CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Cheta Emba '15 has joined the Harvard Women's Rugby staff as an assistant coach, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. Cheta had an exceptional soccer and rugby career at Harvard. She played a key role in the Crimson team's championship run at the Crimson 7's tournament in her senior season (2014-15) after her introduction to the sport and program the previous year.
 
Since graduating, Cheta has gone on to have a remarkable career with the US Women's National Rugby Team in both 7s and 15s. She earned her first 15s cap in 2015 and her first 7s cap in Dubai in 2016. Cheta has been a pivotal figure in US Rugby, contributing to the first-ever women's HSBC 7s Series gold medal, highest world ranking in 2023, and the program's first Olympic medal. She served as vice-captain for the 2017 Women's 15s World Cup in Ireland, and has earned multiple World Cup appearances since then (2017, 2018, 2022). In 2023, she received her 30th 7s cap, marking a career milestone.

 "I am incredibly excited to step into this assistant coach role. Harvard and Harvard Athletics have been meaningful parts of my athletic and personal journey, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to give back in this way. I look forward to working alongside Head Coach Mel Denham and supporting these talented athletes as they launch their spring season. My commitment is to help fuel their success on the rugby pitch while fostering their development as students, leaders, and people beyond it," said Emba.
 
Cheta is also known for her leadership off the field, serving as a Player Rep for the USA Rugby Player's Association and a member of the International Rugby Player's Executive Board. In 2022, she played a key role in securing major wins for player welfare terms & rights – working towards the first Collective Bargaining Agreement in program history. As a representative, she engages in conversations between players, federations, and World Rugby on issues concerning state of play and player development.  

"We are beyond excited to welcome Cheta onto our staff, and deeply honored to be making this announcement. Cheta is coming off an exceptional 7s rugby and Olympic career, and in addition to coaching she will be training ahead of the 2025 Rugby World Cup. Cheta has already made a huge impact for us this spring, and the wealth of knowledge and experience she brings will be invaluable to our student-athletes' development both on and off the field. It will be inspirational for our team to be able to feel her passion for 7s, see her commitment to the sport and level of detail she brings, and watch firsthand her preparations ahead of a rugby world cup. We are incredibly grateful to welcome her!" said Head Coach Mel Denham. 

Cheta's expertise in the 7s set piece, particularly in aerial strategy, combined with her dedication to advocating for gender equity & representation, mental health awareness, and player rights, makes her an invaluable addition to the Harvard Women's Rugby staff. We are thrilled to welcome Cheta back to Harvard, where her passion for sport, her leadership, and her commitment to empowering others will inspire the next generation of athletes.