Stacey Fluhler and Her Path to Playing Pro

For Stacey Fluhler growing up in the small tucked-away rural town of Ruatoki, population 600, sport was at the heart and centre of her community. She tried every sport as a kid and her talent for rugby became clear at 15, but never in a million years was she expecting to play at the international level. While playing for her high school team in Whakatane her family encouraged that talent, pushing her to follow the passion she’d found for rugby. Stacey shared with us what motivates her the most on the field, “My passion for the game, living an absolute dream job and making my whānau and friends proud whilst representing our country!”

Selected for the Black Ferns in 2016 it wasn’t long before she had a World Cup title under her belt. In 2017 the team brought home the trophy against England. Stacey then went on to play with the gold medal-winning sevens teams in the Commonwealth Games and World Cup Sevens. She’s even been named the top try scorer with the Black Ferns Sevens in the 2019/2020 season.

It hasn’t been an easy path to follow with a number of injuries sidelining Stacey while she recovered. Over the years though she’s learned to maintain a positive mindset with the support of her teammates, management team, mental skills coach, friends and family. “Understanding that everything happens for a reason and focusing only on the things I can control when challenges do arise has been crucial to overcoming these situations, especially injury!”

“Nothing worth having will ever come easy! a.k.a #DoTheMahiGetTheTreats”

Balance and finding happiness are key tenets for Stacey that she always makes sure to prioritise for a sound mind in a sound body. “I understand that I am more than just a sports player so I don’t just put all my focus into rugby, I try to fulfil living an overall balanced lifestyle which contributes positively to my mental health.” Being sure to set aside time for herself ensures she doesn’t feel burned out and instead can give it her all every time she steps foot on the field. “Hanging out with my friends and family whenever I can, putting effort into my small business, studying part-time, essentially living my passions outside of rugby too. To help me slow down and relax at times I love doing yoga which helps me mentally and physically, float sessions, reading books, self-care appointments such as facials, massages, getting my nails done etc. Sometimes we think or do way too much so these are little things I do to help with my mental health and keep me in a relaxed state of mind!”

The Gear Keeping Stacey Fluhler Rugby Ready

“Wearing the right clothing and footwear have a massive impact on my performance and training. And the biggest feature that is important for me is comfort because there’s no worse feeling than having to constantly move your products around when you are wearing them. My favourite ASICS footwear is the GEL-KAYANO running shoes as they are super lightweight, comfortable and I can wear them not just to run in but as a casual shoe too. My favourite leggings are the Hot Pant Sprinter (short tights) and because they’re high-waisted they hug my body nicely which means they don’t rise or move when I’m wearing them. And my favourite sports bra is the Accelerate Bra as it’s nice and secure + breathable on my body, very comfortable for when I’m training and I also love the colourways!”

GEL-KAYANO

Athlete Signature Style

Stacey Fluhler and Her Path to Playing Pro

The Gear Keeping Stacey Fluhler Rugby Ready

Athlete Signature Style

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