Elle Crossley

Reporter's Notebook 

My love for journalism has always been rooted in my passion for learning. Finding new information and new perspectives as I interact with a range of different people is one of the most fulfilling parts of my life, especially when the learning comes unexpectedly. As I investigated Ilona Maher’s impact on Utah’s girls rugby scene, I was reminded how this makes journalism so fulfilling. 

I went into the story hoping to focus on the tangible changes the rugby star has made, focusing on the influx of girls' interest in rugby since Maher came on the scene. From my first interview, it was evident that there was a bigger story waiting to be uncovered. Not only has she driven athletes to the sport, but she’s transformed the landscape for those that have been in the game for years. Most women have dealt with body-image issues at one point in their life or another, and athletes face even more added pressure to obtain a certain physique. According to a WebMD survey among female college athletes, almost 70% felt pressure to be pretty and nearly one-third were afraid of becoming “too muscular.” Young girls are not immune to these pressures, but they learn by example. Having a positive role model can make a massive difference on their impressionable minds.

I had the privilege of working closely with the Majestics Girls Rugby Club in my reporting. The passion these girls had for the game and for each other was something special. I could feel it radiating from their practice field. They showed me the power rugby holds to unite and empower, and they all beamed with gratitude for how Maher is spreading that to the world. The Majestics are based in Glendale on the west side of Salt Lake City, which is a historically underserved community. The coaches and players I spoke with all touched on the significance of their location and how it ties into the team’s greater mission to transform lives. Rugby can give education opportunities to those who might not have the financial means to attend a college or university. It gives them the chance to earn scholarships that could take them across the nation. As Maher continues to grow the sport’s magnitude and momentum, the opportunities that come along with it will grow as well. 

Reflecting on my time in Utah’s girls rugby scene, I’m reminded of the power we all hold to make positive change in our communities. One strong role model can show massive populations of young women their worth. One team can show its players what they are capable of. Every transformation starts somewhere, even from humble beginnings. My time working on this project further solidified an important lesson I’ve learned as a journalist: The real story is never what you see at face-value, it always goes deeper.