Meet Palmer rugby alumnae Leilani Zinsli, D.C.

Originally from: Davenport, Iowa
Current location: Ames, Iowa
Year graduated: 2020
Name of practice: Complete Connection Chiropractic
Any specializations: Sports Injury and Rehabilitation

Dr. Zinsli’s Story

I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Davenport, Iowa. Being surrounded by chiropractors my entire life, I never really thought about becoming one until I met Dr. Tabetha Super. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in biology, I was asked to help bring the Women’s Rugby team back to the college, which is where I met Dr. Super.

I’ve been playing rugby since I was in high school, but I didn’t learn how to play rugby until I got to Palmer. The structure, the competitiveness, and the team atmosphere are second to none. Developing leaders happens naturally. I’ve also never seen a program take a person who has never played before and turn them into some of the best in the country like Palmer can. I would not be the rugby player or chiropractor I am today without the teammates and coaches I was around during school. They will be lifelong friends, and I’m proud to call them colleagues.

While at Palmer I played 9, took on the role of President, and captained the team for two seasons.

Today I co-own a practice in Ames, Iowa with my partner Dr. Nash Stopko. We opened in the middle of Covid-19, and it has been a wild ride ever since. You can find me playing with the Des Moines Women’s rugby team when I have a free weekend.

Best Palmer Rugby Memory

My favorite memories with Palmer Rugby have to do with our training and season leading up to winning the Midwest championship in 2020. It included film sessions, additional skills practice outside of the normal two practices a week, and essentially some form of rugby every single day. At the time the long days were very stressful, but it paid off. It was great having control of every game we played in, and it was so much fun! Looking back, I feel like that rigorous schedule prepared me to exit school and juggle all of the tasks owning a business entail. It was a great way to learn about delayed success after months of hard work.

Read more about Palmer College Rugby