Thomas College Adding NCAA Rugby, Hires Douglas as Coach

Emphasizing support while also having disciplined expectations, Douglas's coaching style is focused around developing a positive environment with personalized guidance. She believes that instilling resilience and character through maintaining high standards allows for student-athletes to reach their full potential on and off the field. 

When asked about what she is looking forward to and what excites her about the new addition to athletics Douglas stated, "The opportunity to build a brand-new Women's Rugby program at Thomas is incredibly exciting… This program will not only elevate the profile of women's sports at Thomas College but also provide student-athletes with unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, teamwork, and athletic achievement." 

Douglas started work at Thomas on July 1; she basically has a year to put together her squad before officially starting competition.

Founded in 1894, Thomas College is in Waterville, Maine and boasts about 1,800 undergraduates. The school offers over 30 majors, but started as a business college and its business program remains a big part of its curriculum. About 45% of the student body plays intercollegiate sports; Thomas College is a Division III school and that is good news for NIRA as it builds what looks to be a pretty robust DIII league, with defending champions being fellow Mainiacs Bowdoin.