An outside center for UNL Women’s Rugby has been named the program’s first (and second) Collegiate All-American.
Bianca Bradley-Rael, a senior animal science major from Omaha, was named a second team Collegiate All-American in both the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Team president Katy Fosler said Bradley-Rael is the first to win the honor in the UNL team’s 24-year history.
Since earning the awards, Bradley-Rael has continued to push toward her goal of playing for Team USA in the Olympic games. She also attended a pro-team camp in Arkansas in August.
The camp — which featured players with many years of higher-level rugby experience — was a reality check for Bradley-Rael.
“I was planning on the Olympics, but the pro-team is really intimidating,” Bradley-Rael said. “I wasn’t up to par. I’m still trying my best. Still hoping to improve.”
Bradley-Rael plays as a back on the rugby pitch. Backs are fast and agileplayers, waiting for a chance to score after the ball emerges from forwards locked together in a traditional rugby scrum.
Last summer, Bradley-Rael worked to improve her speed by practicing with the Greater Omaha Area Touring Side men’s rugby team.
In 2013, she helped the UNL Women’s Rugby Team become Mid-America Conference Champions for the first time in the sport’s club history. The team continued to the USA Rugby Sweet 16 before being defeated by Winona State, 47-15.
Bradley-Rael’s rugby career began in the 2011 spring semester after her roommate persuaded her to try it. Bradley-Rael played soccer as a child and through high school but wanted a change for college.
“I would have eventually found (a sport), but I’m glad I found rugby,” she said.
Overall, Bradley-Rael said she enjoys the competition and camaraderie of rugby.
Fosler, team president, said Bradley-Rael is an important part of the UNL rugby family Fosler is especially impressed by Bradley-Rael’s work to help teammates improve by sharing suggestions learned at various camps — including those reserved for All-Americans.
“She is a really great all around player who wants the team to do its best,” Fosler said.
The UNL Women’s Rugby team record is 3-1 and ranked No. 2 in the nation. On Nov. 8 and 9, the UNL squad will defend its title in Kansas City at the Mid-American Conference Championship, facing teams from Central Missouri, Arkansas and Missouri.
After the tournament, Bradley-Rael said that she hopes to attend more camps leading to more exposure with different rugby teams.
She also said that she hopes that rugby’s popularity increases.
“Everyone can come, everyone can play,” Bradley-Rael said. “I guarantee that you can fall in love with it.”
