NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Norwich University men’s rugby coach Bob Weggler announced this week that women’s rugby alumnus Joya Clark ’14 has been hired as the men’s rugby assistant coach for the 2014-15 season.

Clark begins her collegiate coaching career just three months after graduating Norwich as one of the most decorated players in collegiate rugby history. The Scotia, N.Y. native helped guide Norwich to a combined six national championships between 7s and 15s over her four-year career.

"I'm excited to take my first step into coaching with the Norwich men's rugby team as they are a young, highly motivated group of individuals who are ready to learn and better themselves on and off the pitch,” Clark said. “I am looking forward to sharing some of my knowledge that has led to success on the women's team to the men's team.” 
 
Last year was Clark’s finest season yet, helping lead Norwich to three national titles (USA Rugby 7s, ACRA 7s and 15s) and a perfect 40-0 record. She also surpassed classmate Rose Bernheim as the program all-time career tries record holder with 95 tries in 15s matches and 45 tries in 7s matches for a total of 140.
 
“[Clark] and I have had conversations during her collegiate career about her desire to be a coach,” Weggler said. “She brought a high level of rugby intelligence to her game and now she has the opportunity to that into her coaching. Her focus and commitment to the game of rugby is second to none. Even though she scored 140 tries, she was also an outstanding defender. Her tracking abilities in her tackle are superb.”
 
Clark will coach the backline for Norwich after she was a standout at the wing position for a majority of her career for the women’s program.
 
“Coach Clark will be an asset to our program in developing our backline schemes for this upcoming season,” Weggler said. “She will also contribute to the development of our 7s program. Her three USA Rugby Sevens Championship medals will certainly be a plus.”

The Norwich men’s rugby team reports to preseason camp on Aug. 13 with a series of exhibition matches scheduled before its NECRC opener on Sept. 13 at Coast Guard.