The Washington Girls Loggers, the state all-star team, has named its squad for an inaugural run at the Las Vegas Invitational High School Elite 7s title, to be contested February 12-13. Five high school teams are represented on the 12-player squad, and Kent accounts for five of those athletes.

The Girls Loggers are also fortunate to add former USA 7s Eagle Katie Dowty to the coaching staff. Dowty is also the assistant coach at Central Washington’s women’s varsity rugby team.

“The girls are extremely lucky to learn from such a talented sevens player,” said Girls Loggers coach Parisa Asgharzadeh.

The team itself showcases a mix of seasoned veterans and rising talents.

“We’re excited to see this squad take the pitch for the first time,” said Asgharzadeh. “We’ve got a stable bunch of finishers – [Isabel] Boettcher, [Paige] Wyatt, [Alaina] Valenciano and [McKenna] Strong all offer pace to the corner and the elusiveness these teams need in broken play. We’ve worked relentlessly on ballhandling for the past few months, to create opportunities to put them into space.”          

That speed and skill translates to the Loggers’ defense as well.

“This bunch doesn’t lack for enthusiasm without the ball," Asgharzadeh said. "Boettcher will drop a hammer when given a shot. That’s fun to watch.”

For natural talent, look toward Leah Ingold, who enters the Loggers program on the heels of her brother, Tristan, who will represent the Boys Loggers in Las Vegas.

“Leah has skills far beyond her years,” said Asgharzadeh. “We rely on her keen eye for things developing in front of us, with a playmaking ability to find space for herself and others.” 

Ingold comes out of the Kent and is joined by four other teammates. Keep an eye on newcomer Megan Dupree, who brings some needed power to the midfield.

“For years the Kent Crusaders have been the performance standard for girls high school rugby in the West,” said Asgharzadeh. “This increasingly diverse squad – from five different clubs – reflects continued growth of girls high school rugby in the Pacific Northwest, and is a statement about the dedication of these athletes and their club members.”

The Loggers will be competing in the Girls High School Elite 7s, an eight-team division that will include some of North America's best talent. The USA High School All Americans will send two teams - rosters yet to be announced - and joined by Atlantis U19s and Orem (Utah), and three sides from Canada. 

Washington Loggers - Las Vegas Invitational 7s 
Danielle Anderson - Seattle Rugby Club/Rainier
Ryann Anderson - Budd Bay
Delaney Atkinson - Shelton
Isabel Boettcher - Budd Bay
Daja Curtis - Chuckanut Bay
Megan Dupree - Kent Crusaders
Leah Ingold - Kent Crusaders
Kaira Martin - Kent Crusaders
Hannah Spencer - Budd Bay
McKenna Strong - Kent Crusaders
Alaina Valenciano - Rainier
Paige Wyatt - Kent Crusaders