2024-25 Kevin Higgins Scholarship Recipient: Rocco Pool

Born into a rugby family with New Zealand heritage, Rocco Pool began his rugby journey at just four years old with the San Diego Mustangs. His father, who grew up playing the sport in New Zealand, introduced him to what would become his passion.

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Pool has developed into a versatile player, excelling primarily at flyhalf and fullback positions. His impressive accomplishments include captaining the San Diego Mustangs U18 team to the National Championship, leading them to a fourth-place finish in his senior year, and winning the California State Championship with Torrey Pines High School in his junior year.

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Danny Lee, Head Coach of the San Diego Legion, recognizes Pool's exceptional rugby intellect: "Rocco is a student of the game as expected with having New Zealand heritage. His knowledge and ability to transfer this knowledge into the game is second to none."

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Matty Sandoval, who coached Pool at both Torrey Pines and with the Mustangs, adds: "Where Rocco really shines on the pitch is decision making. He has a very high rugby IQ, sees the field well, and puts himself and his team in optimal position."

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Initially hesitant to embrace leadership roles, Pool developed significantly in this area, eventually captaining both his high school and club teams during his senior year. "He led Torrey Pines to an undefeated regular season, and a top ten national ranking," Sandoval notes.

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While maintaining a 3.78 weighted GPA at Torrey Pines High School, Pool also played recreational soccer during rugby's off-season. Looking ahead, he has committed to Saint Mary's College, where he'll join the nationally recognized Gaels rugby program while pursuing a degree in Accounting/Finance.

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"My main goals for college is to continue the program's success in adding more national championships," Pool states. "Beyond college I want to become a U.S. Eagle and play in the MLR or better." He recognizes the importance of education alongside athletics, planning to secure a degree that provides career options after rugby.