Tack on the fact that Potter was one of four remaining Eagles who competed in the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens, and now you have a squad that doesn’t have a ton of international experience and also dealing with a big loss.

 

Kelly Griffin was the right person for captain. The Berkeley alum has been a USA 7s resident since the program’s inception, and now marks the only “original” still in Chula Vista. She’s experienced the spectrum of success and disappointment with the Eagles, so she’s a great resource in times of change.

 

But this isn’t a “still around” recognition; Griffin is a great player. She’s a hard worker, does all the non-sexy work in tight, and sets up teammates for success. And the fact that she has been around since the beginning of Ric Suggitt’s tenure means she’s doing something right, something that the coach wants emulated.