An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Navy Physical Therapist Finds Challenge, Fulfillment in Rugby

You have accessed part of a historical collection on defense.gov. Some of the information contained within may be outdated and links may not function. Please contact the DOD Webmaster with any questions.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have shaped the history of the United States and have had their lives dramatically influenced by moments in its history. Every May the Defense Department joins the rest of the nation in celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Navy Lt. Tia Blythe was born in California, as was her mother. Her maternal grandparents immigrated to the United States from China in 1952.

A woman in a Navy uniform poses for a photo.
Navy Lt. Tia Blythe
Navy Lt. Tia Blythe smiles for a photo.
Photo By: Navy
VIRIN: 200416-O-ZZ999-007X

Blythe joined the Navy through a direct commission as a lieutenant in 2018. She serves in the Medical Service Corps as a physical therapist, having already obtained a bachelors and masters degree from the University of California at Los Angeles before getting her doctorate degree in physical therapy from the University of Southern California. 

"After working as a civilian physical therapist for three years, I knew that I needed to do more," she said. "I was drawn to the military because I knew I would constantly be challenged, to learn, to grow and to lead, and the Navy provided opportunities to have a positive effect on the lives of thousands of sailors and Marines. 

Blythe admitted that it was her dream to serve ever since she was in high school, but it took her a decade after graduating from high school to take the plunge and join the Navy.

A women’s rugby team poses for a photo.
USA Rugby Team
Tia Blythe with her USA Rugby Team photo, displaying silver medals at the Rugby World Series in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in 2018.
Photo By: Courtesy of Tia Blythe
VIRIN: 180416-O-ZZ999-003

"I could not be happier with my decision. I am proud to be an Asian American service member. I can celebrate my heritage while being proud of my country and the work that I do. Ultimately, I chose the U.S. Navy because my grandfather served on the USS Oriskany [aircraft carrier] in 1956. He reminds me of the sacrifices my grandparents have made to allow me to have the opportunities I have today as an American," she said.

Since being commissioned at Officer Development School at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, Blythe has been stationed at Naval Medical and Readiness Training Center, Camp Pendleton, California.

A rugby player in a black uniform tackles a player in a white uniform that is holding the ball.
Rugby Tackle
Tia Blythe (white uniform) plays in a U.S. vs. New Zealand quarter final Rugby World Series match in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in 2018.
Photo By: Courtesy of Tia Blythe
VIRIN: 180416-O-ZZ999-004

Besides being a physical therapist, Blythe also is a member of the Navy Women's Rugby team. 

"Rugby has provided me with lifelong friends, confidence, and an unwavering work ethic. It has empowered me to be a leader," she said.

In the past, Blythe played rugby on the UCLA Women's Rugby Team, San Diego Women's Premier League team and on the USA Women's National Team.

A woman standing in front of an American flag holds up her USA Rugby team jersey.
Blythe Jersey
Tia Blythe poses for a photo of her USA Team jersey ceremony at the Rugby World Series in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in 2018.
Photo By: Courtesy of Tia Blythe
VIRIN: 180416-O-ZZ999-002

She also captained teams to four national championships, traveled to Okinawa, Scotland, Hong Kong, Australia and Dubai for matches, and won a Silver Medal in the Rugby World Series. 

As for future plans, Blythe said she would like to make a career of the Navy and continue playing and coaching rugby.

She's also begun working on a virtual coaching project that will allow her to coach athletes from all over the country no matter where her Navy assignment takes her.

Related Stories