Rugby Star’s Last Olympic Hurrah
Naya Tapper, the formidable women’s rugby standout, is set to lead the U.S. Sevens team into the 2024 Olympics as co-captain. This appointment marks her second consecutive Olympics in a leadership role, adding a poignant touch to her final games before retirement.
Tapper’s journey from a West Mecklenburg High School track star to Olympic rugby co-captain is nothing short of inspiring. “For people that look like me, that play the sport I play, that grew up where I grew up, to be able to see me in a leadership role and on a national team getting ready to prepare for an Olympics,” Tapper reflected, “That’s, in my opinion, very inspiring.”
As she approaches this pivotal moment in her career, Tapper faces the challenge of balancing her Olympic aspirations with post-retirement plans. “These past couple of months have been a whirlwind,” she admitted, highlighting the juggling act between enjoying her final moments with the team and preparing for life after rugby.
From Track Star to Rugby Powerhouse
Tapper’s athletic journey began on the track fields of Charlotte, North Carolina. Her All-American track and field career in high school laid the foundation for her future success in rugby.
In 2012, Tapper discovered rugby at the University of North Carolina. Her transition to the sport was meteoric. By 2016, she had made her debut at the Sao Paulo Sevens tournament and earned her first international XVs cap with the USA Women’s National Team.
Tapper’s skills on the rugby field quickly gained recognition. Her performance at the 2017 Rugby World Cup, where she helped lead the team to a semifinal appearance, solidified her status as a rising star in the sport.
A Unique Playing Style
Tapper’s playing style is a blend of speed, power, and agility. “I’m really known for my stiff arm and my speed around the corner,” she explained. “I’ve developed to become a lethal weapon on defense as well, being able to get the ball back so that we can play attack off the field.”
Her aggressive playing style has roots in her childhood. Tapper reminisced, “I was a very energetic, aggressive, contact-filled child growing up…I was playing football in the backyard with all the boys in the neighborhood.”
Juanita Nater-Tapper, Naya’s mother, proudly observes her daughter’s rise in women’s rugby. “She was always a leader in school,” she noted. “I don’t like to see her get hit. But I love to see her hit. She’s a wonderful player. She shows her strength and how powerful she is.”
Redemption and Gold in Paris
As the 2024 Olympics approach, Tapper and her team are focused on redemption. The U.S. Sevens team finished sixth in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, a result they’re determined to improve upon in Paris.
“We want to get that gold medal,” Tapper declared emphatically. This collective ambition drives the team’s preparations for the upcoming games.
For Tapper, the 2024 Olympics represent more than just another competition. They are the culmination of her rugby career, a final opportunity to leave her mark on the international stage.
