Army West Point Athletics
October 29, 2026 | General, Men's Rugby, Women's Rugby, Athletics
WEST POINT, N.Y. - The Army West Point Athletics Association's Academic Support team has selected its scholar-athletes for the month of October, recognizing women's rugby's Natalia Johnson and men's rugby's Jack Reed.
Women's Rugby
Natalia Johnson '27
Cadet Natalia Johnson, a Firstie and starting forward on the Army Women's Rugby Team, exemplifies excellence across every pillar of the West Point experience. A formidable competitor, exceptional scholar, and accomplished cadet leader, Natalia distinguishes herself through her unwavering commitment to excellence, selfless service, and ability to elevate those around her.
On the rugby pitch, Natalia is a versatile and tenacious competitor whose toughness, adaptability, and team-first mentality make her an invaluable asset. Equally capable at lock, flanker, center, or wing, she embraces whatever role the team requires, consistently delivering physicality, determination, and leadership. Whether making critical tackles, battling for possession, or anchoring the forward pack, Natalia leads by example and inspires her teammates to perform at their best. Head Coach Jenn Salomon-Clayton captures her impact: "Nat is one of those players you can build a team around. She's selfless, she's tough, and she's a natural leader. It doesn't matter what position we ask her to play—she's going to give everything she has, and she'll make the players around her better."
Natalia's academic accomplishments are equally extraordinary. Ranked 2nd among 1,089 cadets by performance rank and 3rd among 1,068 in Academic Program Score, she has established herself as one of the Academy's most distinguished scholars. An Environmental Science Honors major, Natalia ranks first in her major in the Class of 2027 with a remarkable 4.185 Academic Program Score. She has received the Superintendent's Award and Distinguished Cadet recognition for three consecutive years, along with six consecutive semesters on the Dean's List. Her Environmental Science faculty regard her as one of their most exceptional cadets, praising her intellectual curiosity, thoughtful engagement, and ability to enrich classroom discussions by connecting academic concepts with her own interests and experiences.
Beyond her achievements in athletics and academics, Natalia serves as Cadet Regimental Commander, one of the Corps of Cadets' most demanding and prestigious leadership positions. Entrusted with leading hundreds of cadets, she demonstrates exceptional maturity, initiative, and a steadfast commitment to developing others. As a company leader, she spearheaded community service projects supporting a local animal shelter and organized fitness sessions to help underclassmen improve their Army Fitness Test performance. Her former Company TAC, now the Regimental Executive Officer, has witnessed her leadership firsthand: "What impresses me most about Nat is that she never measures success just by what she accomplishes herself. She's always looking for ways to help others improve, whether that's organizing service projects, helping younger cadets with their fitness, or setting the example for an entire regiment. She genuinely cares about the people she leads, and that comes through in everything she does."
Few cadets achieve such a remarkable level of distinction while balancing the physical demands of Division I rugby, academic performance among the very best in their class, and the immense responsibilities of regimental command. Yet Natalia does more than excel in each arena; she consistently elevates those around her. A relentless competitor, gifted scholar, and selfless leader, Natalia embodies the ideals of the United States Military Academy and sets an extraordinary example for her peers and the cadets who follow.
Men's Rugby
Jack Reed '27
Cadet John "Jack" Reed is a standout member of the Army Men's Rugby Team from New Canaan, Connecticut, and exemplifies the true essence of a Scholar-Athlete-Warrior. Jack demonstrates exceptional academic excellence as an Electrical Engineering major, maintaining an impressive 3.823 GPA while balancing the demands of Division I athletics.
