From goalposts to the try line, the Boston Banshee’s Cheta Emba is a unique figure in professional sports, going from Division I at Harvard in one sport to the Olympics in another.
Cheta Emba is one of the most dynamic athletes to emerge in American rugby, known for her blend of intelligence, power and grace. Born on July 16, 1993, in Richmond, Virginia, she grew up immersed in sports. Her early years were spent on soccer fields and basketball courts, honing the competitive edge that would later define her rugby career. A standout student, Emba earned admission to Harvard University, where she was originally recruited as a goalkeeper for the women’s soccer team.
At Harvard, Emba’s path took an unexpected yet transformative turn. Midway through her college years, she was introduced to rugby by her roommates. Drawn in by the physicality and strategy of the game, she joined the Harvard women’s rugby team and quickly rose through the ranks. Her athleticism, quick learning curve and team-first mentality made her a natural fit on the pitch. It wasn’t long before she was attracting national attention.
After graduating with a degree in molecular and cellular biology, Emba committed fully to the sport. Cheta has built an outstanding career with the U.S. Women’s National Rugby Team in both the 7s and 15s formats. She made her 15s debut in 2015, followed by her first 7s appearance in Dubai in 2016. A key player in U.S. Rugby, Cheta has played a major role in historic achievements, including the team’s first-ever HSBC 7s Series gold medal, reaching its highest world ranking in 2023, and earning the program’s first Olympic medal. She was named vice-captain for the 2017 Women’s 15s World Cup in Ireland and has competed in multiple World Cups. In 2023, she reached a significant milestone with her 30th 7s cap. This year, Emba made the 2025 Rugby World Cup Sevens squad.
Now, Emba has found her way back to Beantown as an assistant coach for the Harvard Women’s Rugby team and playing as a fullback and wing for the Boston Banshees. Last season, she was 39th in the league, with a total of 18 points. Hopefully, with a fuller schedule next year and more development time, Emba can soar in the rankings in the WER.
Outside of the pitch, Emba has also been an advocate for spreading rugby throughout the youth of the world. This year, she went to Papua New Guinea as part of an outreach program to promote Sports Diplomacy. There, she mentored the youth. The program, a team-up of the U.S. Papua New Guinea Embassy and Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League, engaged and inspired local youth through rugby clinics, leadership workshops and community events.
From Ivy League classrooms to the global rugby stage, Cheta Emba’s journey is a powerful story of reinvention, resilience and rising to the occasion. Her time with teams like the Boston Banshees and the U.S. national squad reflects her unwavering dedication to growth, both as a player and a leader.