Naya Tapper is an American professional rugby sevens player who captains Team USA. Born on August 3, 1994, in Beaufort, South Carolina, Naya attended West Mecklenburg High School and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Tapper has been a key player for the United States national rugby sevens team since her joining in 2016. She created history, becoming the first American woman to score 100 career tries on the series.
Naya's journey to rugby started in 2012 when she played for the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Before starting rugby, she was a standout track athlete in high school, earning All-American honors. She debuted with the USA Women's Sevens team at the 2016 São Paulo Sevens tournament. Later in the same year, Naya earned her first international XVs cap at the Women's Super Series against France. In 2017, he helped the team reach the semifinals at the Rugby World Cup 2017.
Naya has clinched several accolades in her professional career such as winning a silver medal at the 2019 Pan American Games. She has also represented the USA at the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens. Naya Tapper made her Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics. She is all set to participate in the 2024 Summer Olympics and will co-captain the USA Women's Rugby Sevens team.
Naya Tapper Parents
Naya was born to Juanita and Norman Tapper. Her family has been supportive throughout her journey. They often attended her college games. Her mother especially stood out by supporting her decision to pursue rugby.
Who is Naya Tapper’s father?
Naya Tapper’s father is Norman Tapper. Speaking in an interview, Naya mentioned that her father lectured her to prioritize education over sports due to the temporary nature of athletic careers. This belief came true when her brother's professional football career ended quickly. Naya's focus was on getting her degree for long-term success.
Though Naya was good at rugby, she didn't think about going pro until her last semester in college. However, the head of the physical therapy department encouraged her, and she signed a professional contract.
Who is Naya Tapper’s mother?
Naya’s mother is Juanita Tapper. Juanita Nater Tapper didn’t know much about rugby at first but fully supported Naya. She saw her daughter’s talent and love for the sport and encouraged her even when things were tough, like when Naya was dropped from the team before the 2016 Olympics. Juanita’s support was very important. Naya’s sister, Noel, also supported her dreams and gave her emotional support.
What is the nationality of Naya Tapper’s parents?
The nationality of Norman and Juanita is American. They are the natives of Beaufort, South Carolina.
FAQ's On Naya Tapper Parents
A. Naya Tapper is 30 years old as of 2024.
A. Yes, Naya appeared in the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and is all set to compete again in the 2024 Summer Olympics, in Paris.
A. She is playing with the US National Rugby Sevens Team.