Jack has earned a place on the Dean's List every term in his Cadet career. More important than his academic achievements is the character and professionalism with which he attains them. His Thermodynamics instructor, CPT Zach Livingston, notes "he comes to class prepared, has no problem seeking clarification if a concept doesn't make sense, and always presents a clean and professional appearance." MAJ Michelle Lukomski, his Constitutional Law instructor, shared that Jack "not only demonstrates engagement with the material but also displays a level of maturity when discussing what can often be controversial and complex legal issues. He leads his classmates by example when he participates because he approaches topics with genuine curiosity and respect for alternative views. He also consistently maintains a positive attitude." His leadership in the classroom was also highlighted by LTC Justine Meberg, his History of Military Art instructor, who shared Jack "is an active participant in class discussion. He contributes to class discussion, cites specific evidence, and engages his peers, advancing not just his own but the group's learning." Jack not only excels in the classroom but also fosters an environment that encourages the growth and development of his peers.
On the rugby pitch, Jack Reed is constantly striving to improve, challenge his limits, and establish a new best. Head Coach Matt Sherman shares "Jack is the definition of a blue-collar competitor – he's tough, physical, relentless, selfless, and unwavering in his effort and commitment to the team. He has embraced multiple positions throughout his career, including a significant positional change as a senior, always putting the needs of the team ahead of his own. As a team captain, he has emerged as one of our most respected leaders, willing to speak honestly when we fall short of our standards and challenge his teammates to rise to them. He is fully invested in whatever he is doing and brings out the best in those around him. Jack doesn't simply pursue excellence for himself; he elevates the people and teams he is part of."
Cadet John "Jack" Reed embodies the highest standards of West Point through his academic achievement, athletic commitment, and warrior spirit. His balanced accomplishments across all domains and his positive influence on everyone around him exemplify the Scholar-Athlete-Warrior ideal.
Army West Point Athletic Association, Inc. (AWPAA)
AWPAA is an IRS code 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established to execute the United States Military Academy's intercollegiate athletics program. AWPAA is led by a board of directors that provides guidance to the director of athletics, who serves as the primary advisor to the USMA Superintendent and the USMA leadership on all NCAA operations. The AWPAA mission is to recruit, educate, train and inspire leaders of character who are committed to the Army values through an extraordinary Division I athletic experience.
—www.goarmywestpoint.com—
Women's Rugby
Natalia Johnson '27
Cadet Natalia Johnson, a Firstie and starting forward on the Army Women's Rugby Team, exemplifies excellence across every pillar of the West Point experience. A formidable competitor, exceptional scholar, and accomplished cadet leader, Natalia distinguishes herself through her unwavering commitment to excellence, selfless service, and ability to elevate those around her.
On the rugby pitch, Natalia is a versatile and tenacious competitor whose toughness, adaptability, and team-first mentality make her an invaluable asset. Equally capable at lock, flanker, center, or wing, she embraces whatever role the team requires, consistently delivering physicality, determination, and leadership. Whether making critical tackles, battling for possession, or anchoring the forward pack, Natalia leads by example and inspires her teammates to perform at their best. Head Coach Jenn Salomon-Clayton captures her impact: "Nat is one of those players you can build a team around. She's selfless, she's tough, and she's a natural leader. It doesn't matter what position we ask her to play—she's going to give everything she has, and she'll make the players around her better."
Natalia's academic accomplishments are equally extraordinary. Ranked 2nd among 1,089 cadets by performance rank and 3rd among 1,068 in Academic Program Score, she has established herself as one of the Academy's most distinguished scholars. An Environmental Science Honors major, Natalia ranks first in her major in the Class of 2027 with a remarkable 4.185 Academic Program Score. She has received the Superintendent's Award and Distinguished Cadet recognition for three consecutive years, along with six consecutive semesters on the Dean's List. Her Environmental Science faculty regard her as one of their most exceptional cadets, praising her intellectual curiosity, thoughtful engagement, and ability to enrich classroom discussions by connecting academic concepts with her own interests and experiences.
