Glendale, Colo. - After six years as an Eagle, USA wing Kelsi Stockert has decided to hang up the international boots. 

Stockert got her start in rugby playing for the Budd Bay Steelheads in Olympia, Wash. After taking a break to have a baby, she returned to rugby with the goal of making the Pacific Northwest select side. She did that and more, playing for Seattle and helping them win a national title in 7s, and then earning his first 15s cap. That was against England in 2015, racking up a total of eight appearances with the Women’s Eagles.

As a resident athlete in sevens, she made her debut at the home stop of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Las Vegas in 2016, making four World Series tournaments before jumping back to XVs.  

Across her career, Stockert tallied a total of four tries. The winger brought a vibrant and energetic personality to every appearance on the world stage, including an incredible try against New Zealand at Dubai Sevens 2017 that propelled the USA Women to a Cup Final and a silver medal. 

Ilona Maher is ready to make waves for the @USARugby Women's Sevens World Cup squad. Kelsi Stockert catches up with the young up-and-comer. pic.twitter.com/WQ1BARL7yZ

— FloRugby (@FloRugby) July 13, 2018

“Thank you rugby community for all your support over my Eagle years," said Stockert. "My purpose in rugby has always been to inspire those who needed a spark, to show my daughter and young girls it’s worth chasing your dreams and to beat the odds. I wanted to leave the jersey in a better place than when I pulled it on. 

“My international rugby career was full of hard work, laughter, determination and a little bit of dancing. For that, and so much more, I am forever grateful.”

Kelsi Stockert was called up to @WorldRugby7s #Rwc7s 

Hopefully she does this all weekend long #RWC7s #Rugby7sMag #Downtothelastsecond #AmericaNeedsRugby pic.twitter.com/Z5wImrYlk4

— RUGBY 7s MAGAZINE (@Rugby7sMagazine) July 18, 2018

“To be capped in either 7s or 15s is a great achievement," said USA Head Coach Rob Cain, to leave the international as a dual Eagle speaks volumes of Kelsi’s hard work, talent and determination. Kelsi was instrumental in helping us create a supportive and challenging environment for many of our debutants on my first tour as head coach in November 2018.

“The support she showed others, alongside her powerful running ability -- as a real threat with ball in hand -- has allowed Kelsi to create some great memories in her exciting career. Her family has always been a huge part of her rugby career and I wanted to thank them for all their support as she makes this decision to retire. 

“The story behind the player is often missed but I know that without such support Kelsi would not have achieved the wonderful heights that she did. 

“We wish Kelsi  all the best in her new exciting adventure away from international rugby and I know she will be a great success with her new endeavors. Thank you Kelsi.”