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Nick James
Dublin High School graduate Nick James is once again receiving national recognition for her rugby prowess.
The 2007 DHS Valedictorian was named the captain of the Inter-Squad teams for the USA Rugby Women’s National Team as they prepare for the 2021 World Cup.
This is different than being named the overall Team Captain (an honor held by Kate Zackary), but James is still blown away by being selected for the title.
“To be named as a team captain for our inter-squad matches was truly unexpected,” said James. “The honor was not something I took for granted! However, I did laugh when our coach asked me to be a captain; I thought he was joking.”
“Leading a team full of leaders (that are highly skilled athletes) is humbling,” she continued. “I am immensely grateful for the opportunity!”
James was one of 28 players selected to represent the U.S. in the World Cup in 2017, when she traveled to Ireland to compete in the internationally televised event.
“The level of completion at the World Cup was incredible,” James said following the 2017 game. “It’s so much fun to play at that level with that pace and skill.”
James is more than familiar with the game as a player and a coach. She joined the sport while attending Texas A&M after another Dublin grad who knew she played football suggested she try it out.
“I was hooked the first practice,” she said.
She has played for A&M, the Texas All Stars, the West Regional AllStars, the Austin Valkyries and the Houston Athletic Rugby Club SHARC, which helped her get selected for the national team.
James said the national team are now busy training and preparing for the Rugby World Cup set for September and October of 2021 in New Zealand.
“On our path to the World Cup we need as much contact time together as we can get,” James said.
With that in mind, an organization known as The XV Foundation was founded by two of James’ teammates to meet the fundraising needs of the team so they can train and compete together, not just this year but for years to come.
Anyone who would like to donate can give at: https://e.givesmart.com/ events/j0G/