"My first choice was Veterinary Medicine at UCD but when everything happened with Covid, I decided on Performance Science. I think it worked out for the best."

A rugby player herself, Orla was able to draw a lot of connections between what she was learning at UCD and her athletic performance.

"When I was playing Seven's I started to see a lot of connections. Our Strength and Conditioning (S&C) coach could say something, and I would remember my lecture saying that or doing that in class. It was an insight into why I was doing things, and it made the course easier as well. I was able to make a lot of connections between class and my life as an athlete."

Balancing her rugby training with her studies wasn't easy, but Orla found the transition to online learning during the pandemic helped her to manage her time better.

"It was difficult. I won't say it was easy, but with the Covid-19 lockdown, I was able to commit myself a lot more to training because I was able to do my classes in my own time. Everything was recorded and posted online. I could go train mornings from Monday to Friday, and then spend my evenings doing my lectures. In that context it did make it a lot easier."

Orla credits the faculty with supporting her in her studies and as a student athlete.

"All the lecturers that I had were great if you need any support or help. Dr Domenico Crognale, my thesis supervisor, was wonderful. I had Professor James Matthews for three years for my Psychology modules. I thought he was absolutely fantastic. I really had no idea what Psychology in sport would be like, but he made classes so interesting."

Her proudest achievement during her time at UCD has been working with Leinster Rugby, as part of her internship.

"I have to thank Leinster for taking me on with no experience. I worked with the U20s and in their Academy. Obviously it was quite daunting, walking in as a 20 year old girl with a team of 40-50 lads that you've never met, and not having a massive amount of experience in a coaching position from a playing perspective. 

At the beginning I was doing warm-ups, and then I started to become responsible for rehabbing and match day GPS. So I got more and more exposure as the months went on. At the beginning it was quite light, and then by the end it was, ‘can you take the seniors?’ 

I'm the type of person that doesn't like being given too much time to think about something. I'd rather be in the deep end."

The internship allowed Orla to build experience around her interest in athletic development.

"I really like lab work, testing and numbers, that sort of thing. I knew I didn't want to be a Physio and I didn't want to work in nutrition. I went into the internship not really knowing what I was going to do. But being at UCD until 9 o'clock at night and not getting home till half 10 or 11 didn't feel like a chore, didn't feel like work. That's when I knew I'd be happy doing this for the rest of my life."

Taking on the internship also motivated Orla to apply for an enhanced internship role with Leinster.

"Originally, my job for the summer was with the girls team. Along the way I chanced my arm by applying for another role with the mens team. I didn't put too much pressure on myself. When I got the call from Joe [McGinley], I was driving the car and needed to pull over, I was so shocked. I couldn't believe I had gotten it…out of all the candidates that applied."

As a result of this opportunity Orla is taking away a valuable set of leadership and decision-making skills, as well as a clear sense of where she'd like to direct her career.

"It's been an invaluable experience being able to lead something by yourself for the first time. All of a sudden you're the only point of call, and you don't really have anything else to fall back on. If they ask you a question, you have to make a decision. So far, we've been quite injury-free and haven't had any major hiccups.

The internship does prepare you for work outside of a team environment. At the minute I'm doing my UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) exam, which will be an extra credit along with all the experience. I'm hoping to stay in the same line of work and in a team environment."

Time has flown, and Orla can't believe how quickly graduation has crept up on her and her fellow classmates.

"Although it was a difficult three years, I feel like we blinked and it was over."