With 367 overall nominations and 1,312 overall votes, Ashlee Byrge and Bronson Teles very much deserve the title of Goff Rugby Report’s Most Valuable Player of the Month. Both players were high school All Americans, and both players were selected for the Junior All American teams.

Photo courtesy of Ashlee Byrge

"Her style of play is electric, and you never really know what she's going to do next," Davenport teammate Cassie Clark said. "She brings a plethora of experience even though she's only been at Davenport for two years. Her work ethic and drive to succeed is unmatched, and I definitely wouldn't be surprised if she's representing our country on the pitch in the next few years."

Byrge began her rugby career during her sophomore year of high school. Her brother played for Highland Rugby and watching him thrive on the pitch struck an envious chord within her. 

"There was nothing I loved more than going and watching his games," Byrge said. "There was something about the physicality, culture, and family aspect of rugby that really intrigued me."

Byrge decided she wanted to be a part of this passion and quit the soccer team to join the first Herriman High School girl's rugby team. For her, the success within the sport came easily. Before rugby and soccer, Byrge raced motocross and quickly learned what it took to get back up after a hard fall. Luckily for her, the determination she had instilled in her from a young age to keep up with her father and brother in the sports world contributed to her success on the rugby pitch.

Byrge's rugby career flourished after she joined Herriman's girl's team. She was selected to play in Colorado after making the Utah All Star team. From there, she played for the Women's Junior All American 15s side against Canada as well as the Collegiate All American 7s team in Elite City Sevens, was invited to the Olympic Training Center, and received a scholarship from Davenport Rugby, where Bryge currently plays.

"My end goal is to play for the Olympic team in 2020," Byrge said. "I want to be seen for my talent, but more importantly, I want to be looked at for the person I am and the example I set for others. I've taken a lot of pride in helping mentor and guide other athletes that are trying to accomplish similiar goals."

Photo courtesy of Bronson Teles

"Bronson has been a great leader," Katy Barbarians teammate Paul Bourgogne said. "I have been playing with him for over six years. He knows how to get the team focused and is always able to keep a positive attitude. Not only is he a great leader, but he is an outstanding player, and if you play with him you know that he will always have your back in any situation, whether on or off the field."

Teles' father insisted he give rugby a chance amongst soccer, baseball, basketball, and football, and as soon as he played his first game, he fell in love. Bronson quickly became a utility player, moving throughout the pack from lock, to flanker, to No. 8 and dabbling as a center. 

"I've always loved to be everywhere on the field and I've always loved the contact," Teles said. "I've always felt like being the head hunter was a part of my role, and it's part of why I love the game."

In between football, track, and wrestling, Teles found enough time to dedicate to rugby in order to make be a High School All American and join the U20 team that recently faced Canada. He also played as an All American in Vegas for 7s.

Teles didn't play against Canada. However, he stills feels the trip was worth the experience to see what it takes to play at the next level, and he is determined to get there.

"When I play rugby, I play for the guy next to me. Rugby teaches you discipline and forces you to know your role on the field, which is to play for your teammate," Teles said.

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