Ada Milby

Name: Ada Milby
Age: 29
Hometown: Tipp City, Ohio USA
Occupation: Swing Dance Instructor
Position in Rugby: Flanker

Why Rugby? What got you started?

I've been playing sports almost my whole life. My parents exposed me to virtually everything when I was a toddler so trying new things has never been a big challenge for me. I was a competitive ice skater when I was a kid and and then when I stopped skating, I did a 180 degree change and started playing American football on the boys team. I got a taste of contact sports and really enjoyed it! So when I went to college, I started playing rugby and have been hooked ever since!

What is your biggest accomplishment in Rugby?

 I'd honestly like to think that my biggest accomplishment hasn't happened yet but of the things that I have done so far - I think that when I was chosen to play for the state of Ohio in U23's after I had been playing just one season felt really good because it showed that I had a natural knack for this sport. But here in the Philippines, I think it was being chosen to be captain for the Lady Volcanoes 15s team. Not only was it the last thing I expected, but it was also such an honor to have that motivation to step up my game and lead by example.

What one or two things do you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?

I am a BIG advocate of lifting weights. The myth is that girls who lift weights will get big, but our bodies just aren't designed that way. Strength training is so important in rugby, that leaving this component out would be a big mistake. I also focus on eating a balanced diet consisting of clean proteins, vegetables, and complex carbs. Good input = good output

Where do you draw your inspiration from?   

I draw inspiration from lots of different sources. Strong women excelling in sports, good movies where the hero has lots of obstacles to overcome, and great quotes from great people all fuel me in addition to just wanting to be the best athlete I can be.

What do you want to say to girls who are just starting out or who are thinking of playing rugby?

If you like active sports where you get to be outside and play with a great group of women, then rugby could be for you. We are always looking to recruit more ladies and take the time to teach you the basics so you don't feel overwhelmed. Rugby is a great way to get and stay in shape too. If you are curious to know more before you actually try it, you can even come out and just watch a practice - that's what I did when I first moved here! 

Cassie Umali

Name: Cassie Umali
Age: 26
Hometown: Chicago, USA & Quezon City, Philippines
Occupation: Sportscaster
Position in Rugby: Scrum-half

Why Rugby? What got you started?

I was co-hosting a sports show on ANC back in January 2010. I was tasked to produce and host a segment on the show to feature the Philippine Rugby Football Union. That’s when I interviewed coach Matt Cullen and he told me of the development of rugby union in the Philippines and the success of the Volcanoes. Then he mentioned to me that at the time they would be assembling the 1st ever Philippine women’s rugby team to compete in China that July. My executive producer Bill Velasco, knowing that I was active in playing sports (ultimate frisbee, volleyball, etc), encouraged me to try out for the team.
Not knowing anything at all on how to play the rough sport of rugby, I started attending the rugby 101 sessions at Ultra in April. The first night I attended training I came home with a bloody fat lip and after that I was hooked. The reason I chose to stick to rugby is because I knew not many girls had a total disregard for their own personal safety. I could take the hits & most importantly make the hits, so I knew I had a good chance of making the national team.

What is your biggest accomplishment in Rugby?

Unfortunately since I only started learning the sport April 2010, I didn’t have much experience yet to make the National squad that went to Guangzhou, China. But I was determined to be part of the team, so I worked really hard. Attending all training sessions, games and absorbed everything I could from the coaches & players.
Then eventually joined the development camp in Laos that October 2010 to play my 1st international match. But it was when I was chosen as part of the 1st ever Philippine team to play in the prestigious Hong Kong 7s in March of 2011 as my biggest accomplishment. Being that there were only 10 girls drafted for the team, I felt so privileged to be part of that historic squad and play for the country. It was thrilling to know that a whole year of hard work paid off.

What one or two things do you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?

Number 1 factor as you might have already realized in my previous answers is hard work. The time and effort must be put into training for personal improvement of skills and fitness, so I can be the best rugby player that I can be.
Second, and I always share this with my teammates is the mental & emotional aspect of motivating myself and positively visualizing playing great rugby. This is important because for me confidence is about 80% of being able to play rugby. As I’ve experienced before I didn’t know how to play but I had the confidence and I still survived. When training and knowing that I’ll be facing giants in international IRB matches, it's this mental toughness & positivity that gets me through. In reality I may be one of the smallest on the team BUT in my mind I believe I’m colossal and so invincible that I can take down anyone.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I’ve been playing various sports since I was a kid so my sports idols vary from Michael Jordan to Leila Barros to Manny Pacquiao. Then for rugby I always get inspired from watching a team of players that are already close to us. Whenever I watch the Philippine Volcanoes play with pride and win honor for the country, it always makes me wanna get on the pitch and accomplish that as well for the women’s team.

What do you want to say to girls who are just starting out or who are thinking of playing rugby?

If you are a girl that likes a challenge then rugby is the sport for you. As physically demanding as it may be, it also takes heart to play the game. Being a rugger is a great test of character and you will meet many people here with the same aspects. We are all friends and we protect each other on and off the field. And we always welcome new recruits & beginners to the team and to our barkada. So just come down to Ultra and most likely I might be one of the coaches that would personally train you.