Southeast Asian Games 2019
Donation protected
Tl;dr: help me, I’m poor!
After 7 months of paperwork, unanswered phone calls and emails from the consulate, and two trips to San Francisco, I guess I can officially announce it: ya girl has been recruited for the Philippine National Rugby Team and is going over to train and vie for a spot in the Southeast Asian Games to compete in rugby 7s!
As dope as it is, the reality is that I can’t do this without help. For those that don’t know, I’ve dedicated the last four years to playing higher level rugby by spending a 3 hour round trip commute to Seattle for practices, and even longer on Saturdays for games in Canada. It has definitely paid off with the high level of competition of been exposed to, two trips to nationals, coming home with a cup and selection to the dream team in 2017, and coming home with the plate in 2019, an increase in rugby iq, exposure to experienced coaches and staff, and multiple select side opportunities to Las Vegas, Vancouver, Barbados, and more. With all of these opportunities, I’ve been lucky to be able to take the time off of work and finance the trips independently. However, airfare to the Philippines is going to be much more than I can handle, and I’ll be tapped out of leave from work, so will be unpaid for some of the days I’ll be gone and competing for the mother land.
If you’re able to donate, I’d be grateful for any amount, and I truly appreciate the support!
Here is more background about how/why I’m doing this, but feel free to ask me any questions you may have!
Being Filipina is a huge part of my identity. Both of my parents immigrated to the US as young adults. I grew up going to Filipino gatherings and events with my family and local Filipino community group (FACSPS). From a young age I could tell I was raised a little bit different from all of my classmates, but could never understand exactly why. I take pride in the traditions my mom has taught me and that we celebrate, but am still very curious about my heritage and history. My grandma and extended family still lives in the Philippines, so to be able to play in front of her, and represent our country, would be a huge honor.
I started playing 15s rugby my junior year of high school for the Budd Bay Steelheads. In high school I made local all-star teams (Washington State Ravens, Pac-Coast Grizzlies) and even vice-captained a tour in Colorado with the Pac-Coast all stars. In college I focused on school and other extra curriculars. Upon graduation, I decided to pick up a rugby ball and play recreationally for the Budd Bay Bandits (fall 2012) through spring 2016. With this team, I received coach awards for MVP and Best Back multiple seasons. During one season I scored 200 points. I decided to challenge myself and play at a higher level with the Seattle Saracens, who I currently play for. I began playing 7’s in 2016, helped get the team a bid to nationals and was selected to play in the national tournament my first year, but unfortunately broke my foot at the last qualifying tournament. In 2017 I was part of the 1st place team at 7’s nationals, Atavus Seattle, and named to the tournament’s dream team. At the national academy camp held at Chula Vista in June 2018, I clocked the fastest 40m time. Since then I have played with various select side teams (Stars, Scion, Atavus) and am excited to learn improve, and be a role model for smaller girls playing rugby.
After 7 months of paperwork, unanswered phone calls and emails from the consulate, and two trips to San Francisco, I guess I can officially announce it: ya girl has been recruited for the Philippine National Rugby Team and is going over to train and vie for a spot in the Southeast Asian Games to compete in rugby 7s!
As dope as it is, the reality is that I can’t do this without help. For those that don’t know, I’ve dedicated the last four years to playing higher level rugby by spending a 3 hour round trip commute to Seattle for practices, and even longer on Saturdays for games in Canada. It has definitely paid off with the high level of competition of been exposed to, two trips to nationals, coming home with a cup and selection to the dream team in 2017, and coming home with the plate in 2019, an increase in rugby iq, exposure to experienced coaches and staff, and multiple select side opportunities to Las Vegas, Vancouver, Barbados, and more. With all of these opportunities, I’ve been lucky to be able to take the time off of work and finance the trips independently. However, airfare to the Philippines is going to be much more than I can handle, and I’ll be tapped out of leave from work, so will be unpaid for some of the days I’ll be gone and competing for the mother land.
If you’re able to donate, I’d be grateful for any amount, and I truly appreciate the support!
Here is more background about how/why I’m doing this, but feel free to ask me any questions you may have!
Being Filipina is a huge part of my identity. Both of my parents immigrated to the US as young adults. I grew up going to Filipino gatherings and events with my family and local Filipino community group (FACSPS). From a young age I could tell I was raised a little bit different from all of my classmates, but could never understand exactly why. I take pride in the traditions my mom has taught me and that we celebrate, but am still very curious about my heritage and history. My grandma and extended family still lives in the Philippines, so to be able to play in front of her, and represent our country, would be a huge honor.
I started playing 15s rugby my junior year of high school for the Budd Bay Steelheads. In high school I made local all-star teams (Washington State Ravens, Pac-Coast Grizzlies) and even vice-captained a tour in Colorado with the Pac-Coast all stars. In college I focused on school and other extra curriculars. Upon graduation, I decided to pick up a rugby ball and play recreationally for the Budd Bay Bandits (fall 2012) through spring 2016. With this team, I received coach awards for MVP and Best Back multiple seasons. During one season I scored 200 points. I decided to challenge myself and play at a higher level with the Seattle Saracens, who I currently play for. I began playing 7’s in 2016, helped get the team a bid to nationals and was selected to play in the national tournament my first year, but unfortunately broke my foot at the last qualifying tournament. In 2017 I was part of the 1st place team at 7’s nationals, Atavus Seattle, and named to the tournament’s dream team. At the national academy camp held at Chula Vista in June 2018, I clocked the fastest 40m time. Since then I have played with various select side teams (Stars, Scion, Atavus) and am excited to learn improve, and be a role model for smaller girls playing rugby.
Organizer
Erica Mae
Organizer
Olympia, WA
