CHULA VISTA, Calif. (USA Rugby Release) — For the first time since 2019, USA Rugby Pathways will bring 82 women’s U18 and U20 players to the U.S. Olympic Training Site in Chula Vista, CA for Winter Camp 2021 from December 27 to January 1.

Featuring two primary age groups in the age-grade pipeline, players will train and compete under the guidance of junior national team staff with senior national team coaches watching and reviewing performances for the new year. As both the USA Women’s 7s and Women’s XVs National Teams are entering their respective World Cup years, players at Winter Camp have an exciting opportunity to position themselves for a spot in either or both player pools.

With the recent announcement of a National U23 Women’s Competition to begin in June of 2022 and take place annually, players have even more selection opportunities ahead.

Players were selected for Winter Camp from National Development Programs, USA Rugby’s Talent ID Days, Opportunity Days, high school and club competitions. A nomination process also exists and is accessible at pathways.usa.rugby.

“Since our last 15s focused pathway camp two years ago, our player pool has changed dramatically," said Martha Daines, Women’s HP Pathways Manager and U18 Head Coach. "Players have aged out of the pathway programs into senior club rugby, entered college or the workforce from high school or moved from middle school to high school playing environments.

“For this camp, the majority of the U18 players and about half of the U20 players are attending a national pathway camp for the very first time. We look forward to seeing how they can learn and adapt to the environment we create and the challenges we provide during camp.

“Identifying and nominating this new group of talented players has been the work of many— Eagle Eye scouts, National Development Programs, local, regional and national coaches— in a variety of venues and competitions. We’ll continue to work to expand and reinvigorate our player pool in the coming year.”

STAFF
Women’s U20 Head Coach | Joel Bonnaud
Women’s U20 Assistant Coach | Farrah Douglas
Women’s U20 Assistant Coach | Josie Ziluca
Women’s U18 Head Coach & HP Pathways Manager | Martha Daines
Women’s U18 Assistant Coach | Susan Whitwell
Women’s U18 Assistant Coach | Kelly Griffin
Video Analyst | Emily Record
Operations and Logistics | Dee Nash
Athletic Trainer | Anna Unnasch