20 years ago my RA and swimming teammate convinced me to join the club rugby team. I fell and I fell hard (literally and figuratively) - I had found a sport that I felt was actually made for me. It was the combination of strength, endurance and physicality that just clicked. While my rugby career was short, it was incredibly impactful. When I heard the Women’s Elite Rugby League (WER), a professional league, had a Bay Area team as part of their inaugural season, I was so excited. I reached out and they were gracious enough to let me come out to photograph the games. As a former player, it was surreal to be on the field for a professional WOMEN’S team. It was inspiring to witness their passion, grit and determination. Rugby is a source of empowerment and strength for athletes around the world, particularly for young women and girls. If you happen to be in or traveling to a city that is home to one of these teams - come out and check it out - fair warning, it’s very easy to become add...