Whether she was building a church in West Africa or assisting handicapped adults in Grant County, WSU alumna Kathleen Higgins lent a helping hand as both a teammate and a friend.

Higgins, 24, died May 5 in Boise, Idaho. She graduated in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in communication and a minor in women’s studies and was a fixture of the WSU women’s rugby team.

Higgins worked as a court-appointed special advocate in central Washington before pursuing a master’s degree in social work from Boise State University. She followed her passion for rugby there by joining the Boise Nemesis Rugby team.

“She was really passionate about rugby,” said Noehly Tzintzun, one of Higgins’ WSU teammates. “When I came in my freshman year she was one of the first people that was really welcoming and always trying to help people out. She always had a big smile on her face, and I always remember she would say ‘Do you need a hug?’”

Higgins helped the WSU team win national championships in 2010 and served as the team’s public relations officer from 2011 to 2012. Tzintzun remembered her as a strong player and someone with whom she could share long talks about life.

Anne Peterson, another WSU teammate, remembered Higgins as her “grandma” within the rugby family.

“She was one of the main people that made everyone feel really involved,” Peterson said. “She was always trying to welcome the new girls and invite us to things.”

Peterson and Tzintzun agreed Higgins’ positivity, support, welcoming attitude and quirky eating habits will be missed immensely.

They also would have liked to tell her, “Keep on ruckin’, stud muffin. We know you’re scoring tries on the other side.”

According to a Facebook post by sister Megan Higgins, Kathleen grew up riding with her father on his Harley and dreaming of becoming a social worker to help victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution.

“She was a vivacious, beautiful woman who cared deeply about those she loved,” Megan wrote. “Kathleen was brassy, smart, and tough. Her friends appreciated and respected her no-nonsense attitude and sound, honest advice. Kathleen’s impact on her family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances was tremendous and unforgettable.”

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be sent to the following organizations.

Boise Nemesis Rugby

735 East State Street

Boise, ID 83712

WSU Women’s Rugby

P.O. Box 641925

Pullman, WA 99164-1925