If not heading to a professional league, most players call it quits after playing Division I athletics. Amy Werdine, on the other hand, is not like most players.
After playing Division I soccer at Appalachia State University, Werdine went on to graduate school at Louisiana State University and stay active. “I played four years of Division 1 soccer at Appalachian State University and then came to LSU for graduate school last Fall. I wanted to stay active and try something new so I decided to try rugby. After one practice I was hooked and just fell in love with the sport and my teammates,” explained the sport management major.
Playing for LSU is something the Tampa, Florida native cherishes. She attests the program for helping her develop as a leader and loves the people she has come in contact with. “My experience playing at LSU has been an unforgettable one. LSU Women’s Rugby has taught me about leadership as well as being part of something new and building a team from the bottom up. I have learned a brand new sport and have been exposed to some of the most interesting people that will be part of my life forever,” said Werdine.
Her favorite rugby moment comes when her team was a young an inexperienced and over came that obstacle. She explains, “My favorite rugby moment was the first game of this year. We lost a lot of experience after last year and are a very young and inexperienced team. We traveled to Mobile to play Spring Hill and came out with a victory, despite three of our starters getting hurt. It was a great team win and really brought us closer together.”
Werdine and LSU open up conference play this weekend against a tough opponent in Arkansas State. Werdine believes her and her team are ready. “My expectations heading into the Arkansas State game are high. I expect us to compete and hopefully come out with a win,” said Werdine.
Be sure to tune into the LSU vs Arkansas State women’s rugby game HERE on Gift-Time Rugby Network Saturday January 29th, 2016 at 12 p.m.