2023-24 Kevin Higgins College Scholarship Recipient: Olivia George

While experiences in other athletic atmospheres led Olivia George to feel judged and discriminated against, the rugby pitch welcomed her with open arms. One practice was all it took for Olivia to find her passion. She played for the Hamilton Rugby Football Club where she served as team captain and helped lead the team to a state championship appearance. She was also awarded scholar athlete and MVP honors. She was invited to play for the Midwest All-Stars in 2020 and earned a USA Rugby East Camp invite in 2023.  

“Immediately upon meeting Olivia, her work ethic and dedication to her teammates and to our team was evident. Olivia is the type of teammate and player you hope your team is lucky enough to have on their roster. Olivia was able to demonstrate her leadership skills early on, and she was selected as a team captain her senior season. I have learned a great deal about her and her abilities throughout our time spent together, and I am excited to watch Olivia continue to excel in her studies and life after high school,” said Katie McNeil, Hamilton Rugby Football Club Head Coach. 

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She attended Hamilton High School in Sussex, Wisconsin and graduated with a 3.8 GPA. She was actively involved in several clubs including Spanish Club, Charger Press, and DECA Business Club. After demonstrating her hard work as DECA VP of Community Service, winning a first-place title at the district and state level of competition, and competing at the international competition, she was awarded with the honor of becoming DECA Chapter President. During the 2022-23 school year, she continued to succeed in competition, and placed first yet again at the district competition, second at state, and earned a top 20 finalist spot at the international competition.

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Olivia will attend the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse where she will study business. 

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“My goal in entering the business field is to help eradicate the stigma that successful business owners are in it for the money. I want to develop a company where the fundamental purpose is to serve customers as well as they can, while also pursuing philanthropy efforts that will help the world. My vision is to raise funds to support research in alternative energies and genuinely implement practices that will reduce the carbon footprint of my company. I hope to provide resources to those in need, both within our country and potentially to those less privileged than Americans,” said George. 

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After the final whistle of her playing career, she is determined to remain an influential presence in her local rugby community and looks forward to the opportunity to give back through coaching.