Jillion Potter's rugby rise was metioric and the end of her career far too abrupt, but in the middle of it she was as good as they come.

As a freshman at the University of New Mexico in 2005, Potter had never played rugby before, but within a few weeks her coach was bustling her onto a plane to try out for the USA U19 team. She made that team, and by the end of the fall was playing for the U23s. Tall, strong, and extremely physical, she was a full Eagle by 2007.

Able to play lock or flanker in 15s, and a prop in 7s, Potter excelled at both codes for over a decade. She recovered from a broken neck in 2010, and then cancer in 2013 to compete in the Rugby World Cup 7s in 2013, the 15s Rugby World Cup in 2014, and the Olympics in 2016. While Rio 2016 didn't go especially well for the USA team, Potter was one of the team's bright spots. She continued to play well in the Olympic form of the game, so much so that she came very close to earning 7s Player of the Decade in a GRR fan poll.

VIDEO INTERVIEW - JILLION POTTER ON OLYMPICS PREP

POTTER DISCUSSES COMEBACK

WHO IS THE USA WOMEN'S 7S PLAYER OF THE DECADE? 

Cancer returned for Potter once more but that didn't detract from her accomplishments. A ferocious presence on the field and a hugely positive force in the locker room, Potter didn't rest on natural talent and conintue to work hard and play for her country. 

Jillion Potter
15s Caps: 22
World 7s Series Games: 60
World 7s Series Tries: 16

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