This is a special treat for all of you rugby fans out there...
We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Kristine Sommer from the USA Eagles! Just two months ago, our Eagles were competing in the Women's Rugby World Cup in Belfast, Ireland. The USA had a strong showing on the international stage by placing fourth overall behind New Zealand (first), England (second), and France (third).
Although the Eagles fell to France in the Bronze medal match, the team looked strong and had some dynamic plays like this try below:
So, Kristine... tell us a little bit about yourself.... terrible question... we know.
My name is Kristine Sommer. I live in Seattle, WA and I’m a USA rugby player. I recently competed in the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland; earning 4 World Cup caps. To date, I have (1) 7s cap and (5) 15s caps.
When did you get into rugby?
I started playing rugby during my freshman year at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). I was trying out for the women’s club soccer team and a few friends in my college dorm were checking out the rugby practices. They asked if I wanted to join and I did! After my first few practices, I stopped trying out for soccer and made rugby my new priority.
What inspired you to try out for the Eagles?
I’ve always wanted to be a high-level athlete. When I was younger I remember wanting to play professional soccer. I was playing every club/select side I could. I mostly looked up to Brandi Chastain and wanted to play on the international stage.
Once I started playing rugby, I realized the same opportunities were available. There were a few alumni players from UCSB that I met who had made it to the Eagle level. I remember watching some of the 2010 World Cup games and thinking, “I want to do that.”
Aspiring to reach their level of success while also playing/watching rugby overseas helped me set personal goals to get there. I didn’t know if it was actually going to happen. All I told myself was that I would take every opportunity and love playing (whether I played international or not). I moved to Seattle, WA after I graduated from UCSB to continue my rugby pursuit and It was the best decision I’ve ever made.
What was it like to go to a World Cup?
The World Cup was a humbling and surreal experience. It was amazing to play and compete with some of the top-tier women’s rugby players in the world. It was definitely my greatest athletic and personal achievement. Out of the competitive atmosphere and constant training, my favorite part was seeing the young girls and boys root us on and support the game. It was somewhat overwhelming and yet amazing to be a role model for so many kids aspiring to be in the same position that we were in.
Favorite workout hairstyle...
(Rugby) Up high and braided. (Gym) half-up and in a bun.
Any hair disasters over the years?
When I was a junior in college I wore a ton of tiny hair bands in my hair for a rugby game to keep my hair in place. I was playing 8 at the time. When the game was over, we socialized with the other team and wanted to go hit the town. In an urge to get ready quickly, the hairbands were not coming out as well as I would have liked… Needless to say, I ended up using scissors to get the hairbands out and didn’t exactly cut them strait, cutting WAY too much hair at weird angles. I ended up having lots of hairs about 1-1.50 inches long. Worst disaster ever.
Oooooooomg.... we know all of our fellow ruggers out there can relate to the urgency to get to the social! Lol. We really wish there were pics of this.
The people need to know... how often do you wash your hair?
Probably every other day
Shampoo - To 'poo or not to 'poo?
Yes!
Any hair secrets or tricks you want to share?
Dry shampoo. 100%
Kristine is recovering from a recent knee surgery, so please send her some love over on her Instagram account.
Thank you so much for all of your time, Kristine! We wish you a full, speedy recovery. Go, Eagles!
Hair Up, Game On,
Shelly
