Hannah “Muscles” Zibert

Q : What do you love most about rugby?

A : There's something special in women who choose to play to rugby: a humility to look utterly ridiculous while learning something entirely new tied with a desire to be the opposite of what we've been told to be most of our existence... strong instead of weak, loud instead of quiet, rough instead of careful, bold instead of meek, assertive instead of passive , tactical instead of tactful. You're never too big or too small to play rugby; you can come on the pitch exactly as you are. Women's Rugby celebrates differences in more ways than body type. Now obviously, we've all got to grow and develop our skills but there's a spot for you if you're willing to put in the time and give yourself to it.

Q : What is something you would tell someone who has never played the sport?

A : Don't hang out on the wing. The wing is the easiest position to start at but one of the hardest to perfect. There's lots of learning opportunities in the middle. Make mistakes... it's the best way to learn.

Q : What is your favorite rugby memory?

A : The summer of 2011. It's not a singular moment but as time goes on, the time blends into one general warm fuzzy feeling. I got to spend the entire summer with my best friend, playing rugby every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday with Erie rugby. I learned a whole new style of rugby that was fast paced and aggressive and competitive. Seemingly ad hoc yet somehow, always fluid and passionate. Those men taught me a great deal and treated me as a fellow player: not a woman, or a girl, but a teammate and friend. I played women's rugby for the first time and loved every minute of it... even if it was only 7s. I learned how to work harder and think smarter because of a new (now old) friend. She kicked my ass daily. And in my most stupid and best moments in rugby, I can hear her yelling at me, even if now we are hours apart. And of course, I met my now husband that summer. I tricked him into dating 20 year-old me. And somehow, he keeps falling for the same trick as we've now been together for 10 years! Even in my most somber of days, he's been a rock and the confidence I needed to get up and have another go. It was a very good summer. However, I wouldn't be me of I didn't think the best was yet to come. Fall 2021 is going to be a wild ride.

Q : Fun fact about yourself?

A : I have two Shiloh Shepherds!

Q : What would your Harry Potter Patronus be?

A : I'm fairly certain my Patronus would be a badger.