Todd Davis Miller was a very talented musician who discovered rugby in college. Within two years, he became the highest-scoring rugby player in Virginia while achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA. Just six weeks before he would have graduated from college, Todd collided with an opponent during a rugby match. Eight days later, 25-year-old Todd was declared brain dead. Todd's death gave life and better health to five organ recipients and sight to another. His mother Ellie noted, "He had a special gift to motivate, inspire and lift up those he met. Giving the gift of life was the ultimate gift." Each year Longwood University's Todd Miller Rugby Tournament raises money for a scholarship in his name.

Todd's Story

Todd Davis Miller was a very talented musician, entering college on a music scholarship. In high school, he was active in three musical ensembles, performed in musical theatre and participated in the church youth choir. He also played basketball and soccer for Springfield Youth League. His life was filled with tryouts, practices, auditions and rehearsals, games, tournaments, concerts and performances.

Unsure of his path, Todd left school and returned in 2005 to Longwood University in Virginia. He enrolled in the college of business administration and, most importantly, he discovered the sport of rugby. At 6-foot-3 and 215 lbs., Todd became a chiseled athlete, and rugby became his passion.

In 2007, Todd became the highest-scoring rugby player in Virginia. That same year, he led his team to the Division III championship game. With only two years' experience, he was selected to play on the mid-Atlantic All-Star Rugby team.

"Perhaps more remarkable were his academic accomplishments," recalled his mother Ellie. "Todd made the Dean's List and then, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA, made the President's List. He was so honored to be selected to serve on the Dean's student advisory board. He was the happiest I had ever seen him."

Just six weeks before he would have graduated from college, Todd collided with an opponent during a rugby match on March 1, 2008. Eight days later, 25-year-old Todd was declared brain dead. His death shocked the university, his hometown, and the rugby world.

"During that horrific week, when we knew there was no chance for recovery, we discussed organ donation," remembered Ellie. "I was so comforted to know that there would be a way for this tragedy to have a better ending. Todd's death gave life and better health to five organ recipients and sight to another. It had so often been said that Todd changed the lives of so many who knew him. He had a special gift to motivate, inspire and lift up those he met. Giving the gift of life was the ultimate gift."

Donations received at the time of Todd's death went to establish a scholarship at the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization in the Washington, D.C. area. Each year at Longwood University, the Todd Miller Rugby Tournament raises money for a scholarship in Todd's name. The scholarship goes to a player who best exemplifies Todd's leadership qualities on and off the field.