Emanoella “Charger” Ceni, a first-generation Albanian American from the Bronx, New York, is the February Rugbee.co Student Leader of the Month. A senior at the State University of New York at Oswego, Ceni is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Health Sciences while serving as a cornerstone of the SUNY Oswego Women’s Rugby program.
On the pitch, Ceni plays hooker and was a key contributor to the Black Widows’ undefeated Fall 2025 regular season and top-20 Division III national ranking. Her impact earned her the team’s Most Valuable Pack Player honor and national recognition as a National Collegiate Rugby All-Star. She became the first SUNY Oswego Women’s Rugby athlete to compete in the inaugural NCR 15s All-Star Tournament in Atlanta, representing Team Bison.
Off the field, Ceni’s leadership has transformed the program. A four-year member of the team and current president, she has held a leadership role every season—serving previously as Public Relations Chair and Secretary. As president, she helped guide the club out of a financial deficit, rewrote the team constitution, strengthened recruiting and communications, and co-designed merchandise for the program’s home tournament, The Greased Weasel. She also revamped the team’s mentor program to better support both player development and academic success while ensuring all activities align with university policies.
“Ema is one of the best student leaders I’ve ever had the privilege of working with,” said head coach Annika Lachnor. “She is incredibly organized, a great communicator, and exceptional at accepting feedback. During games Ema is one of the loudest players on the field and in every huddle, even if the game is going poorly, she is there encouraging her teammates.”
Beyond rugby, Ceni excels academically and in service. She conducts undergraduate capstone research, mentors general chemistry lab students, serves as Public Relations Coordinator for the Chemistry Club, and works in the department stockroom. She has also volunteered extensively at STEM outreach events and received the 2025 Outstanding Service Project Award for organizing a children’s book drive to inspire preschoolers’ interest in science.
Through leadership, service, and relentless energy, Ceni leaves the Black Widows stronger than she found them.