Olga Niyibizi: From Misfit to Mentor, Finding Belonging in Rugby

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.

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Olga Niyibizi’s journey into the world of sports started with an event that could have ended very differently—after nearly drowning at a local swimming pool, her father made a decision that would shape her future. At just five years old, Olga began swimming lessons, eventually competing in the sport. Despite excelling in various athletic pursuits throughout her childhood, Olga often felt like an outsider on her teams. Sports, for her, became less about the accolades and more about the friendships and sense of community they offered.

When Olga attended Saint Mary’s College, she faced a new challenge. She considered joining the swim team but realized she didn’t have the same passion for swimming that had once driven her. “I had a come-to-Jesus moment where I realized I actually hate swimming,” she recalls. But that realization led to an even greater discovery—rugby. While at Notre Dame, she stumbled upon the rugby team, and it was like “finding the Island of Misfit Toys.” Rugby provided her with a new community of players who didn’t fit the traditional mold, and it made her time at the predominantly white institution (PWI) more bearable.

However, as Olga advanced in her rugby career, the environment began to feel eerily similar to the one she had worked hard to leave behind. The inclusivity she loved so much in rugby was starting to fade in higher-level play. That was when she discovered ROOTS Rugby, a team that reignited her passion for the sport and allowed her to reconnect with the inclusive, diverse community that first drew her in. ROOTS reminded her why she fell in love with rugby, and it’s what keeps her playing today.

Olga’s commitment to both physical and mental wellness is a defining feature of her journey. In addition to traditional strength training, she enjoys breaking up the monotony of gym workouts with kickboxing, zumba, and dance classes. This variety keeps her fitness routine fresh and engaging. Just as important, if not more so, is Olga’s focus on mental health. She credits her therapist with keeping her grounded and helping her maintain a healthy perspective. “My therapist is an actual rockstar and reminds me to give myself my flowers when I’m being too hard on myself,” she says. Olga views therapy as a critical tool not only for her athletic career but also for navigating the challenges of life outside of rugby.

One of the biggest challenges Olga has faced as an athlete is learning to let go of the need to control everything. This struggle has been a constant companion, both on and off the field. With the help of therapy and a strong support system, she’s learned to accept that some things are beyond her control—and that’s okay.

Despite the challenges, Olga has many fond memories of her time in rugby. One of her most treasured experiences was at the Alaska Midnight 7s in 2024. Surrounded by friends—many of whom were injured or coming back from injuries—the trip became more of a vacation than a tournament. The rugby was fun and free-flowing, but the real highlight was spending time with people she cared about. “We said we wanted to go on vacation with each other, and getting to play rugby was just a bonus,” she recalls.

Balancing rugby with the rest of her life has never been easy, but Olga has found ways to make it work. Her career as a Senior Data Analyst allows her the flexibility to pursue her passion for rugby. Maintaining friendships outside of rugby can be difficult, but she’s intentional about staying connected with the people who matter most to her.

As Olga looks to the future, she sees rugby evolving, but not as quickly or inclusively as she would like. She’s particularly passionate about increasing minority representation in refereeing, especially for women of color. “There’s not enough minority women representation in that aspect of the game, but I don’t think people are ready to have that conversation yet,” she says. Though she knows her days as a player are limited, Olga hopes to shift her focus to officiating and make a difference in a space that is sorely lacking in diversity.

When asked about her favorite rugby players, Olga has a quick answer: Safi N’Diaye and Leigh Halfpenny. Safi N’Diaye is her inspiration—a powerful presence in the game who represents what Olga imagines she could be “if God made [her] tall.” Leigh Halfpenny, on the other hand, is simply “just a cutie,” she laughs.

Olga’s story is full of humor, resilience, and a deep love for the rugby community. One memorable prank highlights her playful spirit—during a summer 7s tournament, she started a rumor on her team that if they won, her roommate, Kathleen Stanley, would let her get a second cat. Sure enough, they won the tournament, and Olga and Kathleen became proud owners of two cats.

As she continues her rugby journey, Olga dreams of making a lasting impact, whether on the field as a player or off it as a referee. Her advice to young athletes is simple: embrace the journey, find your community, and never lose sight of why you started in the first place.

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