2023-24 Preston Worth Scholarship Recipient: Ned O'Brien
With a competitive fire ignited at a young age, Ned O'Brien has embraced the values of rugby to propel his journey both on and off the pitch. O'Brien's rugby roots took hold at just 8 years old when his best friend's father, a former player for New Mexico State, introduced the two boys to the sport at a summer camp.
While O'Brien had experimented with other sports like soccer and baseball, he found his true passion in rugby. Throughout his childhood, he primarily played scrumhalf on recreational teams until his senior year of high school when he expanded his versatility to fullback, flanker and hooker in 7s matches.
When O'Brien arrived at Western Washington University, he transitioned to the wing position, drawing on his agility, strong tackle execution and skilled ball handling. However, he believes his future may shift toward a more impactful center role.
"Don't be okay with getting beat," is a mantra that has motivated O'Brien through his rugby journey and life's challenges. He admits to previously shying away from contact due to fear, but faced that hurdle head-on, realizing it was key to reaching his full potential in the game he loved.
"Time and time again, I would get beat simply because I didn't want to make the tackle. At a certain point, I just thought about what my coach had told me and ran with it. I just figured it was part of the game I loved, and if I wanted to be the best player I could be, I needed to get over this fear," reflected O'Brien. "This has also given me motivation throughout life to work harder even when things are hard."
O'Brien's decision to attend Western was motivated by its proximity to his hometown of Mukilteo, Washington, the picturesque campus, and the university's prestigious rugby program. As he nears the end of his freshman year, he has no regrets.
"The memories I've made here, the friends I've met along the way, and the true brotherhood that I've been a part of while playing for Western is unparalleled," said O'Brien.
In addition to playing club soccer while attending Kamiak High School, O'Brien played football but never felt a true connection to the sport. Rugby provided an escape and an avenue to grow as an athlete while surrounding himself with cherished teammates.
"I was never one to enjoy going to practice, but to link up with the boys I had been playing with for years and just go have fun was something I'll never forget," said O'Brien.
Looking ahead, O'Brien hopes to elevate his rugby skills by becoming a more explosive and versatile player who can make an impact at any position. Off the pitch, he is focused on academic success while gaining wisdom from mentors to help navigate life's journey.
Fueled by rugby's core values of perseverance and continual self-improvement, O'Brien is eager to leave a lasting impact for the next generation of players, much like those who sparked his lifelong love for the game.
