A rugger’s story:Monica Motley

VCU Insight reporter, Ashley Tipton, sat down with rugby player, Monica Motley, to get more insight on what drives her love for a sport that some say, only crazy people play.  Motley is a 23-year-old senior at Virginia Commonwealth University, who played her last game in her college career, in the Marfu Tournament this March.  Motley is part of the VCU Women’s Rugby team, and plays the position of “back” in the “backline.”  She is one of the 5-6 girls who the ball is passed to, for a chance to score a “try” or “goal.”  Motley has played rugby throughout her time at VCU, and is hoping her graduate journey will score a position on Virginia Tech’s Division I team.(AT)If you could describe the game of rugby and your experience at VCU, what would it be?(MM)The game of Rugby is a game in which 15 players are on the field at one time. Eight players called the forwards which are responsible of gaining control of the ball, and the backs which are seven players that are responsible for gaining yards down the field to possibly score. The game is continuous play for two 40 min halves, with the collision of football, but continuous play of soccer. The object is to get the ball in the try zone to outscore the opposite team.(AT)Why did you choose to play rugby…of all sports?

 

(MM)At first I knew nothing about the sport until a classmate of mine thought I would be good at it. I had played sports all my life and was unsatisfied with not being active in college. After the first game I was hooked, the intensity, the determination, and perseverance that is needed to play the game appealed to me.  

(AT) How are you involved here at VCU?

• I was the 2007 homecoming queen.
• I was a SGA senator, and now am a Senator-at-Large
• Student representative for Recreational Sports and facilities
• Student Ambassador for the School of Education
• Founder “I Believe” Sports: academic tutoring, and mentorship program
• Student representative for programs and activities
• And of course, VCU Women’s Rugby

(AT)What are plans after graduation?

(MM)Pursuing a Masters in Sports Performance and developing my program for at-risk kids to play sports. 

(AT)What’s your best rugby story or memory?  

 (MM)All of my sin-bins, which players get put into a penalty box for a dangerous play!! It seems that I get a bit aggressive on the field but they are never on purpose. It just seems like some girls tend to get in my way and then it doesn’t end up well!!! But there are other girls that have more sin-bins than me!!!

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