Beyond her achievements in athletics and academics, Natalia serves as Cadet Regimental Commander, one of the Corps of Cadets' most demanding and prestigious leadership positions. Entrusted with leading hundreds of cadets, she demonstrates exceptional maturity, initiative, and a steadfast commitment to developing others. As a company leader, she spearheaded community service projects supporting a local animal shelter and organized fitness sessions to help underclassmen improve their Army Fitness Test performance. Her former Company TAC, now the Regimental Executive Officer, has witnessed her leadership firsthand: "What impresses me most about Nat is that she never measures success just by what she accomplishes herself. She's always looking for ways to help others improve, whether that's organizing service projects, helping younger cadets with their fitness, or setting the example for an entire regiment. She genuinely cares about the people she leads, and that comes through in everything she does."
Few cadets achieve such a remarkable level of distinction while balancing the physical demands of Division I rugby, academic performance among the very best in their class, and the immense responsibilities of regimental command. Yet Natalia does more than excel in each arena; she consistently elevates those around her. A relentless competitor, gifted scholar, and selfless leader, Natalia embodies the ideals of the United States Military Academy and sets an extraordinary example for her peers and the cadets who follow.
Men's Rugby
Jack Reed '27
Cadet John "Jack" Reed is a standout member of the Army Men's Rugby Team from New Canaan, Connecticut, and exemplifies the true essence of a Scholar-Athlete-Warrior. Jack demonstrates exceptional academic excellence as an Electrical Engineering major, maintaining an impressive 3.823 GPA while balancing the demands of Division I athletics.
Jack has earned a place on the Dean's List every term in his Cadet career. More important than his academic achievements is the character and professionalism with which he attains them. His Thermodynamics instructor, CPT Zach Livingston, notes "he comes to class prepared, has no problem seeking clarification if a concept doesn't make sense, and always presents a clean and professional appearance." MAJ Michelle Lukomski, his Constitutional Law instructor, shared that Jack "not only demonstrates engagement with the material but also displays a level of maturity when discussing what can often be controversial and complex legal issues. He leads his classmates by example when he participates because he approaches topics with genuine curiosity and respect for alternative views. He also consistently maintains a positive attitude." His leadership in the classroom was also highlighted by LTC Justine Meberg, his History of Military Art instructor, who shared Jack "is an active participant in class discussion. He contributes to class discussion, cites specific evidence, and engages his peers, advancing not just his own but the group's learning." Jack not only excels in the classroom but also fosters an environment that encourages the growth and development of his peers.
On the rugby pitch, Jack Reed is constantly striving to improve, challenge his limits, and establish a new best. Head Coach Matt Sherman shares "Jack is the definition of a blue-collar competitor – he's tough, physical, relentless, selfless, and unwavering in his effort and commitment to the team. He has embraced multiple positions throughout his career, including a significant positional change as a senior, always putting the needs of the team ahead of his own. As a team captain, he has emerged as one of our most respected leaders, willing to speak honestly when we fall short of our standards and challenge his teammates to rise to them. He is fully invested in whatever he is doing and brings out the best in those around him. Jack doesn't simply pursue excellence for himself; he elevates the people and teams he is part of."
Cadet John "Jack" Reed embodies the highest standards of West Point through his academic achievement, athletic commitment, and warrior spirit. His balanced accomplishments across all domains and his positive influence on everyone around him exemplify the Scholar-Athlete-Warrior ideal.
Army West Point Athletic Association, Inc. (AWPAA)
AWPAA is an IRS code 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established to execute the United States Military Academy's intercollegiate athletics program. AWPAA is led by a board of directors that provides guidance to the director of athletics, who serves as the primary advisor to the USMA Superintendent and the USMA leadership on all NCAA operations. The AWPAA mission is to recruit, educate, train and inspire leaders of character who are committed to the Army values through an extraordinary Division I athletic experience.
—www.goarmywestpoint.com—
Players Mentioned
Lock
/ Women's Rugby
Center
/ Men's RugbySaturday, October 31
Saturday, October 31
Friday, October 30
Thursday, October 29