An in-depth look at Mani Boyd and Anaise Novembre, two student-athletes at Long Island University who are balancing the physical demands of rugby with rigorous paths toward legal careers.
The landscape of collegiate athletics is often defined by the pursuit of excellence both in the arena and in the classroom, and few examples illustrate this balance as vividly as the women's rugby program at Long Island University .
Although the program is relatively young, having been established only seven years ago, the LIU Sharks have quickly built a reputation for tenacity and determination. The sport of rugby itself is a grueling test of endurance and strategy, requiring athletes to pivot between two distinct versions of the game: the traditional rugby 15s played during the autumn months and the faster, more open rugby 7s contested in the spring.
This duality requires a high level of versatility and physical conditioning, making the student-athletes who excel in the program truly remarkable. Among these standout athletes is Mani Boyd, a flanker whose relationship with the sport began at the tender age of nine. Growing up in Washington, D.C. , Boyd entered a world where rugby was predominantly viewed as a pastime for those in private educational institutions.
As one of the few Black girls playing the sport in the D.C. metropolitan area, she quickly recognized that her presence on the pitch was about more than just athletic competition. For Boyd, representation is a core motivation. She views her journey as a means to open doors for others, striving to expand the reach of rugby to a more diverse demographic.
This commitment to growth extends beyond her own playing career, as she spends her summer months coaching teenage boys and girls, ensuring that the next generation of players has the support and visibility they need to thrive. Her athletic prowess is not limited to rugby, as she also contributes her talents to the LIU flag football team, demonstrating a multifaceted athletic capability.
Parallel to Boyd's journey is that of Anaise Novembre, a wing player whose path to the rugby pitch was far less direct. A native of Long Island, Novembre initially attended Nassau Community College during the first half of her freshman year before transferring to Long Island University in search of a more holistic collegiate experience. In high school, her athletic identity was rooted in basketball and lacrosse, and she had not initially envisioned herself as a collegiate athlete.
However, upon entering LIU and majoring in political science with the intent of pursuing a legal career, she realized the importance of developing a rigorous sense of discipline. Encouraged by a friend, she decided to join the rugby team as a walk-on. While she initially doubted whether she would see significant playing time or handle the physicality of being tackled, the experience proved to be transformative.
The sport provided her with a new level of mental toughness and physical resilience that complemented her academic ambitions. The intersection of athletic rigor and academic ambition is perhaps most evident in the future goals of both Boyd and Novembre. Both juniors are steering their lives toward the demanding field of law. Mani Boyd, who is currently majoring in finance, maintains an impressive 4.0 GPA, a testament to her structured approach to life.
Her academic plan is ambitious; after completing her undergraduate degree, she intends to remain at LIU for an additional year to earn a master's degree before applying to law school. Her ultimate goal is to attend Georgetown Law and establish herself as a successful corporate lawyer. Simultaneously, she continues to push the boundaries of her athletic career, aiming to play professionally and potentially represent USA Rugby on the international stage.
For these women, the rugby pitch is not merely a place for sport, but a training ground for the professional world. The grit, teamwork, and strategic thinking required to succeed as a Shark are the same qualities needed to navigate the complexities of the legal system. By balancing the demands of high-level athletics with the pressures of a pre-law curriculum, Boyd and Novembre are redefining what it means to be a student-athlete.
Their stories highlight the power of representation and the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone to find a passion that drives personal and professional growth. As they move toward their respective goals in the legal profession, they leave behind a legacy of determination that will undoubtedly inspire future generations of women at Long Island University to pursue their dreams with equal fervor
Long Island University Women's Rugby Law School Mani Boyd Student-Athletes
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