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.
Kelsea Thompson
Age: 26
Hails From: Born and raised in Farmingdale, New York. Now lives in Greenville, South Carolina
Job that Pays the Bills: Event Director, Triple Crown Sports
Rugby Life:
Player, SUNY Oneonta Women’s Rugby (2016-2019)
Winner of the NSCRO Heart and Soul Winner Award (2017)
President, SUNY Oneonta Women’s Rugby (2019)
Player, Phoenix Women’s Rugby (2019-2020)
Played in multiple summer tournaments with Alpharetta Exiles, and East Coast Havoc (2021-2022)
Leading Like a Boss:
Small College Women’s Director, NCR (2022-present)
Eligibility Team Member, NCR (2022-present)
Executive Director of Rugby Arizona (2019-2020)
Head Coach, Phoenix Women’s Rugby (2019-2020)
Assistant Coach, Phoenix Rugby High School U16 Girls (2019-2020)
Coach, Youth Gymnastics in Scottsdale, AZ (2019-2020)
United States Marine Corp Distinguished Athlete Award (2015)
Dick Ferziger Memorial Award (2015)
Red Cross Blood Drive Program Leader (22021-2023)
Why We Love Kelsea:
From Angela Smarto, NCR Director of Women’s Collegiate Rugby: "I hired Kelsea in the Summer of 2022 as the small college director. In the last year, she has done nothing but impress me. She is an exceptional listener and absorbs new information like a sponge. She has such a varied skill set from her professional life that adds so much value to NCR. Kelsea is a great operational director, community outreach, and advocate for women's rugby. I can't wait to work for her someday."
All photos provided by the award recipient