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.
Monica VanBuskirk’s journey in sports began later than most, but once she discovered her athletic potential in college, she quickly made up for lost time. Growing up in Benque Viejo, Belize, Monica’s early years were more focused on academics than athletics. It wasn’t until she attended a Division III college that she truly embraced her identity as an athlete. The swimming and diving coach at her college recognized her risk-taking nature and introduced her to springboard diving. This experience was transformative, teaching her the discipline and mindset necessary for athletic success, which she then carried into all aspects of her life.
Despite not having athletic role models at home, where her parents were service workers and her large family meant teamwork was second nature, Monica found her place in sports, even though she wasn’t the fastest or strongest. Her passion and exuberance became her strengths, earning her titles like “most enthusiastic” in high school soccer and later leading her to pivotal roles in sports administration. She realized early on that, while she might not have had the same athletic prowess as others, her love for the sport and her ability to bring people together were her true gifts.
Monica’s journey in rugby took her from the pitch to the boardroom, where she found her calling in sports administration. She played an instrumental role in the founding of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2009. Initially, she was disappointed not to be elected captain of her team, Beantown, but soon recognized that her passion was better channeled into leadership off the field. As Beantown’s President, Monica helped hash out contracts and 501(c)(3) paperwork, collaborating with other team presidents to share best practices in finances, communications, and operations. Her work was crucial in accelerating the league’s development, ensuring that women’s rugby didn’t stall out but instead moved forward with a clear, unified vision.
Balancing her athletic pursuits with life outside of rugby has always been a challenge for Monica, especially after becoming a mother. However, she found ways to integrate her family into her rugby life, often bringing her daughter to practices and games. Even after retiring from rugby in 2017 to focus more on her political ambitions, Monica’s connection to the sport remained strong.
Setbacks and challenges have been a part of Monica’s journey, but she’s learned to turn anger and frustration into motivation. With the support of her rugby friends, she navigates these obstacles, relying on authentic relationships and her instinct to improve and move forward, no matter how small the steps.
Monica’s advice to young athletes is simple: don’t be afraid to ask veterans for extra time or gear. The rugby community is generous, and everyone benefits from the experience and resources of those who came before. Looking ahead, Monica hopes to continue supporting the transformation of the WPL and remain a super fan, cheering on the sport she loves so dearly.
Her goals for the future are ambitious. Professionally, Monica is focused on changing the financial incentives in U.S. healthcare to create health instead of sickness, especially for those who are undeserved. Fresh off a successful primary victory, she is officially on the ballot this November for Colorado’s House of Representatives (District 9), bringing the same passion, drive, and commitment to public service that defined her rugby career.
Monica’s favorite rugby players reflect her love for the sport’s grit and skill. Jamie Burke stands out as her top female player, with Monica particularly admiring her incredible rugby brain and tactical vision. When it comes to raw intensity, she looks to Maggie Alphonsi, drawing inspiration from her notoriously fierce tackles and defensive dominance. Outside of rugby, Monica’s experiences and quirky sense of humor shine through. From eating pickled onions on everything, to doing the Running Man whenever she’s on stage, she embraces life with the same enthusiasm she brought to the rugby field.
Monica believes it is impossible to overstate the significance of the WPL’s founding. To her, the league represents a monumental shift where a generation of players turned a mere idea into a reality through sheer persistence and effort. She views this era as a critical turning point; without the establishment of the WPL, she feels the momentum of women’s rugby would have stalled. Today, she remains deeply grateful to the leaders continuing that transformation and stays committed to supporting the sport’s ongoing evolution.
Submit a Nomination
Help us continue this mission of preservation and celebration. Submitting a name is simple and ensures that these vital pieces of our history are documented and shared with the next generation of players.
Submit yourself or nominate a legend today at our relaunch link: https://bit.ly/PioneerofthePitch
Stay tuned as we bring these stories back to the forefront. The pitch was built by those who came before us, and it is time we told their stories.
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