A cross-continental journey of courage, identity, and starting over.

There are athletes who chase greatness—and then there are those who redefine it. Rebecca Joy Adams, at just 25, has lived multiple sporting lives with a fierce quietness that belies the scale of her ambition. Her journey has never followed a script.

From football pitches in Brazil to rugby fields in Cape Town, her path is one of unexpected turns, deep self-belief, and a willingness to start again.

In a world where women in sport still face walls, Rebecca keeps breaking through them.To understand her is to grasp the duality of her character: shy, yet determined. Reserved, but relentless. Her accomplishments already span continents—having been the first South African woman to sign for a professional football club in Brazil—and yet, she is only getting started.

“I’m very reserved, a little shy,” she admits, “but I’m also very determined. I always do my best, no matter what.”

Her time in football was groundbreaking, but it didn’t define her future. When rugby came calling, it wasn’t the result of a master plan. A friend—who also played for the U20 national squad—encouraged her to join a local club. That invitation sparked the shift. Rebecca felt ready. It was a leap into the unknown, but one she embraced.

“My whole life had been about training as a footballer,” she recalls. “But I believed that if I worked as hard in rugby, I could grow into the sport.”

The move may have seemed surprising from the outside, but for Rebecca, it was simply the next challenge. She had always believed that if one door closed, another would open—especially in sport. Timing was everything, and when the opportunity arose, she didn’t hesitate. Her love for athletics, in all its forms, made the transition feel natural.

That’s not to say it was easy.

Swapping boots for studs and the ball at her feet for one in her hands required a complete mental reset. She knew it would take courage.

“People think you’re crazy for changing sports after so many years in one,” she says. “But you need courage to explore different parts of yourself as an athlete.”

Today, Rebecca plays as a winger for Elsie’s River Women’s Rugby Club in the Women’s Super League B. It’s a competitive, professional setup, and one that saw her team crowned champions last season. Now, with the new season underway, her focus is on maintaining that winning momentum.

“We’re hoping to keep the same energy this year,” she says, her quiet optimism shining through.

Despite being new to the game, she’s found rugby surprisingly welcoming. Her teammates, she says, have been instrumental in her development. Coming in with a football background gave her an edge in terms of movement and ball handling, but it’s the community that’s helped her settle.

“They’ve welcomed me with open arms. Some of them have even taken the time to mentor me on and off the field.”

The mental shift was one thing. The tactical transition was another. Football taught her teamwork and quick decision-making, both of which have become key assets on the rugby pitch. Still, there were steep learning curves. “The biggest challenge? Having the ball in your hands instead of at your feet. And pushing forward into contact—that’s a whole different experience. But I’m learning more with every game.”

Her story is emblematic of the battles women still face in sport. To switch disciplines, to challenge perceptions, to succeed despite the whispers—Rebecca has done it all. She acknowledges the lack of support for women trying to cross sporting codes.

“There’s still a stigma. People stare. They ask why you’d leave one sport for another. But good coaching and support can make all the difference.”

It’s not just rugby or football that’s shaped her—it’s the journey itself. Having competed in South Africa, the United States, Brazil, and Namibia, she has seen the power of sport to connect people across borders.

“It’s made me realise how privileged we are to do what we love. I’ve seen so many different cultures, and they all taught me something about discipline, respect, and gratitude.”

Looking ahead, Rebecca is clear about her goals. She wants to win. She wants to give everything to her team. And yes, she’s aiming for the top.

“Eventually, that contract with a big team will come. I believe that. For now, it’s about patience, consistency, and hard work. It always pays off—maybe not immediately, but it always does.”

To the young girl watching her, dreaming of playing two sports, Rebecca has a message that comes from experience: “You are more capable than you think. Work hard. Don’t listen to anyone who hasn’t walked in your shoes. Believe in yourself—your potential will change the world.”

Behind every triumph, there’s a battle few see. For Rebecca, this journey has been about more than just changing sports—it’s been about changing herself.

“It’s a constant battle between the old and the new me,” she reflects. “Becoming at peace with myself, growing, and striving for excellence even in the hardest times. That’s what this journey has really been about.”

If her path could be summed up in a single word, there’s no hesitation -“Resilience.”

And in Rebecca Joy Adams’ world, that word isn’t just a description but a way of life.