Rugby gives US player a place to belong including the Youth Olympics

Associated Press · Mark Banchereau · 2026-11-06 07:00 UTC

Eseta Moala has found a sense of belonging in rugby. She was considered one of the “bigger children” growing up and struggled with getting dressed for sports. Until at 11 she discovered rugby and met others her size, which boosted her confidence. This journey has led her to the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal where she and her sister Luisa have represented the United States in rugby sevens. They have been inspired by senior U.S. player Ilona Maher embracing her body and strength. Maher is a social media star who promotes body positivity and has helped to increase rugby's visibility in the U.S. The Moala sisters' U.S. coach Irene Gardner has praised Maher's impact on young girls in rugby.

Body-positive message lifts a young US rugby player to the Youth Olympics

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Before 15-year-old Eseta Moala found rugby, getting dressed for sports could make her feel she did not belong.

As one of the “bigger children,” Moala says she felt uncomfortable in fitted outfits for ballet and karate.

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