Ada Milby was recently named Captain of the Lady Volcanoes 15s squad set to compete in the Women's Asian 4 Nations Division 2 Championships. Let's get to know her better :-)
1. When did you start playing Rugby?
I started playing Rugby my first year of college. I played American Football on the boys team in high school and thought Rugby would be fun since at least I would be playing on a team with other girls.
2. What do you enjoy about the game?
I really enjoy the team cameraderie and of course the contact aspect of the game. I can't really explain why it's fun to tackle people, but it is! It's also so rewarding to know when everyone is doing their part and it pays off when our team scores a try.
3. What are the challenges for girls who play the sport?
I think the challenges for girls is getting over what other people might think of you if you play a rough sport. I struggled a lot when I was younger trying to discover if I was a tomboy or a girly girl. Now I know that it's ok to be both and sometimes you can see me sporting really girly nail polish on the field. It's my way to bringing balance to both sides of my personality and I am really comfortable with myself in that aspect now.
4. Do you think Pinays can excel in the sport and compete with the best in Asia?
The Volcano Men's Team is already proving that by their most recent achievements - the Women's program is just a few years behind in terms of growth so I think it's absolutely possible to excel, compete, and win with the best.
5. How did it feel when you were chosen to be Captan of the team?
I was honestly 100% shocked to learn I was chosen as Captain. I had taken a long leave from Rugby after sustaining an injury in college rugby and almost considered not even going to Rugby 101 practice when I first arrived here because I wasn't sure I would be an asset to the team. I was really happy to just contribute to the team and help out where I could, so I'm really very graetful and humbled to be captain of our team.
6. Tell us something about your training schedule.
There are different aspects to my training. Since we are preparing for tournament next week, most of my training is strength endurance and speed endurance in addition to Rugby practice and games. After the tournament, I'll be focusing on increasing my overall speed to prepare for 7's in August and then once 7's season is complete, I'll switch into strength building mode during off season to get stronger for next year.
My diet is also dependent on my training requirements but overall, I eat a diet that includes lots of vegetables, clean proteins like chicken breast and fish and complex carbohydrates like oatmeal and mueseli. If I'm in a gym, I work out my body using various weight lifting exercises but my favorites are squats and lat pull downs. If I'm not in a gym, I focus on doing plyometrics and body weight exercises.
I started playing Rugby my first year of college. I played American Football on the boys team in high school and thought Rugby would be fun since at least I would be playing on a team with other girls.
2. What do you enjoy about the game?
I really enjoy the team cameraderie and of course the contact aspect of the game. I can't really explain why it's fun to tackle people, but it is! It's also so rewarding to know when everyone is doing their part and it pays off when our team scores a try.
3. What are the challenges for girls who play the sport?
I think the challenges for girls is getting over what other people might think of you if you play a rough sport. I struggled a lot when I was younger trying to discover if I was a tomboy or a girly girl. Now I know that it's ok to be both and sometimes you can see me sporting really girly nail polish on the field. It's my way to bringing balance to both sides of my personality and I am really comfortable with myself in that aspect now.
4. Do you think Pinays can excel in the sport and compete with the best in Asia?
The Volcano Men's Team is already proving that by their most recent achievements - the Women's program is just a few years behind in terms of growth so I think it's absolutely possible to excel, compete, and win with the best.
5. How did it feel when you were chosen to be Captan of the team?
I was honestly 100% shocked to learn I was chosen as Captain. I had taken a long leave from Rugby after sustaining an injury in college rugby and almost considered not even going to Rugby 101 practice when I first arrived here because I wasn't sure I would be an asset to the team. I was really happy to just contribute to the team and help out where I could, so I'm really very graetful and humbled to be captain of our team.
6. Tell us something about your training schedule.
There are different aspects to my training. Since we are preparing for tournament next week, most of my training is strength endurance and speed endurance in addition to Rugby practice and games. After the tournament, I'll be focusing on increasing my overall speed to prepare for 7's in August and then once 7's season is complete, I'll switch into strength building mode during off season to get stronger for next year.
My diet is also dependent on my training requirements but overall, I eat a diet that includes lots of vegetables, clean proteins like chicken breast and fish and complex carbohydrates like oatmeal and mueseli. If I'm in a gym, I work out my body using various weight lifting exercises but my favorites are squats and lat pull downs. If I'm not in a gym, I focus on doing plyometrics and body weight exercises.
