Charting vitals and chasing tries: UC Nursing students develop skills on and off the rugby field
At the University of Cincinnati, Bachelor of Science in Nursing students like seniors Kaleb Kiely and Josiah Soberano are proving that the path to becoming a nurse can be as varied, challenging and sometimes almost as intense as a rugby match. Their stories highlight the dedication and thoughtfulness behind choosing nursing as their career path, and how the discipline, camaraderie and resilience built on the field as part of the UC’s Rugby team fuel their growth as future nurses.
Kiely and his parents at the White Coat Ceremony
Kiely, from Hebron, Kentucky, was drawn to nursing by the opportunity to provide one-on-one patient care. The ever-changing nature and fludity of the job is important to Kiely. “It’s not just about treating an illness; it’s about helping someone as a person. The ability to make a real difference in someone’s life is what drives me," explains Kiely.
His interest in the profession deepened after a close family member spent time in and out of hospitals. “He always remembered the nurses—their care, compassion and attention made a real difference. That stuck with me and inspired me to choose this path.”
Soberano and his parents at the White Coat Ceremony
For Soberano, from Loveland, Ohio, nursing was practically in his blood. Both of his parents are UC nursing graduates, and their careers inspired his interest from a young age. His father, a retired CRNA, and his mother, a NICU nurse, modeled the combination of science, skill and compassion nursing requires. “I grew up hearing about patient care, medication management and critical thinking,” he says. “At first, I thought I might pursue biomedical engineering, but during my senior year I realized nursing was what I wanted. It combined human interaction with high-level science, making it the perfect fit.”
Although rugby’s intense physicality and fast-paced nature may seem at odds with the caring, detail-oriented work of nursing, they both see a clear link. “Rugby is about supporting your team, defending each other and staying calm under pressure,” Soberano says. “You have to read the field, anticipate plays and react instantly, all skills that translate directly to patient care, especially in the ICU or during high-stress situations.”
Kiely and Soberano representing the UC Rugby team
Kiely adds, “It’s not just the physical intensity; it’s the bonds you build and the teamwork. You learn to communicate quickly, make decisions in a split second and stay focused even when the game gets chaotic. Those same skills carry over to nursing.” Their nursing knowledge has even come in handy on the field, helping stabilize teammates after serious incidents, including seizures and fractures.
Looking ahead, Kiely plans to join the U.S. Navy Nursing Corps before pursuing a nurse practitioner degree, while Soberano aims to work in pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. “I want to gain experience and explore all my options,” Soberano says.
For both students, choosing nursing was a deliberate decision rooted in personal values and experiences. “The reward isn’t just the degree or the salary, but the ability to help someone when it matters most,” Kiely says. “That’s why I chose this profession, and I’ve never regretted it.”
Through long hours studying, challenging clinical rotations and intense rugby matches, Kiely and Soberano have built a strong friendship grounded in teamwork, trust and mutual support. These, in addition to the skills they have honed on the field, have contributed to shaping them into compassionate, resilient and skilled nurses, ready to face the challenges of patient care with confidence and empathy.
Featured image: Kaleb Kiely playing rugby for UC's team. / Photo provided
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