Captain America: Olympic Rugby Medalist Sammy Sullivan on the Synergy of Military Service and Sport

Captain Sammy Sullivan, an Olympic rugby medalist, shares how her role as an Army captain has fueled her love for the game. Her military and rugby teams have provided unwavering support, highlighting the power of both teams' sense of camaraderie and adversity.

Sammy Sullivan, a 26-year-old U.S. women's rugby team member and Army captain, has garnered widespread acclaim as "Captain America" after helping the team secure a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Sullivan's dual role as an athlete and service member has provided her with a unique perspective on the synergy between military service and sports.

Inspired by her father's service as a Special Forces Green Beret, Sullivan felt an early calling to serve. The bonds and connections forged through her father's work resonated with her, nurturing her desire to join a team-oriented environment. Upon entering the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Sullivan discovered rugby, a sport that ignited her passion.

Captain America: Olympic Rugby Medalist Sammy Sullivan on the Synergy of Military Service and Sport

As a route clearance platoon leader at Fort Carson in Colorado, Sullivan experienced the exhilaration of military service firsthand. Despite the rigors of her military duties, she remained dedicated to rugby, driving to Denver three times a week to practice. When USA Women's 7s Head Coach Emilie Bydwell invited Sullivan to join the team, she seized the opportunity by applying to the World Class Athlete program, which allowed her to train full-time while serving in the Army.

"Getting accepted into the World Class Athlete program was a massive honor for me,"Sullivan said.

Captain America: Olympic Rugby Medalist Sammy Sullivan on the Synergy of Military Service and Sport

The program enabled Sullivan to train alongside the USA rugby team for the past two years, culminating in her Olympic success. Standing on the podium with her teammates remains a surreal moment for her.

"I'm still riding the high," Sullivan exclaimed. "And [I’m] really missing my teammates. I feel like I have separation anxiety from them, because we've worked so hard and spent every day with each other for years."

Captain America: Olympic Rugby Medalist Sammy Sullivan on the Synergy of Military Service and Sport

Sullivan credits her military experience for enhancing her performance on the rugby field. She equates rugby to a combat sport, where adversity strengthens bonds and fosters resilience.

"You go through these adverse situations together, whether it's field training in sub-zero weather, or ultimately deploying and serving our nation – it’s something that not a lot of people on this earth can say they do," Sullivan said.

Captain America: Olympic Rugby Medalist Sammy Sullivan on the Synergy of Military Service and Sport

Leadership lessons learned through rugby have also translated to her military career.

"Rugby has taught me a lot about myself, how I handle stress, and has made me a better officer," she said.

Captain America: Olympic Rugby Medalist Sammy Sullivan on the Synergy of Military Service and Sport

Saluting the American flag before finals games is a particularly poignant moment for Sullivan, as it embodies her pride in representing her country as both an athlete and a soldier.

"Getting to show my patriotism in that way — and how proud I am to not only represent my country as an athlete, but also as a United States Army soldier — brings tears to my eyes every time," Sullivan said.

Captain America: Olympic Rugby Medalist Sammy Sullivan on the Synergy of Military Service and Sport

Sullivan's Olympic journey has unfolded amidst a historic surge in female athlete participation, with equal representation for men and women in the 2024 games. She attributes this progress to the increasing recognition of women's athleticism and determination.

"I feel like people are finally starting to see just how exciting women's sports can be and how much emotion is put into it, how much grit, how much aggression and power," Sullivan said.

Captain America: Olympic Rugby Medalist Sammy Sullivan on the Synergy of Military Service and Sport

To aspiring young athletes, Sullivan emphasizes the importance of pursuing their dreams with unwavering determination.

"Playing like a girl is how you want to play," Sullivan said.

Captain America: Olympic Rugby Medalist Sammy Sullivan on the Synergy of Military Service and Sport

Beyond rugby, Sullivan finds solace in Lego building, an outlet that allows her to disconnect from the intense pressures of competition. She encourages athletes to seek activities that bring joy outside of their sports.

Looking ahead, Sullivan sets her sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics while seeking opportunities to give back to the military community.

Captain America: Olympic Rugby Medalist Sammy Sullivan on the Synergy of Military Service and Sport

"The Army does such a good job of supporting us in all of our endeavors," she said. "Any job you can think of, there's a way the Army can tie into that."

Sullivan implores fans to support the rugby team throughout the season, recognizing the crucial role their encouragement will play in the team's quest for gold in 2028.

"This sport means so much to me and this team means so much to me," Sullivan said. "As long as they'll have me, I'm going to keep playing."