Kathleen Riebe: Balancing Teaching, Senate, and Rugby

Kathleen Riebe’s journey into sports began in Long Beach, NY, where she grew up embracing the outdoors, though without much family support for her athletic aspirations. Growing up in an era when women’s sports were still fighting for equal opportunities, Kathleen’s early involvement in sports like badminton and swimming instilled a sense of perseverance. “On Long Island in the 70s and 80s, women were still starting to embrace Title IX. We did not have the same opportunities,” she recalls. That experience shaped her into someone scrappy both on the field and in life, giving her the determination to succeed despite the odds.

Her introduction to rugby came later, but the lessons she learned through years of competing in other sports, including lacrosse at Hofstra University, made the transition smoother. During her time at Hofstra, Kathleen fondly remembers a particularly memorable lacrosse game against West Point. The competition was fierce, but the athletes were invited to dine in the iconic meal hall afterward—a moment that underscored the camaraderie and respect present even between opponents.

After college, Kathleen also played for New York Rugby Club, where she found camaraderie and a deeper connection to the rugby community. Although she didn’t specify when she played for New York, this time in her rugby career was important in helping her maintain the competitive spirit she loved from her earlier sports days. New York Rugby gave Kathleen the opportunity to stay involved in the game and create lasting friendships.

In addition to her success in rugby and lacrosse, Kathleen has a deep love for skiing. Her passion for skiing developed after college, and she even describes herself as a former ‘ski bum,’ having spent significant time on the slopes before beginning her political career. Today, she humorously refers to herself as ‘the best skiing legislator’ in Utah, where she balances her time between the mountains and the senate floor.

Now living in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kathleen’s life is a delicate balance of responsibilities. As a full-time Educational Technology Coach and a State Senator, her days are packed, and with two teenage children at home, time is even more precious. Despite the packed schedule, Kathleen remains deeply committed to the values of sports and the lessons she learned from rugby and her broader athletic career. While she no longer trains with the intensity of her younger years, she admires the current generation of athletes, including her daughter, for their dedication and the evolved approach to training and preparation. “We grabbed our sneakers and that was about it. Barely stretching, no weight training. I see what my daughter does, and I’m amazed,” she remarks.

Kathleen’s leadership off the field is as impactful as her involvement in sports. As a State Senator, she’s actively working to bring recognition to the importance of women in sports through a legislative bill known as SPIFF, designed to celebrate and empower strong, active women. For Kathleen, this represents the next stage in her lifelong journey of breaking down barriers and fighting for inclusion.

Despite the challenges of balancing family life, a demanding career, and her athletic passions, Kathleen has always embodied resilience. She acknowledges that, growing up, setbacks were often met with a “walk it off” mentality, whether it was a potential concussion or other injuries. “Looking back, I probably had a few concussions, but we walked it off and got some ice,” she says with a laugh, recognizing how far sports medicine has come since those days.

Her advice to young athletes is simple: “Go for it! Rugby is an amazing sport with incredible life lessons. It teaches you to be aggressive but also respectful, as you hang out with your opponents after the game.” Kathleen hopes to see rugby continue evolving, becoming even more inclusive and providing greater opportunities for women athletes in the future.

Looking ahead, she remains open to suggestions on how to support rugby’s growth, particularly in her dual roles as a senator and educator. Whether on the field, the slopes, or in the senate, Kathleen Riebe is committed to making a difference, paving the way for the next generation of female athletes.