With the DI fall semifinalists named, it’s interesting to note that Catholic Memorial High School (Waukesha, Wisc.) has four alumni competing at collegiate nationals: Penn State’s Katie Mueller, Quinnipiac’s Maggie Wesolowski and Rebecca Haight, and Norwich’s Julie Else. It’s also important to note that the aforementioned are standouts (although Else is playing behind senior captain Emily Oor) on the varsity (near-varsity for PSU) squads.

So who’s next to come out of the Crusader camp? All heads turn to senior captain Lizzy Jacobson, who was named Back Player of the Game for the Wisconsin state final.

“Looking back, she's had a remarkable impact on our team,” Catholic Memorial coach John Waliszewski said of the lock, flanker, No. 8, center and flyhalf. “At various times, she's been our leading jumper, our distributor, our leading tackler, a breakdown menace, a scorer – she scored 11 tries this fall – and even a kicker. Now she is all those things and more, regardless of what position she plays. We talk all the time about being rugby players – not 6s or 10s or whatever – and she's the epitome of that team culture.

“In addition to her positive, energetic personality, she's an outstanding captain because she has a high rugby IQ,” Waliszewski added. “That's partly the result of her experience but also because she's been a student of the game. She would make a wonderful coach someday.”

But Jacobson nearly missed her calling. Having tried multiple sports throughout her youth, the Mukwonago resident settled on a competitive pom and dance team. During freshman English class, her friend – and soon teammate – Myra Dillet caught Jacobson admiring coach Wally’s rugby memorabilia and convinced her to give the sport a try. One confused mother’s assent later, and Jacobson was at practice, splitting her time between rugby and dance during the fall, and then facing some truths come winter.

“I decided after dance nationals to no longer continue dancing, but to play rugby,” Jacobson said. “It was not at all difficult to choose year-round rugby, because I knew that this is the sport that I wanted to play. The coaches and teammates on this team are absolutely amazing - relationships that will last a lifetime!”

Jacobson learned the game alongside Eileen Leib (’13), who is now a starting flanker for DI Northern Iowa, Haight and Wesolowski – all of whom she calls idols. They helped her define the player she wanted to be as well as Catholic Memorial’s winning tradition. The now-17-year-old has competed in four state championships, three Midwest championships, and three national tournaments thus far.

While nationals develops its own rivalries – Jacobson names Summit (’13) and Danville (’14) as two of the most memorable, challenging opponents – Divine Savior Holy Angels (DSHA) is the local and regional rival. And the recent Wisconsin state championship is another example of such.

Catholic Memorial came so close to deposing the reigning champ, but fell just short 15-10. Jacobson herself entered the match with fresh injuries, but coach Waliszewski was impressed with her and fellow captain Ellie Metz’s composure and on-field adjustments, while also “leading the team’s defense physically and vocally in a way that gave everyone confidence.”

“It was the closest game I have played in against DSHA,” Jacobson said. “Coming into the season, our original thought was that this would be a rebuilding year for our team. However, we turned it into something much beyond that. … We left our hearts, minds and bodies on that field. It is exciting to see where we will be able to take ourselves in the upcoming season.

“The desire to beat DSHA has been one of mine and my teammates for as long as I have been on this team,” added Jacobson, who also knew the last time CMH defeated DSHA: 2010 for the conference title. “However, it is quite evident that beating DSHA is not what Catholic Memorial rugby is all about. When we do face off against them, we will always put our best foot forward.”

It's safe to say that Catholic Memorial has built upon its tradition, adding scholarship rugby athletes to its resume. The opportunity hasn't escaped the Wisconsin All Star, who is entering her final season with Catholic Memorial and looking toward college.

“I know that rugby will be a part of the rest of my life,” Jacobson said. “I do aspire to play in college for certain. I am looking at playing at different schools such as UW and Winona State University. However, I am keeping a completely opened mind and looking out for any other opportunities that come my way.”