West Chester University’s Tony DeRemer is shifting gears, transitioning from his DI varsity women’s team for the time being to work with Rugby Pennsylvania’s Girls All-Star team. The select side will represent the state at this weekend’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Cup Tournament, one of seven occurring during the next two weekends around the country. These tournaments are the primary vehicle for selection to the Stars & Stripes camp.

Of the 24 girls making the trip to Pittsburgh, DeRemer has singled out a few players who will draw some attention. Top among them is Paige Krahling, younger sister to Joie, who is a former High School All American and resident at the American Rugby Pro Training Center in Little Rock, Ark. The younger Krahling is a four-year state all-star in her own right.

"Daz Williams is a newcomer, but she’s very fast and very athletic,” DeRemer said of the Cedar Cliff wing. “We will look to get her the ball and see what happens. Also, Sophie Pyrz, who played for Doylestown. She has really developed over the past year, and was quite impressive in the Rugby PA semifinals against the Valkyries. Finally, Akweley Okine, who is an eightman for the West Chester high school program. Akweley is a two-year all star with the Rugby PA team and she has started to dominate the tackle area as a ballcarrier. We hope she can open up lots of options with her hard running style and get the team going forward.”

It’s also important to note that a couple of candidates were prevented from participating. Maya Grassi (Valkyries) and Joannah Skucek (State College) made the team, however, USA Rugby and SBROs have made a move that funnels 9^th and 10^th graders into the JV bracket, and 11^th and 12^th graders into the varsity division. Since the Mid-Atlantic isn’t running a girls JV bracket – it will next year – 10^th graders were allowed to play up, but freshmen were not.

“They both deserve to be on the team,” DeRemer lamented. “They were announced as making the team and then were let down to find out they weren’t allowed to play. Unfortunate, but deserving of recognition.”

Pennsylvania joins a hearty eight-team field and will take on teams from the East Coast and Midwest. For the full list of rosters, click here.