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.
Liz Linstrom
Name: Liz Linstrom
Age: 29
Hails from: Woodbridge, VA
Job that Pays the Bills: Video Editor
Rugby Life:
William & Mary Women's Rugby (2013 - 2017)
● 15s Regional Participant in 2013 (Capital D2), 2014 (Capital D2), 2015 (NSCRO), 2016 (NSCRO), with #1 seeds in our region 2014, 2015, 2016
● 7s NSCRO Nationals participants in 2015, 2016
Prince William Youth Rugby (2017 - 2018)
● Assistant Coach, U19 Women
● Assistant Coach, U14 Boys
American University Rugby Women's Rugby (2021 - 2023)
● Assistant Coach (Backs) 2021, 2022
● Head Coach Spring 2023
● D2 Mid-Atlantic Champions for 2021, 2022
DC Furies (2018 - Present)
● 7s Assistant Coach 2023, 2024
● D2 Player 2018-2019
● D1 Player 2019-Present
Capital Selects (2019 to Present)
● 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024 Player at Mary Graham All Stars and Showcase Games
● 2024 Plate Champions
● 2021 Assistant Coach (Developmental Side)
● 2024 vs Colombia National Team and Melina Rugby Club in Colombia
● 2025 Player, Captain at Mary Graham All Stars
● 2026 Player vs Chilean National Team and Melina Rugby Club in Brazil
Leading like a Boss:
William & Mary Women's Rugby (2013 - 2017)
● President 2016 - 2017
● Recruitment, PR, and Merchandise Chair 2014 - 2016
● & Campaign Policy & Pitch - awarded for multidisciplinary leadership in rugby & government policy work
DC Furies (2018 - Present)
● Ruggerfest Chair 2019, 2020, 2021
● PR Chair 2019, 2020
● President 2022, 2023
● Coaching Committee Chair 2025
● Furies Fund Founder, Board Member 2024, 2025, 2026
● Biggest Contribution Award 2024
About the growth of Women’s Rugby (and the Furies) after USA’s success at the olympics:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/olympic-success-brings-big-boost-to-some-lesser-known-sports
About returning to the sport after 2 season-ending injuries:
https://www.washingtonblade.com/2019/10/03/blade-all-stars-spotlight-d-c-furies/
Collaborated across union to voice official statements in response to World Rugby’s ban on trans athletes at the international level:
https://www.dcfuries.com/blog/2023/3/24/official-statement-on-trans-athletes
On being an athlete with Scoliosis: https://www.dcfuries.com/blog/2020/4/6/player-perspective-the-athlete-i-want-to-be
Why we love (name):
“Liz’s passion for the game of rugby and commitment to telling its story is unparalleled. Her love for the sport extends beyond the pitch - in her leading, supporting, and rallying the Furies. It’s been a pleasure to play with and continue to partner with Liz on
important projects serving the club, learning from her experience, wisdom, and excitement.” - Leni Dworkis, DC Furies and Lifetime Fury
“Liz changed the entire dynamic of our team when she joined the coaching staff at American University. Her leadership was immediately palpable, and she took the necessary time to learn and relate to each and every one of us. Her coaching style was hands-on and active, and our team revered every moment we were given to learn from her. I’ll never forget what an important impact she made on our team and myself personally as a player.” - Ava Dennis, AUWRFC
“I’ve never met anyone who better embodied leading by example. Liz’s intensity and sheer love of the game were unmatched. As an assistant coach, Liz had a knack for making every single person around her feel both motivated and technically sound. She was an unbreakable foundation of our team, and has had a lasting impact on every player she’s worked with.” - Suzy Pranger, AUWRFC
Director/Editor - Furious Documentary 2019 - 2022
● Individual Artist Award for Arlington Arts
● Official Selection: WRPN Women's International Film Festival
● Official Selection: Docs Without Borders Film Festival
Furious is a feature-length documentary directed by Liz Linstrom, a current Furies player, and documentary filmmaker. The film explores the history of the D.C. Furies, a former WPL and current Division I club rugby team with an outstanding history. The club formed by women for women and genderqueer athletes alike was set to celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of the largest women's rugby tournaments in the US. We will hear from veteran and lifetime Furies about the hardships they faced in its founding, current Furies as they battle in Division I rugby, and club rugby players from around the country who are coping with the impact of cancellations due to COVID-19.
https://www.washingtonblade.com/2021/11/07/proud-to-be-a-fury/
https://underthebleachers.podbean.com/e/say-their-names-episode-10/
Photos provided by the award recipient