From Climbing Wall to World Stage

Rugby is a high-intensity sport with collisions, quick changes in direction, and rapid transitions between exertion and recovery. It’s a physically demanding game, but thrilling to watch. Last summer, while flipping through channels during the Paris Olympics, I stumbled upon a rugby match and immediately exclaimed, “I know that referee!” A quick Google search confirmed my suspicion: it was Kat Roche, a former NC State student.

Kat Roche ’16 embodies the spirit of “Passion Inspired. Donor Fueled.” Her journey from climbing wall supervisor to officiating at the highest level of international rugby is a testament to the transformative power of the Wellness and Recreation community.

As a student, Kat immersed herself in the vibrant atmosphere of Wellness and Recreation. She wore many hats: outdoor adventures rental assistant, climbing wall supervisor, challenge course apprentice, and climbing wall program assistant. “I loved the interactions between the staff and the students,” she recalls. “Everyone worked towards a common goal, and I felt supported by the professional staff.”

While working with Wellness and Recreation, Kat discovered a deep satisfaction in introducing others to new experiences. “Seeing people in an outdoor environment, watching them discover a new hobby and achieve in ways they never thought possible – that’s incredibly rewarding,” she said.

Kat’s journey extended beyond the walls of the university. “Making lifelong friends at the indoor climbing wall and taking those skills outdoors to New River Gorge and Pilot Mountain” created lasting memories. She learned valuable life lessons: “The safe space to make mistakes and learn from them instilled confidence in me. I realized I could do anything, even if I didn’t get it right the first time.”

Her involvement with the Women’s Rugby Club provided a unique blend of practical and theoretical knowledge. “As a club sport member, I learned about organization and schedules. Then, as a student employee, I saw the behind-the-scenes work and how all the pieces fit together. These experiences have been invaluable in my career.”

Upon graduating, Kat transitioned to rugby refereeing, achieving rapid success. She became the first woman lead referee for Major League Rugby in 2021, the third American to referee a Six Nations match in 2022, and one of the first two Americans to officiate at the highest international level in 2024.

At the Olympics, Kat served as the center referee for the women’s 7s gold medal match between New Zealand and Canada. Kat and Cisco Lopez etched their names into rugby history as they were selected among the 16 referees chosen from around the globe.

Reflecting on her time at NC State, Kat emphasizes the transformative power of Wellness and Recreation. “It’s not just a passing hobby; it can be the most rewarding lifestyle. I’ve made recreation my career, utilizing the skills I learned here. Even though I worked at Outdoor Adventures, I took fitness classes, played sports – I combined the best parts of it all.”

Her advice to current students? “Enjoy it! There are so many soul-crushing jobs out there. Wellness and Recreation allows you to see someone’s life change for the better before your eyes. It allows you to be a part of it.”

Kat’s story is a testament to the impact of “Passion Inspired. Donor Fueled.” programs. With the support of generous donors, Wellness and Recreation continues to provide students with opportunities to grow, connect, and discover their passions. Help to fuel these passions by donating to the Wellness and Recreation Enhancement Fund.