The Women’s Collegiate All Americans team that won two games in Canada was, predictably, full of players from many of the highest-profile college programs in the country, but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for a small-school play.

 

Few get much smaller than Molloy College. The Rockville Centre, NY institution has an enrollment of just over 4,000, and its women’s rugby team doesn’t exactly make headlines. Still the Lions, who were 4-2 in ACRA Tri-State standings last year, produced an All American in the shape of flanker Melissa Olman.

 

Olman started at open side flanker for the team on tour, a huge thrill for her and her team, but she told Goff Rugby Report that she didn’t think she needed to prove anything coming from a small program.

 

“I never really felt in a position to bring my rugby game to a high level,” said Olman. “When I got the invite for the East camp for Collegiate All Americans, I wanted to take complete advantage of the opportunity. I come from such a small school that doesn't really get noticed so I was very excited to compete at such a high level. I entered the camp ready to learn and take in as much as a can from both coaches and players.”

 

It all worked out, and Olmanis still pushing her game. She graduated from Molloy with a HS in Biology and will be entering graduate school. But in between she has been playing 7s this summer for Old Blue, and will be a big part of a young and exciting Old Blue squad at the Women’s Club 7s Championships in the Seattle area this weekend. She’s also working two jobs.

 

“This summer I have gained a lot of rugby experience and I am hoping to continue my career after school,” she said, adding, “if it weren't for my teammates and coach from Molloy I would not have made it thus far. I take pride in coming from such a small school that barely anyone knows about and competing at such a high level with DI players.”