LAFAYETTE, CO. - Martha Daines has been appointed Director of USA Rugby's Girls High School All-Americans and Talent Identification, the organization announced today. Bringing extensive coaching experience, including significant time spent in the Women's National Team pathway, Daines will focus on building the Girls High School All-American (GHSAA) player pool and program in both 7s and 15s. Additionally, Daines will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of talent identification initiatives across all age-grades.

As her first assignment, Daines will look ahead to the upcoming USA Futures Sevens Tournament held in conjunction with the 2018 CanAm Rugby Tournament. Running July 27-29 in Saranac Lake Placid, Daines will be at the helm of scouting 30 women's athletes who will compete against one another at the Futures event.

"At the upcoming Futures Tournament, we'll be focusing on individual player development with the tournament competition providing the increased pressure required for each player to test their skill," says Daines, describing her immediate focus within the role. "The growth of girl's high school rugby over the last 5-10 years has been phenomenal and exciting to watch. I'm looking forward to working with these young women as they start their journey towards becoming international athletes."

"Martha has a proven ability to identify and develop talent. We are excited she has agreed to continue to drive Talent Identification for Women's High Performance. But beyond that, we are thrilled to have her on board as the Director of the GHSAA," says Emilie Bydwell, General Manager for Women's High Performance. "This age group is critical for our future development; Martha's expertise in skill acquisition, as well as development of tactical awareness and decision making will have a significant impact on our players at the U18 level."

Daines has highlighted her rugby career as a Head Coach and Coach Educator, spending a considerable amount of time gaining comprehensive experience in all facets of the sport. In addition to a variety of local and regional coaching appointments, Daines has been a consistent part of USA Rugby's women's pathway.

With the organization, the new Director has served as an Assistant Coach for the Women's National Team (2015-17), Head Coach for the Collegiate All-Americans (2011-15) and Head Coach for the Women's "A" Team (2009-10) -- to name a few. Now, her focus will be on overseeing the direction of the entire GHSAA program with an emphasis on identifying talented athletes, developing their skill set and providing them with the guidance to continue their journey to becoming Eagles.

In addition to her role with developing athletes at the U18 level, Daines' vast experience as a coach educator will allow her to support the growth of developing high performance coaches within Project SOAR.

The age-grade pathway is an integral part of Women's High Performance. In order for athletes to continue their journey to represent the United States on the world stage, monetary contributions are crucial. To support All-American athletes, click here.