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Women’s Club Rugby team makes

incredible progress after two years of
inactivity
By Erin Shugar, student December 2, 2022

The team has become a tight-knit group, building strong

bonds on and off the rugby pitch.

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Over the past three years, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted
Elon’s community and opportunities. Amongst many things that were affected by
the pandemic, Elon’s Club Women’s Rugby team was one program fighting for
survival. During the “social hiatus” of fall 2020, the club sports team unfortunately
disbanded without the opportunity to meet, practice and compete.

However, this summer, four students — Caroline Moses ’24, Margaux McBride ’24,
Josie McWhorter ’24 and Delaney McDowell ’25 — came together with hopes of
starting up the team again. They wanted to provide a space and community for
other young women to learn and play rugby. The four navigated through various
hurdles but were able to build the team from the ground up, making it a
collaborative effort.

Many other students showed interest in

joining the team, despite most having no
rugby experience. Although Moses and
McBride are the only team members
who knew how to play before this fall,
observing the team at practice, one
would have no idea that most players
just picked up the sport.

Practices are full of high-intensity

gameplay, perfecting technical skills
The women’s club rugby team in a scrum during a game.
and, most importantly, cheering each
other on. Asked to comment on the
team’s progress, Emerson Wells ’23, said, “Everyone is coming from the same
base level of understanding, or a lack of understanding, about rugby. So, it’s been
cool to all be on the same page and all grow from not knowing anything to now
being able to play a game.”

In talking to team members, it was clear that regardless of whether they had even
heard of rugby before this fall, each member was glad to have it in their life. This
fall, the team has become a tight-knit community, having fun on and off the rugby
pitch through paint nights, surprise birthday parties and team dinners. A few
people referred to the team as a family, and in talking to various members, this is
certainly a shared sentiment— the bond and sense of community the members
have is strong.

Both new and seasoned team members discussed the physical and mental
benefits of being a part of a club sports team, ranging from stress relief, getting in
better shape, gaining leadership skills and confidence, and having a sense of
community.

“It actually has helped my mental health a lot; coming to practice is the highlight of
my week because I know that I’m going to have a good time and I always leave
feeling better than when I came in,” said Ivy Montague ’23.

Niya Kelly ’25 adds to this, explaining that her first year of college had its rough
patches but that now with the club in her life, she feels like she has found her
place at Elon.

Despite most players being first-timers on the rugby pitch, the team has made
many advances and has even won against other women’s teams in games. With a
new coach helping improve the team’s technique, their next goal is to have enough
players to do 15-a-side games, or 15s, in the spring semester. Sam Schwamberger
’23, comments on the team’s progress, expressing how important it is to have both
women’s and men’s club rugby teams on campus.

“Rugby has been a huge part of my life, so to be able to experience it with Elon is
really fun, and I’ve met some pretty amazing people,” said Margaux McBride ’24.

If you are interested in joining the Women’s Club Rugby team, contact Caroline
Moses, the club president, at cmoses@elon.edu. Regardless of any prior
experience, there is a spot for anyone and everyone willing to learn.

POSTED IN: Student Experience

TAGGED: Campus Recreation & Wellness HealthEU

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