When quitting felt easier – How Naomi Jelagat chose faith over fear

Born on July 18, 1998, Naomi grew up in a modest household in Kabarnet in a family of seven children. Her early life was steeped in sports; her mother and sister were volleyball players, and her brother Boaz Kemei is a known figure at Blak Blad RFC. Sports, one could say, were part of her DNA.

After completing primary school at St. Paul’s Nyahururu, she joined Nakuru Girls in 2012.

"I didn't even think about rugby then," she recalls with a smile. "I joined as a defender for the school football team, and that's where my heart was."

Her defensive instincts caught attention, and by the time she joined Kenyatta University in 2016 to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology, Naomi was playing at FKF regional league level and had even landed a trial call for Harambee Starlets under coach David Ouma.

But life, as Naomi would discover, had other plans.

At Kenyatta University, coach Benard Rotich 'Tichi’, now of Blak Blad RFC, spotted her potential and suggested she try rugby. "At first, I thought he was joking," she laughs. "I was a goalkeeper! But he saw something I didn’t."

Naomi accepted the challenge and soon found herself immersed in the tough world of rugby. In 2022, she joined Mwamba RFC, and just after two matches in the 15s format, the national selectors came calling. She was invited to join the Kenya Lionesses development camp.

But her first stint with the 7s team was overwhelming.

“It was not easy in 7s. I felt the pressure and intensity were too much for me as a rookie. I broke down. I had to quit and go back to the 15s team where I believed I’d learn slowly,” Naomi shared tearfully.

“Luckily, I did. I got my debut and travelled to Uganda. That moment gave me belief. My parents were so happy. Everyone in the team welcomed me with open arms.”

She credits her teammates Maurine Muritu and Leah Njogu for lifting her during that period.

“Maurine used to train me, passes even after sessions. They encouraged me, even when I wanted to give up. I’m here because of people like them.”

Her courage paid off. In 2023, Naomi was called again to the Lionesses 7s setup.

But 2024 tested her spirit like never before.

“After we finished third in Madagascar and lost the chance to qualify for WXV, I felt like I had failed. That was my lowest moment in rugby,” she admits quietly.

Still, Naomi didn’t give up. She trained harder. She focused. She prayed.

Her highest moment was in 2023 when Kenya qualified for WXV after beating Cameroon and Madagascar.

“I cried tears of joy,” she said. “That was a moment I’ll never forget. All the pain, all the sacrifice... it felt worth it.”

She fondly spoke about her closest friend Faith Livoi, who has stood by her through all the highs and lows.

“Faith is my sister on and off the pitch. She listens to me. I don't know where I’d be without her.”

She also reserved praise for Coach Simon Odongo, saying, “Coach Simon always reminds me of why I started. His words have kept me going.”

Naomi, who draws deep inspiration from Lionesses captain Shilla Chajira, says her story is not just hers.

“This is not just about rugby. It’s about never giving up on yourself, even when everything screams that you should. It’s about faith, family, and finding your purpose even in your pain.”

She was part of the Kenya Lionesses squad that finished second at the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup that concluded last Sunday, June 15, in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

The four-nation tournament brought together South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and hosts Madagascar for three rounds of action-packed rugby played in a round-robin format.