DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — A program offered by the U.S. Army is helping those who have a passion for sport and serving their country, reach the highest level. Dauphin County’s Sgt. Autumn Czaplicki is one of these individuals and is part of the Army’s World Class Athlete Program (WCAP).
"From the get-go, the Army has always supported my rugby journey," said Sgt. Czaplicki.
From an early age, Sgt. Czaplicki had aspirations to serve her country. It's something that stems from her grandfather who is a Vietnam War veteran. She was determined to follow in her grandfather's footsteps and become the second sergeant in the Czaplicki family.
"I wanted to do something bigger than me, something that people can respect, and that's something I wanted to do since I was a kid," said Sgt. Czaplicki.
However, Sgt. Czaplicki also had dreams and goals as an athlete. She had participated in track and soccer through high school but wasn't sure if she would make it at the college level. That's when she turned to the sport her parents grew up playing, rugby.
She tried out for the Westchester University Rugby team and quickly found a love for the sport.
"I was physically going crazy. I had the most craziest adrenaline rush," said Sgt. Czaplicki. "I told myself, this sport is the most fun thing I ever did in my life."
During her collegiate career, her military aspiration never wavered. She would enlist in the army in 2019 where she soon learned about the Army's World Class Athlete Program, which allows top-ranked soldiers and athletes to perform at the international level while also serving their nation in the military.
The opportunity to pursue the two things she loves most- service and rugby- was something she was not going to pass up.
Sgt. Czaplicki eventually got invited to train with the U.S. Women's Rugby team in Chula Vista for a 3-month trial period which turned into a permanent stay. Thanks to WCAP, Sgt. Czaplicki got her first opportunity to represent the United States in Spain. She earned her first international cap against Spain on March 25, 2023, and became U.S. Eagle #312.
"The army has been one of the biggest blessings in my life for many, many reasons, and one of them is for WCAP," said Sgt. Czaplicki. "To be able to serve your country and wear the flag on your jersey, it's just a whole other meaning to how I play and why I play. This is how I'm representing my country right now."
Through support from WCAP Sgt. Czaplicki is determined she can make a 2028 Olympics and 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cup appearance a reality.
"If somebody offered me a billion dollars to quit rugby before 2028 Olympics, I would, I would turn it down," said Czaplicki. "I have to do this. 2028 I'm coming and I'm coming for the gold. We're coming for the gold."
It's an opportunity to combine her two biggest passions, which she credits for helping her get where she is today.
"A lot of the hard things I had to do with the Army makes rugby seem a little bit easier, and vice versa as well. So I'm not afraid to get down and dirty and get the job done under any circumstance, and I have both to thank for that," said Czaplicki. "We talked about our values on Team USA, and out of the five values, four of them are synonymous with the Army values, which is really cool."
A chance to fulfill both her aspirations that have required hard work, determination and a drive to reach the highest levels.
"18-year-old Autumn would be absolutely shocked at where I am today, and very proud of me," said Sgt. Czaplicki. "My biggest motivator is my younger self because she had no clue how she was going to get here but she knew she would. It's very cool and it means the world."
She encourages others to do the same, strive for greatness in everything they are passionate about.
"Tomorrow is not promised. If you are passionate about more than one thing, then definitely explore that," said Sgt. Czaplicki. "Be good at the things you want to be good at, learn about the things you want to learn about and you'll have a good time doing it."