2023-24 Kevin Higgins College Scholarship Recipient: Jeremiah Odvina

Jeremiah Odvina explored rugby when he was looking to improve his tackling and game development on the football field. Soon enough, his love for rugby took over and he decided it was the game he wanted to pursue. Odvina played for Long Beach Polytechnic High School Rugby and Belmont Shore Rugby Club. He helped Belmont Shore win a 15s National Championship title and a NAI U18 Open Division title. He expanded his exposure by participating in the LA Giltinis and San Diego Legion Academies.

“As fine a rugby player as Jeremiah is, he is even a finer young man. To be direct, that makes me the proudest to recommend him. You cannot ask much more of a student athlete that they display a great attitude in the classroom and on the field. He does this daily. The same work ethic that has made him such a good rugby player has made him a strong student. Jeremiah is polite, and above all, humble, in light all his academic and athletic accomplishments,” said Anthony Monte, Belmont Shore Youth Rugby Football Club Assistant Coach. 

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Odvina attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School in Long Beach, California. He graduated with a 4.0 GPA and earned numerous academic achievements, including, high school valedictorian honors. He was also a member of the Long Beach Poly football team, helping secure a top 25 team national ranking in his senior year. He was an active member of Link Crew, helping incoming freshmen explore campus and meet new people. 

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Jeremiah will continue his academic and rugby career at Cal State Long Beach University, where he will pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering. He aspires to earn rugby All-American honors at the collegiate level and earn a spot on the USA U20 squad. After college, he hopes to continue to play at the semi-pro level, ideally in another country. He looks forward to traveling the world and sharing different experiences and perspectives within the rugby community and beyond.