Harvard Graduate Cheta Emba Aims to Shine at Rugby World Cup

With a degree in molecular and cellular biology from Harvard University, Cheta Emba approaches rugby with the same precision she once applied in the classroom. Now 32, the Nigerian-American athlete is set to represent the United States at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, showcasing a journey that blends science, ambition, and sport.

From Football Goalkeeper to Rugby Pitch

Before discovering rugby, Emba’s athletic dreams revolved around football. She trained as a goalkeeper with the academy side of Washington Spirit, a National Women’s Soccer League team. But during her college years at Harvard, she was introduced to rugby by her roommates, who encouraged her to give it a try. What began as a casual experiment quickly became her true passion.

Nigerian Roots and Family Values

Born in Richmond, Virginia, to Nigerian parents, Emba grew up in what she calls a “typical African household,” where education came before anything else. Her parents insisted that she excel in the classroom before enjoying outdoor activities. That discipline not only secured her a place at Harvard but also instilled the resilience she now brings to professional sport.

First Steps into Rugby

Initially, Emba hesitated to fully embrace rugby. As a goalkeeper, she was used to limited physical contact, but rugby demanded full commitment. She recalls being eased into the sport during “snugby” sessions—training in snowy conditions where tackles were softened by the powder. Those early experiences helped her adjust to the intensity and physicality of the game.

Discovering an International Opportunity

Once she gained confidence, Emba realized rugby could give her the international career she always dreamed of. She had hoped to represent either Nigeria or the United States in global sport, and rugby provided the chance. Invited to national team camps and inspired by the excitement of rugby sevens, she decided to fully dedicate herself to the sport.

Climbing the Ranks in US Rugby

Emba’s first major breakthrough came in 2017, when she played in the World Cup in Ireland, starting four matches at full-back and scoring tries against Spain and England. Although the USA fell to New Zealand in the semi-finals, her performances announced her as a rising star.

Olympic Dream Realized

While she narrowly missed out on the 2016 Rio Olympics, Emba finally made her debut at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games, where the USA finished sixth. Her perseverance paid off in Paris in 2024, where she won Olympic bronze after the USA defeated Australia. That victory, she says, was not only personal but also pivotal in raising the profile of rugby in America.

Winning Over Her Parents

Her parents initially struggled to understand rugby, a sport unfamiliar to many Americans and Nigerians alike. But the prestige of competing at the Olympics reassured them. Seeing their daughter on the world stage transformed their cautious skepticism into pride and support, solidifying her family’s belief in her path.

Rugby’s Message of Strength

Emba believes rugby gives women a platform to embrace both strength and resilience. In a society where women are often encouraged to appear gentle, she sees the sport as proof that women can also be powerful, fierce, and fast. For her, rugby embodies empowerment and inclusivity, with a place for athletes of all body types and skill sets.

Teammates and Role Models

As the USA prepares for the World Cup opener against England, Emba could line up beside stars like Ilona Maher, the Bristol Bears centre and social media sensation who advocates body positivity. Playing alongside such figures highlights rugby’s growing influence, not just on the field but also in broader cultural conversations about women and sport.

Eyes on the Podium

The USA won the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991, and Emba believes her squad can once again make history. She insists their target is clear: to reach the podium, with the ultimate dream of lifting the trophy. “To be in the final would be incredible,” she says, “but winning it all would be the greatest prize.”

A Scientist with Sporting Dreams

For Emba, rugby has been the bridge between her academic excellence and athletic ambition. From snowy Harvard training fields to Olympic podiums and now the World Cup, her journey is proof that determination and adaptability can turn dreams into reality. As she prepares to compete in England, her mission is simple—to conquer the sport she loves.

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