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.
Holly Abrams
Age: 29
Hails From: The great state of New Jersey
Job that Pays the Bills: Assistant rugby coach, Princeton University Women’s Rugby; Graduate Student at University of Delaware
Rugby Life:
Player and club president, East Carolina University (2012-2016)
Player, Hangzhou Harlequins (2016)
Player, University of Delaware (2017-2019)
Player, Scion Rugby Academy (2018)
Player, Chesapeake Women's Rugby Club (2021-2022)
Coach, Chesapeake Stingers Women’s Rugby Club (2022-2023)
Coach, Capital Rugby Union Selects (2021- current)
Assistant Coach, Princeton Women's Rugby Team (NIRA, NCAA D1)
Leading Like a Boss:
Coordinator, Wilmington Rugby 7’s
Vice President, Chesapeake Stingers Women's Rugby Club
Premier Rugby Sevens, Manager of Pittsburgh Steeltoes and the Rocky Mountain Experts (2022-2023)
LA Sevens, Liaison officer to Ireland Men's National Team
USAR Senior Club Council DEI chair
WRCRA Pioneer
Why We Love Holly:
Holly is absolutely committed to growing rugby. As a graduate student and researcher, she explores identities, feelings of mattering, belonging, and significance among players in women's rugby. As a coach, Holly strives to create positive and safe environments for athletes to develop not only their rugby but their overall well-being and self-worth.
Outside of rugby, Holly enjoys her pets, reading, camping, and spending time with family and friends. Starting her rugby journey in North Carolina, she is thrilled to be returning to New Jersey, joining the coaching staff of Princeton Women's Rugby. None of the accomplishments mentioned would have been possible if Holly did not have her family, friends, and wonderful rugby community in her corner.
All photos provided by the award recipient