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.
ABOUT
Founded in 2005, the U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation is managed by an all-women volunteer board committed to fostering and sustaining the growth of girls and women’s rugby.
Our initial focus was on supporting the WNT followed by subsequent evolution into all areas of women's rugby including Girls & Youth; College/NCAA; Club/WPL; and WNT 7’s & 15’s.
USWRF has served as an advocate, provided funding and grants, and supported the rugby community through networking and professional development events.
In 2017, the USWRF created the Women's Rugby Coaches & Referees Association (WRCRA) as the professional organization for women's rugby coaches and referees at all levels of play. In recognition of the vast network of support that sustains women’s rugby, WRCRA is open to all coaches, referees, players, administrators, journalists and fans.
The Foundation seeks to be:
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An advocate and resource for players, coaches, referees, administrators, journalists and their allies to advance girls and women in rugby
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A research site for scholars and practitioners
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A benefactor for the women's national and developmental teams
USWRF is a non-profit organization.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Women’s National Teams – bolster player development activities and help ease the financial burden on national players and coaches.
Women’s Rugby Coaching & Referees Association (WRCRA) – provide current and aspiring women coaches and/or referee’s a network of support and a public forum for organizing and advocacy.
Youth – encourage the development of youth programs.
Collegiate – identify and develop resources that support the growth and quality of college programs along the continuum from fully funded varsity programs to clubs with limited access to university resources.
Women – facilitate information and resource sharing among clubs through education and events.
Community – host events that celebrate our history and encourage retired players to return to the game.
MEMBER BENEFITS
Member Forum - network with fellow women's rugby professionals and advocates from all sectors of the game through in-person events and our members-only online forum.
Career Center - find and post jobs on our members-only job board; gain access to career-related resources that help best position you to advance your rugby career.
Mentoring – find and/or serve as a mentor.
Events - attend the Women In Rugby Conference at a members-only rate.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD CHAIR
PRESIDENT
Danita is a Global Product Manager for ABB Inc. She has served in rugby leadership for over 25 years: USA Rugby BOD & Congress; Women's Director & VP USA Rugby South; President of Georgia Rugby Union; Co-President Atlanta Harlequins. She played for Clemson University, Atlanta Harlequins and coached the Atlanta Bucks. Her education includes: BS in Engineering from Southern Polytech State University; MBA from Mercer University.
VICE CHAIR
VICE PRESIDENT
Lisa owns/operates Taco Mac and Padres Mexican Restaurants, and is President & CEO of Lilly’s LLC, a restaurant development and venture corporation. She is also a Partner in 4th Street Construction Company. She served 10 years on the Board of Directors for the NFL Yet (Boys & Girls Club of Atlanta). She boasts a 20-year rugby playing career, much of that for the Atlanta Harlequins and former Atlanta Valkyries. She has a BS in Psychology from Georgia State University.
WRCRA CHAIR
VICE PRESIDENT
Kerri is the chair of WRCRA and a USWRF Board member. Until recently, she was the Director of Engaged Sport at Brown University, Associate Director of the Swearer Center for Public Service and Faculty in Education. She coached the Brown women’s team from 2001-2013, during which Brown reached the "Round of 4" four times, produced eight national team players and 19 All Americans. Kerri played for Beantown RFC 1981-1990, Houston Heathen Hearts 1980-1981 and FSU 1978-1980. She was also a member of the US Women's National Team from 1987-1989 and the WIVERN Tour. She has a BA from FSU and an Ed. D from Boston University. She lives in Providence, Rhode Island with her wife and 2 children.
TREASURER
Suzi owns Fit Forever which specializes in the health and fitness needs of seniors. She was player/captain/coach of the National Champions FSU Women’s Rugby 1974-1983; Co-coach Beantown RFC 1989-1990; Head Coach of USA Rugby East Women’s Select Side 1985-1991; and a member of the WIVERN Tour. Her education includes: MPT from University of St. Augustine Health Sciences; MS in Leisure Services and BS in Physical Education both from FSU.
SECRETARY
Bev is Founder/CEO of Brazo Fuerte Artisanal Beer. She formerly was in senior management in the biotech industry, including CFO, CCO, GC and VP Operations-Administration. She has played for Beantown RFC, NRU Select Side and Atlantis 7s, currently playing for the Olde Girls. She also has been a member of US Women's National Team player pools and a reserve for 7s Hong Kong. Bev received a JD/MBA from Harvard University and was named to the Boston Business Journal’s “40 Under Forty” leaders list.
VICE PRESIDENT
With a career in food & beverage, Mary leads Product Development for Newman’s Own. Not only does she formulate awesome salad dressing and pasta sauce, but her company makes a humanitarian impact throughout the world.
Mary was the first Hooker for US Eagles. She founded the Tufts
University team in 1978 and played for/coached Beantown RFC 1980-1986 and Atlanta Harlequins 1987-1990. She was a member of the New England Select Side, the Eastern Rugby Union Select, WIVERN Tour and US Women’s National Team 1987-1990. She currently plays for the Olde Girls, since 1996.
BOARD MEMBER
Amy serves as the Vice President for Operations with NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. She has spent her professional career in business operations roles within organizations that serve higher education. Amy played rugby at Bowdoin College and co-founded the BWRFC Alumni Network. She also served as an assistant coach for the American University Women's Rugby Team 2006-2012 and co-coordinated the DC Furies Ruggerfest Tournament in 2009 and 2010. Finally, Amy has helped support the growth of organizations within the rugby community including The Rugger's Edge and Polar Bear Rugby Camp at Bowdoin College.