Stephanie Bruce This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. The Brown Daily Herald Online

   www.browndailyherald.com/stori - [Cached]

   Published on: 4/9/2004   Last Visited: 4/9/2004

   Bruce '04 competes for U.S. 7's rugby squad in Hong Kong over Spring Break
   ...
   The women's rugby team qualified for Nationals last fall and continues to play great rugby, thanks largely to Stephanie Bruce '04. In addition to leading Brown's team, Bruce was also selected to represent the U.S. 7's rugby team at the largest international rugby tournament in the world, held in Hong Kong.
   
   During winter break, she was also selected to play for the U.S. developmental 7's team in the Caribbean 7's tournament, where she was named MVP.
   
   Considering Bruce's success, it is quite amazing that she has only been playing competitive rugby for less than one year.
   
   "I just decided to try out for the team, and I had done well during the scrimmaging," Bruce said. "I was extremely excited to make the National 7's team."
   
   Bruce adjusted to the sport so quickly partly because of her natural athleticism. She came to Brown as part of the women's basketball team, then moved to the softball team for the spring semester of her junior year. Finally, Bruce settled on rugby as her sport.
   
   She displays great instincts on the field and is a versatile player. Her flexibility allowed her to switch positions recently without much of a problem.
   
   "The transition wasn't too difficult because the new position is very instinctual. During the course of this year, my ability to read the defense has improved greatly," she said.
   
   Bruce credits her accomplishments and knowledge of the game to her coach, Kerri Heffernan.
   ...
   "I cannot thank Coach Heffernan enough," Bruce said. "She taught me a tremendous amount about the game and how to improve on my skills."
   
   Teammate Cecilia Kiely '04 said she has been impressed by Bruce's athleticism and toughness.
   
   "Stephanie is an amazing athlete. She is one of the fastest and strongest players on the team. Unlike other players, she can easily run through several defenders," Kiely said.
   
   Bruce is a natural leader both on and off the field. On the field, she motivates others to practice hard and to work together. Off the field, she is one of the team's social captains, helping to organize social events to build unity within the team.
   
   The team will face stiff competition the next two weekends, as it competes in the Ivy League Tournament this weekend, and then in Nationals at Penn State. Bruce said she views the next two weeks as a crucial time for the team.
   
   "A difficult obstacle for the team to overcome has been that previously, we were not receiving the respect we deserved," Bruce said.
   ...
   When we are not on the field, the team remains close," Bruce said.
   ...
   Still, Bruce said club sports have their advantages. "Having previously played a varsity sport, I am grateful that women's rugby is a club sport," she said.

2. 2. New Vision Online : Kyadondo women overwhelm visiting Americans

   www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/30/490 - [Cached]

   Published on: 4/3/2006   Last Visited: 4/3/2006

   Kakaire was the top scorer of the day with seven tries, while Brown's Stephanie Bruce was declared Most valuable Player (MVP).