Cheta Emba is writing the kind of comeback story sports loves. An Harvard graduate with a degree in molecular and cellular biology, she first picked up rugby as cross-training for her varsity soccer goalkeeper role. That move eventually transformed her: from a rookie in college to a cornerstone of the U.S. Women’s National Rugby team on the global stage.

Emba’s trajectory has been remarkable. After excelling in varsity rugby at Harvard, where she also starred as a goalkeeper in women’s soccer, she earned her first cap in 15s rugby in 2015 and made her sevens debut in Dubai in 2016. Since then, she has become a fixture of USA rugby, playing in several games including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. In 2022, she competed again at the Sevens World Cup and now she is set to represent the USA at the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England, an achievement that marks her as one of the game’s elite athletes.

Emba has not only excelled on the field but also stepped into leadership roles off it. She was recently welcomed back to her alma mater as an assistant coach for Harvard’s women’s rugby program. Havard’s  head coach described how Emba’s presence elevates the players, especially as they witness her preparing for a World Cup while giving back to young athletes.

But her impact reaches beyond rugby fields and stadiums. In 2025, she journeyed to Papua New Guinea as part of an outreach program to promote women’s rugby and sport participation. There, she mentored young kids and spoke candidly about her own academic and athletic journey, encouraging them to follow their passion even when the path is unfamiliar. It’s a reminder that her story isn’t just about sports but about using her talent to change culture, inspire next generations, and empower young women globally.

From a Harvard lab to the Rugby World Cup, from coaching at her university to sharing the game in places like Papua New Guinea, Cheta Emba is doing more than chasing victory, she is defining what leadership in women’s rugby looks like. We cannot wait to see her perform greatly at the 2025 Rugby World Cup.