1975 Sexist OSU Newsletter
The Old Man, the newsletter of the Ohio State University Men’s Rugby club announced the formation of the Ohio State women’s team. Note the graphic illustration of a female player.
1977 The Pitch
The Tube and the Pitch, two different Ohio State Women’s team newsletters from 1977 show the grassroots organizing, bawdy nature of women’s rugby at the time.
Support us today!
When you contribute to the U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation you become part of a movement to support girls and women involved in rugby.
​
We are a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.​
All donations made are tax deductible.
Support us today!
When you contribute to the U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation you become part of a movement to support girls and women involved in rugby.
​
We are a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.​
All donations made are tax deductible.
Eden Liebenthal
Age:
22
Hails From:
Omaha, NE, currently living in Sioux Falls, SD
Job that Pays the Bills:
Community health worker at South Dakota Voices for peace, a nonprofit committed to building power and enabling healing in immigrant, refugee, and Muslim communities in South Dakota
Rugby Life:
University of South Dakota (Runner-up NCR Small College 7's National Championship, Captain and President)
Prairie States Select side (Winner NSCRO All Star Championships. Tournament MVP, and All Tournament Team)
NSCRO Select Side
NCR 7's Select Side
Prairie States Team (Competed at the NCR All Star Championships, selected for the All Tournament Team)
NCR Collegiate All American
NCR Small College 7's National Championship (All Tournament Team)
NCR Academic All American (4.0 GPA)
Leading Like a Boss:
Currently an assistant coach with University of South Dakota (125 mile round trip to practice and has not missed a day)
USD Presidential Leaders Academy
Why We Love Eden:
Eden is an incredible leader. In 2020 she broke her ankle in several places needing a plate and screws, and extensive rehab, she continued as club President during her rehab. As President and Captain, she ensured the team flourished during the pandemic, with distanced practices, virtual social gatherings, and individual fitness goals, as a result, USD won the NCR Virtual National Championship.
In 2021-22, USD lost their only game in the final of the 7's National Championship, on a try in sudden death overtime. This was the last game of her college career and for a few seconds you could see the impact it had on her, but she immediately rallied her team to her and poured out why she was so proud of them and their accomplishments. The team went from the despair of losing a final they could have won, to celebrating that they were going home with medals and a runners-up trophy.
All photos provided by the award recipient