2024-25 Kaler Family Rugby Scholarship Recipient: Parker Conley
Parker Conley's rugby journey began at age nine, with a rugby ball in his hands before he ever held an American football. Introduced to the game by his father, who played competitively during and after college, Conley developed into a versatile back, excelling primarily at Outside Center and flyhalf while gaining experience across multiple backfield positions.
"I am not sure if I can say that I chose rugby or if rugby chose me," reflects Conley. "My father always said, find a rugby team and you automatically have 30-40 new best friends. Which couldn't be more true."
Conley started with LA Youth Rugby and Santa Monica Youth Rugby until the COVID-19 pandemic caused a two-year hiatus. Returning as a sophomore, he immediately earned a starting position at Outside Center for the Mira Costa High School Mustangs—rare for a player his age. His dedication shows in his rigorous training schedule: four days of weight training before school and three days of team practices after school.
"Parker is first and foremost an excellent young man. He displays all the off-field attributes that any Rugby program would be proud to have represent," says Duke Dulgarian, Head Rugby Coach at Mira Costa High School. "His teammates gravitated toward him as a leader."
Conley's talents earned him selection to the Southern California LA Allstar High School Team for two consecutive years, with opportunities to play internationally in Spain and Italy. Recently, he competed as Outside Center for the U18 Santa Monica Rugby Football Club in New Orleans, securing victories against the 2023 Louisiana State Champions and their cross-town rivals.
Beyond rugby, Conley is a multifaceted athlete who has played numerous sports and has surfed since age five. His commitment to service is evident through his participation in the LA Jr. Guards program since age nine. During his recent Jr. Guard Cadet position, he supervised younger guards and even saved five children from rip currents on his first day.
His leadership extends to his school community as an active member of the Associated Student Body for all four years, managing the school store and helping organize events like blood drives.
Conley will attend Santa Barbara City College, playing rugby for UCSB while pursuing studies in Fire Sciences and Construction Management. He aspires to become a firefighter while running his own construction company.
"My experience in the LA Jr Guards has shown me that I really enjoy being of service and helping people," says Conley. Inspired by the growth of Major League Rugby, he hopes to play professionally and eventually coach, passing on his love for the sport to future generations.
