The USA women's Eagles kick off their 2026 campaign against the vaunted Black Ferns of New Zealand Saturday in Sacramento.
This is the beginning of the Jack Hanratty era. The new USA Head Coach has named a somewhat (but not drastically) new squad.
Most notable in the changes are that Erica Jarrell Searcy has been named captain. This was a change Hanratty would have made even if Kate Zacksry were not injured.
Hanratty is looking for the next generation of leaders and he said he was impressed with Jarrell Searcy's work rate and ability to lead by example.
For her part, Jarrell Searcy said exactly that.
"I haven't been very vocal and I try to contribute with what I can do on the field," the former Harvard skipper said.
In addition, Bella Vogel, still an undergrad at Life University, will start at flyhalf.
"I'm a strong believer in the adage that if you're good enough you're old enough," said Hanratty. "Bella has so much skill and while I am sure she would love to have played more games, she's been in a daily training environment and there are.domestic competitions and programs producing players."
Hann Humphries, who came out of the 7s program, and with debutants like Hope Cooper, Reece Woods, Abigail Paton, and Telesi Uhatafe ready to provide impact from the bench, the Eagles are definitely starting to look different.
We will see, added Hanratty, a USA team that will want to play fast and use their weapons more.
Obviously the Eagles are not favored to win, but Hanrstty is, instead, talking a out competing.
"Look, we're ranked 4thniut of 4 in this tournament and there's a reason for that. But I also think this is an opportunity to make great strides.
