2021-22 Kevin Higgins College Scholarship Recipient: Micky O’Leary

Micky O’Leary

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Rugby has been the moral compass guiding Micky O’Leary. By experiencing the respect and accountability the game demands, Micky began to demand those same qualities out of those in his own life and the returns were two-fold. In 2012, O’Leary began his rugby career with the North Bay Wildcats Rugby Club. As he developed his rugby IQ and skills, he advanced to the NorCal Jr. Pelicans All Stars in 2017. With the Pelicans was named team captain. He also played for the San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby Club from 2017-2021. He earned the Golden Gate Respect Award for his character on the pitch during the 2018-2019 season. He also appeared in matches with the Bay Area Rugby Academy Sharks in 2018. “Micky is a goal-oriented, dedicated and self-motivated individual. His work ethic is outstanding.

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Micky rises to the occasion and is at his best when his best is needed. Micky’s competitive nature makes him an outstanding performer under pressure. He also displays sportsmanship at all times and is an excellent role model for the rest of the team. Micky is a tremendous leader and understands the importance of leading by example,” said Ali Behnam, San Francisco Golden Gate Varsity Coach. O’Leary graduated with honors from Novato High School in the spring of 2021. He will continue his academic and athletic career at the University of San Diego. His rugby goals include becoming the most dominant player he can be and being accountable to his teammates. In the short time that Micky has been with the Toreros, he has already made an impact that trend toward his goals. “Micky is one of the most impressive young men I have encountered over my 11 years with this program. Hardworking, passionate, outstanding on the pitch. He was awarded man of the match already this semester as a freshman. We demand quite a lot of our players with daily training or gym sessions required. Micky is extraordinarily dedicated and has not missed a single session while doing very well in his classes thus far. He is a natural fit in our program, and we are very lucky to have him,” said Kevin Eaton, University of San Diego Men’s Rugby Head Coach.

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Micky O’LearyRugby has been the moral compass guiding Micky O’Leary. By experiencing the respect and accountability the game demands, Micky began to demand those same qualities out of those in his own life and the returns were two-fold. In 2012, O’Leary began his rugby career with the North Bay Wildcats Rugby Club. As he developed his rugby IQ and skills, he advanced to the NorCal Jr. Pelicans All Stars in 2017. With the Pelicans was named team captain. He also played for the San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby Club from 2017-2021. He earned the Golden Gate Respect Award for his character on the pitch during the 2018-2019 season. He also appeared in matches with the Bay Area Rugby Academy Sharks in 2018. “Micky is a goal-oriented, dedicated and self-motivated individual. His work ethic is outstanding.

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Micky rises to the occasion and is at his best when his best is needed. Micky’s competitive nature makes him an outstanding performer under pressure. He also displays sportsmanship at all times and is an excellent role model for the rest of the team. Micky is a tremendous leader and understands the importance of leading by example,” said Ali Behnam, San Francisco Golden Gate Varsity Coach. O’Leary graduated with honors from Novato High School in the spring of 2021. He will continue his academic and athletic career at the University of San Diego. His rugby goals include becoming the most dominant player he can be and being accountable to his teammates. In the short time that Micky has been with the Toreros, he has already made an impact that trend toward his goals. “Micky is one of the most impressive young men I have encountered over my 11 years with this program. Hardworking, passionate, outstanding on the pitch. He was awarded man of the match already this semester as a freshman. We demand quite a lot of our players with daily training or gym sessions required. Micky is extraordinarily dedicated and has not missed a single session while doing very well in his classes thus far. He is a natural fit in our program, and we are very lucky to have him,” said Kevin Eaton, University of San Diego Men’s Rugby Head Coach.