2024-25 Preston Worth Scholarship Recipient: Sam Schuver

Sam Schuver's rugby journey began in eighth grade, inspired by his close friend Charlie Hepp, who would later become both teammate and roommate. "He would always talk about how fun this sport is and it drew me in so much," Schuver recalls. "After a little convincing of my parents I finally was able to join the team."

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Starting with Eastside Tsunami out of Portland, Oregon, Schuver played exclusively with them until joining Western Washington University's program. Throughout his career, he has explored various backline positions, developing particular affinity for flyhalf and fullback. "I really like these two positions because I love the creativity that comes along with the positions, and I love being able to kick," he explains.

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Beyond rugby, Schuver found success in football, which he began playing in his sophomore year of high school before specializing as a punter. His achievements include winning two 6A State championships and earning all-conference recognition during his senior year—accolades that complement his rugby development.

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Balancing academics with athletics remains a priority. "Academics is a big priority on our team, and I have been doing a really good job staying on top of all my class work," he notes. His approach includes scheduling earlier classes to allow sufficient time for homework before practice. The team environment provides additional support: "A great part of being a part of a team is that a lot of the guys have taken the same classes so if you're stuck or need help, you can just reach out."

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Looking ahead, Schuver aspires "to win a national championship in both 15s and 7s this year or the next few." Long-term, he envisions "making Western Washington into a D1A team and be able to compete with a lot of the other bigger schools."

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Academically, Schuver is pursuing Communication Studies while preparing for a career as a structural firefighter. "I chose this major because I believe communication is a really important skill in any field, especially in high-pressure environments like firefighting," he explains.

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Family support has been fundamental to his journey, despite their initial unfamiliarity with rugby. "My parents and siblings are always there for me, they show up to almost every game, no matter how far it is or what the weather's like."

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Schuver has overcome challenges, including a fractured collarbone during his junior year of high school. "The hardest part was not being able to play and having to watch from the sideline," he recalls. His determined recovery process included returning to practice for "non-contact reps and skill work" as soon as possible, and the following year he helped lead his team to a state championship victory.