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Barb Fugate

  • Head Coach, Minnesota Valkyries (1993-2011)

  • Head Coach, US U23 (2000-2008)

  • USA Rugby Hall of Fame

  • One of the first women instructors US Coaching Certificate program (1998-2006)

  • Chair of Strategic Planning, Treasurer, and Member of the Finance Committee, USA Rugby (1996-2000)

  • International Athlete Director and Member, USA Rugby Board of Directors (1996-2004)

  • Board Member and President, Minnesota Rugby Foundation

  • US Women’s National Team Player (1991 World Cup)

  • National Events Coordinator, Women’s Committee


Fierce in competition. Relentless in preparation. Perpetually looking to grow the game. Barb has inspired and impacted so much of the rugby community. As a player, coach and administrator, Barb set the bar for putting in the work and raising expectations. She always said: “Do the work. Put in the effort. The outcomes will take care of themselves”. Her mentorship, hard work and influence are written all over rugby as we know it today. (Jane Tierney)

All photos provided by the award recipient

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