlete of the Year, recognizing her outstanding contributions both on and off the field.

Kate’s approach to competition is methodical and driven. She values sleep, hydration, and organization, which help her stay focused and ready for game days. Whether it’s taking deep breaths to calm her nerves or being the first on the field to practice individual skills, Kate prepares both mentally and physically to perform her best. One technique she’s found helpful is reflecting on all the positives rugby has brought into her life, from the friendships to the opportunities, a strategy that keeps her motivated through stressful times.

Despite the pressures of balancing rugby with her studies, Kate thrives in her busy schedule. Her dedication to both school and sport is evident, and she credits her time management skills for helping her stay on top of her responsibilities. She knows that without pushing herself to succeed in both areas, she would feel torn, so she focuses intently on each as the moment demands.

Looking to the future, Kate is eager to see the women’s game grow and flourish both in the U.S. and globally. She is deeply committed to staying involved in rugby, whether through playing, coaching, or advocating for the sport. Selected for the U20s tour to Wales this summer, she is excited to see where the USA development pathway will take her and continues to aim for future national championships, both with Brown and the Chicago Lions. Even after her rugby career ends, Kate hopes to maintain an active lifestyle, continuing to contribute to the sport that has given her so much.

Kate’s advice to young athletes just starting in rugby is simple: stick with it. She believes rugby’s atmosphere and culture are unmatched, and she wouldn’t trade the friends and experiences she’s gained for anything.