On March 12, standout rugby player Sana’a Lunon committed to Harvard University. Lunon chose Harvard after a recruiting process that boasted visits to Dartmouth, Brown and Princeton.
Lunon began playing rugby in 8th grade and has since played for a variety of teams, including State High, Rhinos Academy, Doylestown and Atlantis. Additionally, Lunon had the opportunity to represent the USA on the world stage by playing for two U18 National teams.
On the pitch, Lunon’s strengths include tackling, decision-making and rucking. These skills led her to be nominated for PA Rugby Player of the Year. Lunon is also recognized as a leader for her teammates, previously serving as the captain of the school team.
Lunon described how she realized playing rugby at the next level was achievable for her.
“When my 10th grade year rolled around and coaches were able to actually talk to me and recruit me, I think that’s when I realized, ‘hey, if I put in the work and I’m committed to this, this is something that I can do in the future’. And then, I just let it happen. I was just playing and doing what I do, and then the opportunities just kind of flowed,” Lunon said.
Lunon’s competitive recruiting process went relatively smoothly.
“Out of the four or five schools that I talked to, it was only maybe one that wasn’t always the most communicative or as quick as I would’ve wanted, I suppose. But other than that, I think they’re all pretty transparent and they’re quick and they’re supportive and understanding of any decisions that I wanted to make,” Lunon said.
Ultimately, Harvard checked all the boxes for Lunon. Having a team with great coaching and culture that won the past two NCAA rugby championships, as well as being academically prestigious, it just seemed right.
“When I had gone to Harvard and I saw the city and I got to hang out with the teammates, I think it set in differently. And I remember I had a big cathartic moment, and I was just like, I don’t know, I feel comfortable here. I feel like I can see myself being here,” Lunon said. “I think seeing the success that the team had and seeing where I could fit in on the team and make a difference and contribute to the success and the legacy of Harvard Womens Rugby, I think that also was motivating for me to go in that direction.”
Moving up to the collegiate level, Lunon hopes to continue working athletically and academically. She hopes that being a part of the Harvard team will motivate her to improve.
“It’s inspiring to see that the team is so close and it makes me really, really want to be a part of that environment and that family. And also, I’m really excited just to play at a higher level because Pennsylvania has good rugby, but it’ll be cool to be in an environment where everyone around you is so amazing. And of course, it’s Harvard. So not only is that in the academic aspect, but also in the sports aspect. Everyone’s just so amazing. And so it pushes me to be better or want to be better at least,” Lunon said.
Lunon already has aspirations to add to the team’s excellence. She would like to eventually have a leadership position on the team, but is first aiming to find her spot.
“I want us to get a ring. I’m not budging on that. I know that’s a big thing, but I believe in our team, I think we have a really good team. We just got a new assistant coach who used to play for the USA Eagles, so I think we’re going to have a lot of success next season. Hopefully, I’ll be able to be a part of that,” Lunon said. “And then for me specifically, I’ll be a freshman. So I guess at first I just want to get in where I fit in, play the best that I can, and even if that’s on the bench, be the best practice player, be the best hype man on the bench, be the best water girl.”
With the ongoing growth of women’s rugby, Lunon wants her commitment to set an example for young and upcoming players. The recent creation of the womens league displays the momentum rugby currently has. In a community as tight-knit as rugby, inclusivity and opportunity are at the core of the sport.
“Don’t ever count yourself out. Seventh grade, eighth grade, ninth grade me did not see myself going to Harvard. I wasn’t even thinking about college in eighth grade or ninth grade. But if you just do your thing, you stick to it and do it because you love it, the opportunities will be there. Just commit yourself to doing it, putting your 110% into it, the opportunities will flow,” Lunon said. “Rugby is a great community. So it’s like if you need someone to lean on, we got you obviously. There’s a team out there, there’s a school out there that’ll support you. Don’t ever think that it’s not possible. You just got to be able to look in the right places or let it come to you.”
