When most students were spending their summer weekends sleeping in the mornings, Scott Dean was slaving away in Las Vegas with two-a-day rugby practices in preparation for the USA U-17 team’s appearance in the International Cup.

One of two non-seniors on the squad, Dean saw large amounts of minutes in each game the USA team played. The team placed second in the tournament after a close loss to the British Columbia team.

“It was the hardest, most rewarding experience I have ever had. Nothing compares to putting on the red, white, and blue,” Dean said.

Dean has high aspirations for a career in rugby.

“I hope to play in college and eventually play for the USA Men’s team. If I have the opportunity to play professionally overseas I would take that in a heartbeat,” Dean said.

Dean felt a high amount of pride in being able to play for a national level team.

“It’s an honor to be considered a part of such an elite class of athletes and its humbling at the same time, because everyone is so good it just makes me thankful to be a part of something so special,” Dean said.