More than an athlete: Reyna Whitaker

Reyna Whitaker, junior history education major and Cleveland native, loves to hike, play board games, go antiquing and, as of 2020, compete with Lee University’s women’s rugby team.

Whitaker joined the rugby team during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic because she was looking for a way to connect with other students during such a difficult time.

“I joined rugby for the community, but I enjoy the game,” Whitaker said. “Being a part of the team allowed me to look past what COVID had taken away and lean more into finding myself again [while] being able to grow, learn and be active with a group of girls who are a lot like me.”

Whitaker serves as chaplain and social chair for the team. She said these positions have helped her develop her time management skills as well as her faith.

“I think it has challenged me to be more intentional and to think more critically about my faith so that I can better lead these girls by leading by example,” Whitaker said. “An example of me being mindful is watching my temper on the field.”

Lee alumnus Chris Martin is the rugby team’s head coach. Martin said Whitaker is a crucial momentum setter for the team during practice and game days.

“While her actions are what speaks the loudest amongst the chaos of the game and even practices, her voice in the quiet moments is also one of constant positivity. Even when it’s a moment of reflection or hard discussion, her voice is calm and controlled and hopeful for what’s coming next,” said Martin. “Reyna is loved by her entire team, both because of the care she shows everyone, but also because of the genuine intentionality she has for the relationships with these girls. She treats everyone with kindness — it’s hard to imagine the team without her.”

Team Captain Anna Gilliam, a senior sociology major with a minor in social work, has been a friend of Whitaker’s since she joined the team back in 2020.

“Every time Reyna shows up, she’s always smiling and has such a happy attitude, even when she doesn’t feel like it,” Gilliam said. “She just brings such a light and joy to our team and just a positive energy to be around, and it radiates everywhere. She’s one heck of a player, too.”

Gilliam said Whitaker not only shows up as a leader, but as a teammate who exhibits Christ in the way she cares for others.

“In rugby, especially whenever somebody needs to step up to make a play or run the ball super hard or be there for support, Reyna never hesitates,” Gilliam says. “She runs so hard, so quick, and is always taking initiative to make the big plays and do the big things.”

After graduation, Whitaker plans to move overseas and teach English, utilizing her TESOL minor. She dreams of exploring and learning more about the world around her. If she decides to return to the states, she wants to teach history or English as a second language in schools.

For more information on Lee’s rugby teams, follow @leeuniversityrugby on Instagram.