The Warrior Within

  It’s not uncommon to find multi-sport athletes among young rugby players in America. Many balance rugby with football, basketball, or other sports during the off-season. But what makes our latest Q&A participant truly stand out is her remarkable versatility: Cadence is not only a dedicated rugby player, but also a cheerleader and an active member of her high school’s NJROTC program.
 Talk about a unique rugger—Cadence exemplifies discipline, focus, and leadership across three demanding arenas. Her ability to juggle the physical intensity of rugby, the precision and spirit of cheerleading, and the structured commitment of NJROTC speaks volumes about her character and drive.
 A proud product of San Diego’s youth rugby scene, having played with both the SD Mustangs and Spartan Youth Rugby, Cadence is poised for great things. Her well-rounded experience and strong foundation make her a promising addition to any club she joins in the future.

LLR-What position do you play and when did you start playing rugby?

CC- I started playing co-ed rugby the winter of 2022. I have played full back, fly half, wing, inside and outside center. The center positions would have to be my favorite. 

LLR- There are many examples of cross over athletes who come to rugby, but a Cheerleader to rugby on top of also being a member of the NJROTC. Which order did they all start and what are people's reactions when you tell them?

CC- I started cheerleading when I was 5 years old. When I was 11 years old I started playing rugby. I just started NJROTC this year as a freshman in high school. Most people are pretty surprised when they hear I play rugby and also cheer. A lot of people think those two sports don’t usually go together but everyone has been extremely supportive.

LLR- What's something from cheerleading that transfers over to rugby and rugby to Cheerleading? 

CC- I would say two of the biggest things that transfer between rugby and cheer would have to be communication and trust. Both of these are crucial for keeping everyone safe and achieving the team’s goals. 

LLR- What's been a highlight thus far for you in playing rugby?

CC- I can’t think of just one specific moment but I have been so lucky to have had such incredible opportunities to work with some of the most amazing coaches. Coach Troy with San Diego Mustangs was my very first coach and made me fall in love with game. Coach Ailani with San Diego Mustangs helped build my confidence on the field and see that I was capable of more than I knew. Coach Charlie the head coach at USD, runs the skills program at Proteus. He has taught me so much and gives me great advice to perfect my technique. He helps keep me focused on what’s really important and to stay on track. Coach Chris with Spartans rugby encouraged me to try other positions and taught me how to lead other when he put me in a captains role. I will always be so thankful for these coaches.


LLR- Do you still plan to continue all three programs going into college ?

CC- I would love to continue all three programs going into college. So finding a school with all three would be ideal. 

LLR- Is there a college or two you hope to attend in the future?

CC- Ever since I was 6 years old I have wanted to go to the University of Kentucky. I even had a UK themed birthday one year. Another school I have been extremely interested in is the United States Military Academy West Point.

LLR- Who has been a role model for you ?

CC- Someone that I really look up to would definitely have to be Portia Woodman. Every time you see her off the field she always smiling, really positive, and super humble. Then she steps on the field and she is an absolute beast. 

LLR- Favorite movie?

CC- My favorite movie would have to be A Dogs Purpose. 

LLR- In-N-Out or Chick-fil-a?

CC- I would have to choose Chick-fil-a

LLR- If you had the opportunity to speak in front of a group of middle school girls what 3 pieces of advice would you give them in giving rugby a try?

CC- If I could give other girls some advice about trying rugby I would say don’t be intimidated. It doesn’t matter your size or skill level, there is a place for everyone. Also rugby is not like other sports it’s a family. Not only do you build a strong bond with your teammates but also with players from other teams. Rugby is the most fun you’ll ever have you just gotta jump right in.

LLR- Any last words or heads-up about personal highlights coming up you would like to share? 

CC- I am super excited to start my first year of high school rugby. 

When I was in 6th grade I was being bullied and really just looking for something new. I found out my dance teacher played rugby when she was young and I thought that was so cool. So I decided to give it a try and I’m so glad I did. Rugby has given me confidence and shown me that I’m a much stronger person than I thought I was.

*Cadence C. Currently plays for Spartan Youth Rugby  

Rugby, Autism, and the Power of Belonging

In the world of sports, few communities embody inclusivity and camaraderie quite like rugby. It’s a game built on respect, resilience, and unity—values that extend far beyond the pitch. Yet, what many may not realize is how profoundly impactful rugby can be for individuals with disabilities, especially those on the autism spectrum.

