Spotlight Player of The Week – Dominique Howard

Dominique Howard has many achievements to be proud of after only playing rugby for two years. The center for the Spring Hill rugby team was invited to train at the American Rugby Pro Training Center last spring and was coached by Jules McCoy, the newly appointed national 7’s coach.

Howard, a secondary education major, had no intention of playing sports after high school, but with a little encouragement, she gave rugby a try. “I had no intentions of playing sports after high school, but I was convinced by girls on my hall to come to one practice and see what happens. And well, I fell in love. Two years later I am forever grateful for putting myself out there and playing a sport I had never heard of in my life,” said Howard.

Howard and her team circle up after playing Battleship. Photo by Angela Kazek.
Howard and her team circle up after playing Battleship. Photo by Angela Kazek.

With learning a new sport comes making new friends and the experiences with SHC rugby is something she won’t soon forget. She explained, “Playing with SHC has definitely been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life and college career. These women are not just my teammates but my family, on and off the field. Playing with SHC has opened me up to so many experiences and opportunities like being able to attend the ARPTC and being able to meet people that I never thought I would.”

The American Rugby Pro Training Center is a USA rugby academy located in Little Rock, Ark. where high performance athletes live and train full time. Howard was invited to train there based off of her successful fall season last year. The experience, to say the least, was nothing short of incredible for the young star. “ARPTC was definitely a life changing and worthwhile experience. I learned so much not only about rugby but myself. The women and coaches I had the honor of playing with and learning from, have helped me so much as an athlete and person. I have never met more supportive and driven people in my life. They are all inspirations and I am so thankful for having experienced it,” said Howard.

Spring Hill travels to Atlanta, Ga. this weekend to face off in a round robin against Emory University and the University of North Georgia. We wish the best of luck to Dom and her team!

Share this post