Lasell’s rugby team has doubled in size this year, with 15 people after joining forces with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Of the 15 members, 12 are from Lasell and 3 from MIT; they have new members joining often as the program continues to expand.
“It was complicated because I have to learn a new sport and rules,” said new team member Janellys Martinez. “I love my teammates, we’re like family. It is a difficult sport, but fun at the same time.”
Rugby is often considered one of the roughest sports, known for its intense tackling and complex rules. Those challenges made it difficult for the team to grow in previous years, but now enthusiasm and teamwork are changing that.
Junior health science major and rugby captain Carlie Leavitt recognizes how intimidation is one of the biggest barriers for new players.
“Rugby is a very intimidating sport for a lot of people, especially when they see clips of it out of context and don’t know any of the rules,” she said. “I think trying to find people that are excited to learn a sport and excited to throw the team is what got us to where we are.”
Leavitt, who joined her second semester of freshman year, joined after meeting a senior member of the rugby team in a class they shared. She joined the team officially after just a few practices.
For many players, rugby has become more than just a sport; it’s a source of personal growth and confidence.
“The team dynamic helped me get out of my comfort zone,” said Lindsay Scalese, a sophomore graphic design major and rugby vice president. “It made me more comfortable talking to people, being part of a team, and it’s made me more athletic and have a healthier lifestyle.”
As vice president, Scalese is also involved in off-field decisions.
“It’s really interesting to see the behind-the-scenes of the team and see how we make decisions,” she said. “I want to make sure everyone feels welcome, especially new players, as rugby can be hard to get into. Also, to make sure it’s a dynamic, to make sure people don’t think we’re just working on the same things over and over, and overall to make it an effective workspace with our odd practice times.”
Sophomore fashion design major Victoria El Azem plays both rugby and runs track and cross country. She balances the sports well and ensures that both coaches know her limitations. Victoria finds rugby to be different than most sports.
“There’s nothing comfortable about rugby, but I love that,” she said. “It’s made me lead with more confidence in my day-to-day life because you can’t afford to hesitate. I’ve never been part of a sport that depends so much on your teammates, and it’s an amazing feeling knowing they depend on you, too.”
–Nov. 4, 2025–
