2024 Paris Olympic bronze medalist Steph Rovetti announced today her retirement from USA sevens. Ending her career on a high note, Rovetti steps away following nearly six years with the program.
Rovetti’s athletic journey began in high school, where she was the track state runner-up in 100m and 200m, earning Nevada runner of the Year honors in 2008. Excelling at basketball as well, Rovetti was a Northern Nevada High School Player of the Year in 2010 and helped lead BYU to a Sweet 16 appearance in 2014 when they also held a No. 18 national ranking in the AP Poll. Rovetti has a Bachelors Degree in Public Health (BYU) and a Masters in Public Administration (Fresno State).
She found rugby after graduating from Fresno State, quickly becoming a notable standout and earning MVP honors for her performance at the 2018 Club Sevens National Championships, helping the San Diego Surfers cruise to a national title. Rovetti quickly caught the eye of the USA Sevens program, and made her debut in Glendale 2019.
Following a string of injuries and setbacks, Rovetti began a comeback tour while earning more selections during the 2023-24 SVNS Series, and would be named to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where she helped the team win their first Olympic medal.
On her retirement, Rovetti said, “ As I step away from USA Rugby and retire from my sporting career, I find myself reflecting on what an incredible journey this has been. When rugby found me, it became a path that I never expected, but one that has shaped me in ways I could never have imagined.
“Rugby empowered me not just as an athlete, but as a woman. Taught me what it truly means to be a HIGHWOMAN. It gave me the confidence to break ceilings, both physically and mentally, showed me how to find courage in moments of uncertainty, and to stand tall in my strength. It taught me that there is power in resilience, in lifting up others, and in embracing every part of who we are—on and off the field.
“Rugby has shown me that community is everything—a circle of people who stand by and believe in you through every challenge and every success, and for that, I am endlessly thankful for everyone who has shared this incredible journey with me.”
