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.
Shahzoda Nasimjonova
Age: 20
Hails From: Buffalo, New York
Job that Pays the Bills: Student
Rugby Life:
Began playing rugby in 8th grade
Captain, City Honors High School Women’s Rugby Team (2020-2021)
Undefeated New York State Champions (2021)
Member, All State Team (2019 and 2021)
Member, Western New York Lighting All Stars (2019)
Member, Allegheny Rugby Union U18 Select Side (2019)
Member, Queen City 7s (2021-present)
EGU Champions (2021, 2022)
Member, University of Rochester
Team captain (2023-present)
Member, UNYCRC All Star 7s Team (2023)
Leading Like a Boss:
Coach, University of Rochester Men’s Rugby Team (2023-present)
Volunteers at numerous youth rugby clinics
Captain of her high school debate team for 2 years
Why We Love Shahzoda:
Shahzoda is currently a full-time student who works two jobs on campus and serves as scrum half and captain of the University of Rochester women’s team and coach of the University of Rochester men's team. She not only coaches the men’s team but revived the men’s team after they folded.
All photos provided by the award recipient