Jaz Gray

Born and raised in Raleigh, 29-year-old Jaz Gray would have never imagined herself in Spain or Dubai—let alone off the strength of sports. A lifetime fitness fanatic, she was working as a personal trainer, when a client approached her about playing for a club rugby team. Just a few months later, she was contacted by the USA Women Sevens, where she now plays full-time as a wing, to train in California before receiving her first cap in 2021. Now a few years into her career, Gray is focused on being the strongest teammate possible, solidifying a network of care for the women immediately around her, her peers across the league and affecting the entire sport by example.

Rugby may have taken her to Spain, United Arab Emirates and more, but Gray is candid about the fact that her first love was basketball. That was the plan. After playing four years at Norfolk State University, one of the largest and oldest HBCUs in the country, she opened a gym with her younger brother, Jeramie. “We both have degrees in exercise science,” she says. “We did that for a few years, and he still has the gym now.” A twist of fate led a client into her gym, and that moment would change everything. “Eventually, one of my clients just asked me to come out and play on her club rugby team. I was 24 at the time, so I went out there, and I actually was playing 15s.” There’s no doubt that Gray prioritizes her training and love for the sport.