Jorja Miller's relentless pursuit of greatness continues with her recent contract extension with New Zealand Rugby, a testament to her unwavering ambition and the sport's bright future. At just 22 years old, she's already a force to be reckoned with, but her sights are set even higher.
The back-to-back World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year has a unique perspective on her success. She acknowledges the influence of her peers, like Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Kelly Brazier, who have reached the pinnacle of the sport. Miller's goal is not just to emulate them but to surpass their achievements.
"I want to play rugby for as long as I can, and hopefully beat Portia and Kelly," she said with a playful grin. "So, a few Olympic gold medals and a few Rugby World Cups." Her ambition extends beyond individual accolades; she's driven by a desire to leave a lasting legacy.
"I really want to tick off everything," she said, referring to titles like Super Rugby Aupiki and the FPC. "But my main focus is on being the best version of myself as a person, a leader, and a teammate. That's my daily driver, and the results will follow."
Miller's insatiable appetite for success is a refreshing contrast to the typical athlete's mindset. While many athletes are content with their achievements, Miller is driven by a desire to constantly evolve and improve.
"I don't feel like I've hit my peak yet," she said. "I still have so much more to give, and you learn and grow every day in this sport."
Her leadership role with the Black Ferns Sevens is a testament to her commitment to growth and development. She's not just focused on winning medals; she's dedicated to helping the next generation of players reach their full potential.
"I feel I'm still striving to be better every day," she said. "I want to help bring these new, young, less-experienced girls through and make them better players."
As Miller looks ahead to the next two years, she's embracing the uncertainty of her schedule. She's keen to explore opportunities in both sevens and fifteens, and her mindset remains steadfast: growth and improvement.
"I’m pretty focused on Sevens and the next Olympic Games in LA," she said. "But the Lions Tour is an exciting opportunity coming to home soil. Who knows what that could look like?"
In a sport that values growth and development, Jorja Miller is a shining example of what's possible when athletes push themselves to new heights. Her relentless pursuit of greatness is a reminder that the sky's the limit in women's rugby.
