Joining Laura on the podcast this week is Naya Tapper, a thoroughly remarkable 2020 Olympian and professional women's rugby player who, after earning All-American track and field honors in high school, began her rugby career at UNC Chapel Hill where she starred from 2012-2016. Having turned professional in 2016, Naya has since become the All-Time leading try scorer for USA Women’s Eagles, and some highlights from her illustrious career include the 2017 Sydney Sevens Player of the Final, 2017 Sydney Sevens Dream Team, 2017 Vegas Sevens Dream Team, 2018 Rugby World Cup second leading try scorer, and 2018 HSBC Dream Team. She has also earned a silver medal at the 2017 Dubai Sevens Tournament, a gold medal at the 2019 Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque, a silver medal at the 2019 Pan American Games, and was a member of USA Rugby’s 2020 Olympic team that competed in Tokyo.

Naya's incredible odyssey from her collegiate discovery of rugby to Olympic glory, as shared here today stands as a resounding testament to her steadfast resilience and dedication. Together, she and Laura discuss navigating the challenges of professional rugby, the mental toughness of elite athletes, appearing on Project Runway, and the journey to the Tokyo Olympics. Naya's passion for supporting youth rugby players through the Naya Tapper Scholarship and her dynamic brand, "Naya on Fiya” shine brightly throughout the episode, and listeners will also gain a glimpse into her aspirations beyond her athletic career, particularly in the realm of sports business. Naya's remarkable story is one that resonates far beyond sports, exemplifying the power of unwavering perseverance and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams.

Episode Highlights:

Naya's journey from discovering rugby in college
The importance of having a backup plan in professional rugby
Overcoming adversity and making a comeback in the sport
Building a personal brand and preparing for the Olympics
Highlighting the beauty of diversity and unity in sports
Favorite international rugby destinations, like Dubai and South Africa
Insights into the Olympic selection process and the importance of staying healthy
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on training and team dynamics
Naya’s future aspirations

Quotes:

"It was destiny because my college coach had connections with the national rugby team."

"I got cut from the team. My immediate reaction was, 'I'll just go back to North Carolina and start applying for PT schools.'"

"It's always for me, like, 'Okay, what's the next move? How do I get back on my feet?'"

"It was nice to be able to chill and relax and let my body decompress and spend time with family and friends that you miss out on a lot when you're full time in this type of profession."

"As long as I can stay healthy and continue performing at the level I am, I have the best shot I can possibly provide myself."

"Sports have literally changed my life. So to be able to provide that opportunity for people who also want to have that experience, I think was really important to me."

"Nobody really knows how to sell you better than you can sell yourself."

"I've officially strayed away from PT school mainly because I really don't want to go back to school."

"I think something that I've gained a passion for is just sports business."

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