The SPASH Panthers Rugby team has become known for one thing above all — their strength as a team.

When my sister Ayriani and I joined rugby last year, we were completely clueless about the sport, but we quickly discovered a team that felt like a family. Everyone was extremely welcoming, and they continue to make us feel respected, loved, and included no matter what.

 Regardless of how a game starts, they always find a way to make a comeback. The environment is one of the best parts of this team. Everyone is supportive of each other, making the team feel like one big family.

“Even when you mess up, nobody gets mad at you,” said Shiloh, a senior who played her first season of fifteens this year. “The team helps you recognize where you went wrong and helps you fix it.” 

It’s not just the wins that make the season good — it’s also the energy. The team has had some games where they’ve been down by a lot but somehow made a huge comeback.

“The team doesn’t give up. The second we get momentum, you can feel the shift and the team plays even harder,” said Christina, a junior playing her first season.

Big comebacks have become kind of their thing, along with late tries, huge tackles, and the effort that makes every game exciting to watch. For most people on the team, winning isn’t the most important thing to them. Instead, it’s the feeling of being a part of a team that makes them feel wanted.

“We’re not just teammates, we’re best friends,” said Ani, a junior who has played two seasons of rugby with the team. 

From late night practices to early morning games, the Panthers Rugby Club have built more than just a team — they’ve built a family. And matter what happens on the field, one thing never changes.

The Panthers never give up.