2024-25 Dick Poulson Scholarship Recipient: Miguel Solorzano

Miguel Solorzano discovered rugby the summer before his freshman year with the Bethesda Roosters. "Right from my first practice, getting swamped in mud and grass, I knew rugby was something I would grow to love," he recalls. As a former soccer player new to contact sports, Solorzano quickly developed both passion and skills with the support of coaches and teammates.

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Over three years, Solorzano has demonstrated remarkable versatility, playing winger, flanker, hooker, and fullback before settling into his current role as scrumhalf and team captain. This positional flexibility has contributed to his development as "the unique and versatile player I am today." His achievements include several Maryland state championships in both 7s and 15s formats, while tournaments such as Tropical 7's, New York 7's, and Cape Fear have exposed him to diverse competition.

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Family influence played a significant role in his sporting transition. "What got me to transition sports was my cousin's influence," he explains, noting how one cousin's admission to Dartmouth's rugby program particularly inspired him to "better myself on and off the field."

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Beyond rugby, Solorzano wrestled at the varsity level during freshman year and has trained in Muay Thai, both experiences helping him overcome initial hesitations about contact. His community engagement includes serving as an assistant coach for rugby camps, participating in middle school rugby "takeovers," and securing a position as a leading coach for a summer camp focused on Latina girls.

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"One thing particular to rugby that I have not experienced with any other sport, is the big sense of comradery," he notes. "My rugby team has served as a second family for me. They have always been there for me, supporting me throughout my ups and downs."

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After his freshman year, Solorzano opted for homeschooling, taking online courses and classes at Montgomery College. Having earned his GED earlier this year, he is now committed to Nazareth University's varsity rugby program.

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His mother, Ariana Audisio, describes him as "a dreamer and a fighter" with "unparalleled internal drive." At Nazareth, Solorzano plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing with aspirations for medical school. "My goal is to become an anesthesiologist," he states.

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Coach Sarah Bolek notes his "high level of dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship both on and off the field," while Dr. Phillip Fucella highlights Solorzano's "coachable" nature and capacity for "leadership and innovation." Through rugby, Solorzano has found not just athletic opportunity but a framework for personal growth, community connection, and future aspirations.