In the world of collegiate rugby, very few players shine as brightly as AIC’s own Naomi Dodds. A standout athlete for AIC’s women’s rugby team, Dodds recently earned MVP honors in the NIRA D2 finals and was recognized as a first-team All-NIRA player for her speed, power, agility, and incredible leadership. But her journey doesn’t stop there—she also represents Jamaica on the international stage, balances school and work, and remains a role model for young athletes back home in Jamaica.
A Passion Ignited
Dodds’ introduction to rugby came through her older brother, whose enthusiasm for the sport was contagious. Though she had never watched a game, she and her friends joined their high school’s new girls’ rugby team on a whim. “It’s been love ever since,” she says.
That love took her from the streets of Kingston to the collegiate ranks, where she found a renewed passion for the game. “AIC rugby has allowed me to find the love that I had been slowly losing for the sport,” she shares.
The Challenges Behind the Success
Her journey has been anything but easy. One of her biggest struggles was an identity crisis, feeling defined by the sport rather than by who she truly is. “People have only known me as a ‘good player,’ not for who I am,” she admits. The mental toll of rugby extends beyond the field, but she has learned to navigate it with resilience.
A Gritty Finals Performance
The NIRA D2 finals were a test of willpower for Dodds and her team. Cold, wet conditions made for a difficult and ugly match, and even with her experience, she felt the nerves. “I felt like I was doing everything wrong” she recalls. But her teammates’ unwavering belief in her helped her push through. When AIC found themselves under immense defensive pressure from Davenport, something clicked. “We dug deep and played with heart…we never gave up,” she says. That collective effort led to victory and a stunner of a score from Dodds, and Dodds was named MVP. Yet, for her, it was a team accomplishment. “My teammates were the ones who really stood out to me. I trusted them, and they trusted me.”
Representing Jamaica on the Global Stage
Wearing the Jamaican jersey is an honor Dodds does not take lightly. She has helped take her country to numerous international tournaments and now finds herself in a leadership role. “I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to meet people across the world and see things differently,” she says. Her goal? To one-day mentor young Jamaican players and give them the same opportunities she had.
Balancing It All: School, Work, and Rugby
Dodds’ schedule is packed, but she credits her ability to manage everything to faith and community. “The grace of God! I can never give myself credit for all the blessings He has given me,” she says. AIC’s resources have also played a crucial role in helping her stay healthy, especially after injuries took a toll. Now, she prioritizes recovery, using every tool available to keep her body strong.
An All-NIRA Honor & The Road to the Olympics
Being named an All-American is still surreal for Dodds. “I’ve only seen and heard of ‘All-American’ through social media, so to be recognized as one is humbling,” she says. But she’s not stopping there. Her next big goal? The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Academically, she’s determined to graduate with honors in sports management. Beyond that, she’s letting her faith guide her path.
Words of Wisdom for Young Athletes
Dodds has a message for young girls who dream of following in her footsteps: “It takes a lot of time and dedication. Have faith—if God brought you to it, He will bring you through it.” She knows what it’s like to have people doubt her, but instead of letting it break her, she used it as fuel. “Many people turned their backs on me, and I’m grateful for them. It made me work ten times harder to prove them wrong—and prove myself right. Just keep going.” From Kingston to Springfield, from AIC to the world stage, Naomi Dodds is not just playing rugby…she’s inspiring a generation!
