Women in Sport: Stephanie Carroll, Munster Rugby

After only picking up the sport of rugby in 2018, Stephanie Carroll has already won Inter-Pro’s with Munster Rugby and also a Bronze medal at the Rugby Europe Sevens in 2019 for Ireland. 

How did you get into your chosen sport ?

For many years I played Ladies Gaelic Football for my local club St Ailbes and for Limerick, I had never really thought of rugby as it wasn’t really popular where I grew up. In college, I took up tag rugby and ended up on a team with Sara Quin. Sara played rugby for Richmond Ladies and tried for months to get me involved back in 2018, eventually I gave in and haven’t looked back since. Fast-forward to 2021, Sara captained the Munster Women’s Rugby team where together we won our first intro-provincial title together. I will always be thankful to Sara for pushing me to give rugby a go.

Who was your sporting hero growing up and your sporting hero now?

Growing up I was involved in Athletics and always looked up to Derval O’Rourke and Sonia O’Sullivan. They were the people I saw on TV winning medals for Ireland and they were such an inspiration to young girls. I suppose I would still look up to them nowadays but I think in recent times Katie McCabe would be my sporting hero. Katie and the women’s Irish soccer team have paved the way for the next generation of young girls who have dreams of playing for Ireland in the future. It was an amazing achievement by them to qualify for the women’s soccer world cup in Australia recently which will encourage more and more young girls to participate in soccer.

Normal day before a game?

The day before a game, my routine never really changes
· I get up early and go out for walk to get some movement in
· Plan my nutrition so I get enough carbohydrates in to ensure I am fuelled correctly for the game
· Try my best to drink 3-4 litres of water
· 30 mins of foam rolling
Other than the above, I try not to overthink the game the day before. The work is usually done by then and you should be ready for the game. I would just try to keep myself busy at work and then relax in the evening.

What is the most memorable moment in your career so far ?

Each time I’ve been lucky enough to wear the Munster jersey and it has been a privilege and very memorable but I will never forget winning my first All-Ireland League in 2019 with my club, Railway Union. It was my first season playing AIL rugby with Railway, I got injured in the middle of the season but got back for the final stages which made it sweeter. We beat UL Bohs 13-8 and I scored the last try to secure the win. I will never forget it and it was probably the first time I thought to myself that I might be good at rugby after all.

What is an important lesson you have learnt in your sport ?

Throughout my career playing rugby, I picked up various minor and severe injuries along the way which put me on the sidelines for months on end. It can be a dark and lonely place; rehabbing on your own while your teammates are out training and playing matches but there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Many athletes come back from injuries stronger and fitter than ever so it’s about using your time wisely. Injuries also put life into perspective that sport isn’t everything, it makes you focus on yourself, academics and family which you may have neglected as you become so consumed by your sport.

What is the best advice you would give to someone?

My best advice to someone is to enjoy every moment (even those fitness sessions on a cold winter's night in December) as it doesn’t last forever. There are always ups and downs in sport, mistakes will be made but it’s about learning from those mistakes which in return will make you a better athlete. Just follow your dreams and never give up as you can achieve anything you put your mind to.