How the Cal Poly women’s rugby team promotes inclusivity

On a cold evening at Cal Poly’s Lower Complex Field under the bright glow of stadium lights, the Cal Poly official women’s club rugby team gathers for practice, filling the field with ambient sounds of chatter as they prepare for the season.

For second-year agricultural business major and team prop Natali Espindola, the immediate sense of belonging she felt within the rugby team kept her involved.

“Everyone here was so incredibly welcoming and nice,” she said. “I did not have to, you know, say anything about myself, and they were here with open arms for me.”

Lili Wiethake, a second-year business administration major and vice president, says rugby’s culture sets it apart from other sports.

“Rugby’s very special in comparison to a lot of other sports because the culture is very centered around love for everybody,” she said.

Beyond team camaraderie, the women’s club rugby team has also become a welcoming space for all students regardless of their identity, team members said.

Second-year environmental engineering major and fullback and wing, Syd Wilcox, shared how significant this inclusivity has been. 

“Being able to be around so many people that are just so inclusive and don’t even have any second thoughts about, like, your identity or who you are other than just love is so healing, honestly,” Wilcox said.

As the team looks ahead to their upcoming season, their focus remains on the connections that make them a community, both on and off the field.