7. Outside of Rugby, what occupies your time?
I have a 2 yr. old daughter who is literally my world outside of rugby. She takes up most of my off time except when I'm helping my brother to diversify and invest in business. Howevever, I'm also a swing dance enthusiast and am starting to teach swing dance in Pasig after tournament.
8. How does your family support your passion for Rugby?
My family has always been supportive of my decision to be in sports - I've been playing sports since I was a toddler. When I was in the US, my mom would go to as many games as she could and now that I'm here, it's my brother who tries to make it to my games.
9. What's the best thing about being part of the Philippine Volcanoes?
The best thing about being part of the Philippine Volcanoes is the friendships I've made and the great people I've met. When I first came here to the Philippines, I didn't know anyone so coming out to Rugby 101 was a great way to join a great community of people that are always welcoming new players. My favorite memory so far is probably when we went island hopping with the Cebu girls team when we played Manila vs. Cebu. It's always so great to be able to play hard on AND off the field and all be friends after a game regardless of who wins.
I have a 2 yr. old daughter who is literally my world outside of rugby. She takes up most of my off time except when I'm helping my brother to diversify and invest in business. Howevever, I'm also a swing dance enthusiast and am starting to teach swing dance in Pasig after tournament.
8. How does your family support your passion for Rugby?
My family has always been supportive of my decision to be in sports - I've been playing sports since I was a toddler. When I was in the US, my mom would go to as many games as she could and now that I'm here, it's my brother who tries to make it to my games.
9. What's the best thing about being part of the Philippine Volcanoes?
The best thing about being part of the Philippine Volcanoes is the friendships I've made and the great people I've met. When I first came here to the Philippines, I didn't know anyone so coming out to Rugby 101 was a great way to join a great community of people that are always welcoming new players. My favorite memory so far is probably when we went island hopping with the Cebu girls team when we played Manila vs. Cebu. It's always so great to be able to play hard on AND off the field and all be friends after a game regardless of who wins.
10.What advice would you give to girls who are curious about the sport but are hesitant to try it?
Rugby is a fairly easy sport to learn. If you have basic coordination and can run, you can play Rugby. If you are worried about what people might think, don't be - the spice of life is trying new things and meeting new people. New players are always welcomed with open arms and we enjoy helping new players learn because you could be the next Lady Volcano in the making.
11. What's your message to your teammates?
Ladies - I'm so thankful and honored to be playing alongside fellow pinays and representing our country so proudly. We know that we've got some hard work in front of us but I know that we have the drive and attitude to continue improving and developing as individual players and as a team. Let's go out next week and be the best team we can be. Let's go UP - AS ONE!
12. What's your message for the Volcanoes' supporters?
Maraming maraming salamat po to all all our supporters - to our sponsors at JML and all the spectators and fans who help spread the good word about rugby. Without you, this sport wouldn't be developing with the level of players that are continuing to raise the benchmark of what is good rugby in this country. On behalf of all the lady Volcanoes, we will continue to work hard to make sure this is a team the Philippines can be proud to support. We look forward to seeing you at our next game!
Rugby is a fairly easy sport to learn. If you have basic coordination and can run, you can play Rugby. If you are worried about what people might think, don't be - the spice of life is trying new things and meeting new people. New players are always welcomed with open arms and we enjoy helping new players learn because you could be the next Lady Volcano in the making.
11. What's your message to your teammates?
Ladies - I'm so thankful and honored to be playing alongside fellow pinays and representing our country so proudly. We know that we've got some hard work in front of us but I know that we have the drive and attitude to continue improving and developing as individual players and as a team. Let's go out next week and be the best team we can be. Let's go UP - AS ONE!
12. What's your message for the Volcanoes' supporters?
Maraming maraming salamat po to all all our supporters - to our sponsors at JML and all the spectators and fans who help spread the good word about rugby. Without you, this sport wouldn't be developing with the level of players that are continuing to raise the benchmark of what is good rugby in this country. On behalf of all the lady Volcanoes, we will continue to work hard to make sure this is a team the Philippines can be proud to support. We look forward to seeing you at our next game!
The Lady Volcanoes are competing in the Women's 4 Nations Division 2 Championships on June 14 and 16 at the Eagles' Field, Southern Plains, Silangan, Laguna.
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