Celis leads Warriors girls' rugby with love

Nathalie Celis has been the captain of the Fallbrook High School Warriors girls' rugby team for two seasons now, and the diminutive but hard-charging senior open-side flank can go from menacing scowl to huge smile at any moment when she is on the field.

Not only that, she's quick.

"Nathalie has great feet and a wicked step that leaves players dead on their feet," head coach Craig Pinnell said. "She is a player that leads by example but also has the vision to play off others at the right moment."

It's obvious her teammates love her, but the love they have for her doesn't compare to the love Celis has for her team.

"I love playing rugby because of all the girls who play with me on the field," Celis said. "My teammates are some of the most courageous girls I have ever met. I have created so many friendships, due to the immense amount of respect all players have for each other and the sport overall."

She started playing rugby in eighth grade after a friend introduced her to the sport.

"I chose to play rugby because it is like no other sport," Celis said. "It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Rugby is a pretty physical sport, and I am always willing to put my body on the line for my teammates any day. It was the best thing that has ever happened to me."

Anyone who watches her athleticism and toughness on the field will realize Celis could play any sport she wanted; however, she doesn't play any other sports at Fallbrook.

"Rugby is my favorite sport hands down," she said. "It is just such a beautiful sport with all the skill and technique it takes to play. I love those butterflies I get right before stepping on the field and the adrenaline you get after making that first tackle. Being a female rugby player is the coolest thing ever."

She has big goals for her senior season and for the Warriors, she said, but it started with one simple request.

"My goal for the team is to have fun," Celis said. "I hope for my last year in high school to be the best year yet. I want to set up my teammates and help them find that fire to ignite their flame. Lastly, I want to leave everything I learned from my coaches out on the field. I want to leave high school knowing that I did everything I could for my team and they do the same for me."

Celis said she is proud of the championship the Warriors won when she was a sophomore.

"I was young and extremely intimidated by the other team," she said. "However, my teammates and my coaches never failed to remind me that I was on varsity for a reason. They always believed in me even when I didn't, they are the reason I am the player I am today. I always strive to be that player for the younger girls because I know they are capable of so much."

Her favorite memory in rugby so far is going to Nationals in 2017 where the Warriors finished second.

"I connected with all the girls that year and had such a fun time, even under all that pressure," Celis said. "My best friend and I went together, making the experience so much better. Being able to play rugby at such a high level really makes you a better player."

After the high school season and following club season with Fallbrook girls' rugby, she said she hopes to attend Lindenwood University and continue playing rugby.

"I know a couple of player from the team that used to play with Fallbrook," Celis said. "They are also currently the No. 1 team at the college level so it would be tremendous to be on the team.

"Becoming a nurse has been a dream of mine since I was a young girl. Although, it would be amazing if I ever get the chance to become an Eagle and play rugby for my nation," Celis said.

Get to know Nathalie Celis

Favorite Subject

Art

"Because I love being creative and learning new art techniques. It also helps me take my stress away from my academic classes. I can't forget about my friends and teacher which make the class even more enjoyable."

Favorite Team

Fiji Men's Rugby team

"Especially their 7s team is unbelievable. They work so well off each other and a very high work rate. They know how to play smart and are very successful when trying new things. Watching them inspires me to try new thing with my teammates."

Favorite Athlete

Waisale Serevi

"Last summer, I met Waisale Serevi, former Fijian men's rugby player. He was humble and so fond of being a team player. He told me all about his experience playing with the team. He never gave up and was always finding a way to better himself. He taught me that if you want something thing in life you have to truly want to work for what you love."

Favorite Band/Musical Artist

Rex Orange County

Favorite TV Show

"The Office"

Favorite Movie

"Beauty and the Beast"