In a society where neurodivergent individuals often struggle to be seen and accepted as equals, rugby offers something rare: a place where everyone is truly welcome. Whether as players, coaches, referees, or team supporters, individuals with autism have found a meaningful home in the rugby community. It’s not just about playing a game—it’s about finding purpose, connection, and a sense of belonging.

For some time, I’ve wanted to highlight this powerful intersection between rugby and autism. My goal was to share a story that could offer hope—hope to those on the spectrum that there is a place for them in sport, and hope to families that their loved ones can thrive in environments built on acceptance and support.

That’s why I’m honored to share a Q&A with Zia Sadler, a remarkable individual on the autism spectrum who is actively involved in rugby. Her openness and insight are deeply inspiring. This conversation isn’t just about her journey—it’s about showing others that they, too, can find their place and flourish.

This project was especially meaningful to me because my 15-year-old daughter, who is preparing for her first season of tackle rugby, helped craft some of the questions. She was eager to learn from Zia’s experience and excited to see her responses. It was a beautiful moment of connection—one that reminded me why stories like Zia’s matter so much.

I also want to extend a sincere apology to Zia. Her responses were shared with me months ago, and due to my own delays, this post is long overdue. I’m grateful for her patience and understanding, and even more grateful for her willingness to be vulnerable and generous with her story.

Rugby has always been more than a sport—it’s a movement. And within that movement, there’s room for everyone. Let’s continue to celebrate and amplify the voices that remind us of that truth.

LLR-  When did you start playing rugby? 

ZS- I've been playing the sport since I was a baby, there are photos of me with a ball and we’re about the same size. One of the aspects I love about rugby is the camaraderie, safety, and respect given both on and off the field. 

 I will have a very different experience to someone who found out early in life they are autistic, I am a late/adult diagnosed autistic and this grew up masking to a detrimental/damaging degree.

LLR-What club are you currently affiliated with? 

ZS- I was affiliated with the Tacoma Sirens, and coached the University of Puget Sound Women Rugby club.

 My recent teams I’ve been open about being autistic and while there has been positive reactions, as I lacked understanding of my own sensory sensitivities (essentially lacking understanding of how autism presents in me) I couldn’t communicate what help I needed. As there was a struggle to communicate, I did earn some ire from them. 

LLR- What do you enjoy most about playing rugby?

ZS- I enjoy the act of playing rugby, as I find it soothing/therapeutic.

 I enjoy contact in rugby, learning to move in your own body in a stable and strong way. I think that helped me avoid having even more than I do. But my favorite form of rugby is touch, as I have played with 50 year old's and 10 year olds at the same time.

LLR- Who's your favorite rugby player? 

ZS- Sammy Sullivan, she’s open about her love for Legos.

LLR- What are you most proud of during your rugby journey? 

ZS- My tenacity/resilience, I learned to keep moving, get up after ever knock down. 

LLR- Have you ever been over stimulated while playing ?

ZS- Not particularly, though I am somewhat sensory seeking (at times seek new sensory stimuli, at times avoid it). Growing up playing it in England you’re always covered in mud by the end of any practice or match.

LLR- Has there ever been moments where during a game or practice you had a hard time processing what's happening and how did you get through it?

ZS- I benefited from always being around rugby and so learned the rules so I don’t remember during games. Practice, I would ask for clarification, or for it to be explained another way. I found that learning how to re-explain an idea to myself helped me understand it. And I can then ask the coach if my interpretation is similar enough.

LLR- Do you have any advice for others who have Autism and want to join rugby ? 

ZS- Understanding any sensory sensitivities and how to help alleviate or find moments to take a break when overstimulated. Examples being too much noise - noise canceling headphones, mud on the body being too much sensory - washing it off, if uncomfortable with swapping rugby kits - have an individual rugby kit that only you use. And advice I would give anyone is knowing your limits is just as important as knowing your resting point.

-Photos are of Zia -

*please visit new LLRugby merch store to pickup #AutismInRugby clothing with funds to be donated back to the community. ---->  LLRugby Autism In Rugby