CHULA VISTA, Calif. - The Girls High School All-American program has named 28 under-18 athletes for Winter Camp 2019 taking place December 27-31 with a match against Canada U18s on December 30 at 3 PM PT.

Camp will take place at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center with information on how to follow the match confirmed closer to date.

All players selected for Winter Camp attended one of the U18 summer assemblies in Canada this August. Three of which include standouts Kristin Bitter, Emele Tanupo, and Kerena Tinoisamoa. 

Bitter has participated with the U18s in both sevens and fifteens over the past two years and will look to transition to the U20s pool next year. Tanupo attended her first U18 assembly at the aforementioned West Camp and was impressive in making powerful runs against Canada U18s. 

Tinoisamoa was the youngest player at last year’s Winter Camp and will be one to watch after making notable strides through the August camp earlier this year. 

Winter Camp will be the year’s final touchpoint for many under-18 players who will next look towards opportunities in the U20s program. As the year comes to an end, program director and head coach Martha Daines notes the value in collaborating with Canada for each assembly. 

“Holding regionals camps with Canada this summer allowed us to see how players could develop and perform against another team rather than in an intrasquad competition.  

“The August scrimmages were competitive and provided just the right amount of pressure and challenge for these players, especially those experiencing a national team environment for the first time.    

“Being able to play the combined Canada team in Chula Vista will allow the players to show the work they've done since August.  We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Canada to provide appropriate development opportunities for this age group in 2020.

The U18s rely heavily on philanthropic support from the community to aid in the costs associated with each assembly. Monetary contributions are significantly beneficial in helping young athletes supplement or even fully cover the costs of attendance. 

To find out the various ways to support USA Rugby’s age-grade programs and, by extension, the senior national teams, contact Chris Reed at creed@usa.rugby. 

The U18s, like all age-grade programs, are vital to the success of the senior Eagles.