In 2015, Rust joined the newly promoted RIT Tigers women's ice hockey program in the NCAADivision I. She scored 18 points in 35 games in her rookie season, being named to the College Hockey America All-Rookie Team.[4] After two years in Rochester, she transferred to Boston University.[5] In her second and final year with the team, she was named an alternate captain. In the 2019 Beanpot, she scored the game-winning goal over Northeastern to win the semifinals, and scored the opening goal of the finals, leading the program to its first Beanpot title since 1981.[6]
In February 2020, she was inducted into the Beanpot Hall of Fame.[7]
Professional
In 2019, Rust originally planned to join the nearby Worcester Blades of the Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL), but the league collapsed before she could sign a contract. Instead, she joined over 150 players in the newly created Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA), and would spend the 2019–20 season as an independent affiliate of the organization.[8] During the season, she would also participate in the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships as part of a team from Nashville.[9]
In 2017, Rust was offered a spot on the American roster for the 2017 IIHF Women's World Championship, as the entire team was striking with the goal of higher pay and better working conditions. She turned the offer down, choosing to stand in solidarity with the striking players.[10]
Personal life
Rust has spoken out about her struggles with depression and anxiety.[11] She has a degree in economics.[12]