July 22nd 2024.
Naya Tapper, a renowned women's rugby player and former track standout at West Mecklenburg High School, has been chosen as co-captain for the U.S. Sevens team at the upcoming Olympics. This prestigious leadership role holds great importance for Tapper as she nears her retirement after the 2024 Olympics. In a statement to WCNC Charlotte, Tapper shared her thoughts on the significance of her position, stating, "For people like me, who come from a similar background and play the same sport, seeing me in a leadership role and representing our country in the Olympics is truly inspiring."
This will be Tapper's second time serving as co-captain for the Olympics, as noted by USA Rugby in the announcement of her retirement. Reflecting on the past few months, Tapper expressed her excitement for the upcoming games while also acknowledging the pressure to perform at a gold medal level. "It's been a whirlwind trying to balance enjoying my final moments with the team and preparing for the Olympics, all while also securing a job for after this journey," shared the native of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Tapper's journey in women's rugby began at the University of North Carolina in 2012, after an impressive track and field career in high school, as stated in her USA Rugby player profile. Her rise in the Sevens world was highlighted by her debut at the 2016 Sao Paulo Sevens tournament. That same year, she earned her first international XVs cap with the USA Women's National Team. Tapper further solidified her skills during the 2017 Rugby World Cup, where she helped lead the team to the semifinals.
When asked about her style of play, Tapper described herself as a powerful and agile player. "I am known for my stiff arm and speed on the field...but I have also developed into a formidable defender, able to turn the ball over and set up our team for an attack," she explained in an interview with WCNC. Her agility can be traced back to her childhood, where she was always a lively and competitive child, playing football in the neighborhood with the boys. Tapper's mother, Juanita Nater-Tapper, proudly supports her daughter's success in rugby, stating, "She has always been a leader, even in school...while I don't like to see her get hit, I love to see her hit. She is a remarkable player who showcases her strength and power on the field."
As Tapper's retirement draws near, she has her sights set on redemption at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. After participating in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the Sevens team finished in 6th place, Tapper and her teammates are determined to bring home the gold. "Our ultimate goal is to win that gold medal," she declared, emphasizing the team's collective ambition for the upcoming games.
In the midst of her impressive career, Tapper joined TSL Sports Talk as the "Fastest Man in Rugby," where she shared her experiences and journey in the sport. As she prepares for her final Olympic run, Tapper remains one of the best players in the game, leaving a lasting legacy in women's rugby. Congratulations on an incredible career, Naya Tapper! We can't wait to cheer you on in Paris.
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