We’re excited to continue our series, “Pioneers of the Pitch,” where we celebrate the groundbreaking athletes, administrators, coaches, referees, and fans making their mark on rugby in the USA. Each installment takes you on a journey through the inspiring stories of rising stars and seasoned legends, both on and off the field. Whether honoring their contributions during their lifetime or posthumously, we shine a light on these exceptional individuals and uncover their tales of dedication, passion, and triumph.
Josie Rogers began her athletic journey in the suburbs of Apple Valley, MN, where her love for sports blossomed from a young age. She recalls how her dad played a significant role in nurturing this passion by taking her along for extra training sessions and encouraging her to embrace a love for competition. Whether it was soccer or basketball, Josie learned early on the importance of perseverance and fun, a foundation that continues to guide her through her athletic career.
Soccer was the sport that first captured Josie’s attention, and it remained her favorite until she found rugby. Now a key player for the Twin Cities Amazons, Josie channels her love for sports into every training session and match. Her approach to sports is simple but powerful: find joy in it every day. She’s a firm believer that no matter how challenging things may get, the love for the game is what sustains her through the ups and downs.
Josie’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. One of the most challenging periods was the COVID pandemic during her college years in Minneapolis, which put a halt to sports activities for about a year and a half. During that time, Josie and her teammates struggled to maintain numbers and motivation, especially as the rugby program itself faced difficulties. Yet, through hard work and resilience, they managed to rebuild when competition finally resumed.
Balancing rugby, work, and school is no easy feat for Josie. Between grad school, often working two or three jobs, and keeping up with a full WPL schedule, time management is key. She credits her ability to prioritize the things that truly matter—rugby and her future goals—for getting her through the busiest seasons. Despite these challenges, Josie is committed to pushing forward, knowing that every day is a chance to improve as an athlete and person.
Josie’s advice to young athletes starting their rugby journey is straightforward: “Stick with it and work hard. You’ll meet awesome people and do awesome things!” She is passionate about the growth of rugby and sees herself contributing to its evolution in the future. As she continues to train hard and set goals, Josie is determined to play at the highest level she can for as long as possible.
Looking ahead, Josie’s future isn’t solely tied to rugby. She’s currently pursuing a degree to become a biology teacher and envisions herself working in environmental education or conservation during the summers. Josie’s athletic journey and academic aspirations show that she is driven not only by her love for sports but also by her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the field.
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