Former CWU rugby star seeks to inspire others back home in Ireland

Recently graduated Central Washington University women's rugby standout Shona Kennedy was featured in an article on the Ireland-based website Mayo Live this week for her efforts to build up the sport among youth rugby players in her home country.

Kennedy, who is from Westport, Ireland, earned a scholarship to play for the Wildcats in 2018 and went on to earn a degree in sports psychology this spring. She described her decision to come to Ellensburg as "the best choice I ever made."

"Being able to live out the dream experience of being a full-time rugby player while also walking away with an internationally recognized degree in sports psychology has been invaluable to me," she said in the article titled "American dream can be a reality."

"And it's the key factor in my desire to work with FirstPoint USA in offering that same opportunity to other young girls across Ireland."

Now, Kennedy is encouraging other young women to follow in her footsteps. The first step of that process for them may be September 9, when Kennedy hosts a women's rugby scholarship trial event alongside FirstPoint USA at Creggs RFC for those are looking to play and study in the U.S.

FirstPoint USA is the leading sports scholarship agency that helped Kennedy secure her place at CWU five years ago. She looks back on her experience with pride, explaining that moving to Ellensburg was a risk. At the same time, she views the experience as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"I wasn't sure what to expect at first," Kennedy said. "Of course, the thought of moving across the world without your family is going to be intimidating for anyone at 18 years of age, but it also presents an incredible opportunity for you to really embrace your independence and grow as a person.

"It sounds a little clichéd, but it really is like being part of a huge family," she added.