March Player of the Month: Cooper Smart

Cooper Smart is the March Player of the Month. Cooper is a sophomore back who can play outside center, wing, and fullback. He brings energy and speed to the field while always looking for ways to change the game. Smart had an outstanding Winter Sevens for the club and is competing for a spot on the team’s CRC squad. Read on for more about the freeline skater from California.

Height: 5′ 11″
Weight: 165
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Malibu, CA
Major: Economics

Why rugby?
I played football in high school and know the camaraderie that comes with a commitment to a sports team where one of the large parts of the game involves running into each other. Rugby has also always looked super fun to me. I would watch it on TV with my dad and figured college was the best opportunity for me to give it a go. So far it has proven to be the best choice of my college career.

What have you liked about Michigan rugby the most so far?
I like the dedication that comes with being part of the team, but that it also doesn’t become a dominant factor in your life. You get out what you put in to the team, and I try to put as much as I can. I have also made great friends with everyone on the team.

Most memorable moment on the pitch?
Our game against Ohio State this past fall. I managed to get in the A side game and all I wanted to do was make an impact play in the game. I managed to get a break away and got tackled at the try line and I touched the ball down, I know this for a fact because I was holding it, but the ref said that I got held up. I was furious for about three seconds but my teammates calmed me down and kept me level headed enough to avoid any dumb penalties. We managed to punch it in within the next couple of phases and that was good enough for me.

What’s your favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
My favorite drill is any 1 on 1 or 2 on 1 full contact drill because I like to work on my jukes and tackling in one on one situations. Least favorite is easily tackle progression, no explanation needed.

What other sports have you played?
I’ve pretty much done at least one season of everything. Football, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Lacrosse, Track and Field, Tennis. Besides rugby football and basketball are my favorites.

In 5 years, what do you see yourself doing?
Not sure, I’ve never really been able to predict my own future well at all. I just prefer to go with the flow of life and see where it takes me, its worked out so far.

What’s some embarrassing childhood memory you can tell us?
I climbed a tree next my house once when I was little and couldn’t figure out how to climb down. I figured the best solution was to yell every curse word I could think of. My mom heard me, but instead of coming out to help me or scold me, she decided to find the humor in the situation. She called her own mom and held the phone out the window to make sure she was not the only witness to this event before I was talked down from the tree.

Favorite place in Ann Arbor?
I know it’s not specific to Ann Arbor but I’m a fiend for Chipotle.

Biggest fear?
Knee injuries, I’ve been fortunate enough to not have one and I’d like to keep it that way.

Favorite food/meal?
Burritos, pasta, and sandwiches. Preferably all with chicken.

Any game day superstitions?
I start any game with both socks pulled all the way up, but if one or both of them gets pulled down, I only leave one sock up for the rest of the game. This started from a high school football game where I had one of my best games ever with one sock up and one down.

Favorite superhero and why?
Spiderman. Everybody wants to fly, but how cool would it be to climb walls, have superhuman strength, a spidey sense, and be able to swing all over New York City, am I right?

Best advice you’ve ever received?
On several occasions my dad has told me that if you are going to do something, you may as well do it to the best of your ability. That simple line has always stuck with me and pushed me not to shortchange anything.