The defending national champion Penn State women’s rugby team has begun its attempt at a third-consecutive title as the countries best, however it is the programs future successes that is taking current priority. As a result, the Nittany Lions will be hosting its recruiting weekend October 18-19.
Interested high school athletes are being encouraged to visit the University Park campus in order to witness first hand the opportunities possible through Penn State and its women’s rugby team.
Players interested in attending can sign-up by visiting http://rugby.psu.edu/women/.
“We have some incredible resources here at Penn State, both on and off the field,” said women’s head coach, Pete Steinberg. “I feel that our status provides our athletes the best possible opportunities to excel in the classroom while being highly successful on the pitch.”
While the eight-time national champion Nittany Lions boast an extensive history on the field, recruits will be exposed to the academic success of the University as well.
Penn State offers over 160 majors and is nationally ranked in numerous disciplines. Other accolades include being listed as the best school in the country by recruiters and 3rd for best professors.
“Penn State is very unique in that it offers not only a world-class education to recruits, but it is also home to the best women’s collegiate rugby team, a place that develops elite rugby players.” said Steinberg.
Steinberg continued by saying; “We spend almost the entire year supporting player development both on and off the field. We rarely emphasis winning and choose to focus on fulfilling our potential and excellence through all aspects of our lives.”
The focus on development has paid dividends for Penn State players. The Nittany Lions have produced more All-Americans than any other university in the country. Further, it has seen two players contracted fro the USA 7s program in the past two years and seen countless of other athletes perform on the national stage through 15s.
Six Penn State athletes represented the U20 National Team during the summer at the Nations Cup competition in England.
“I think the approach pays off for players who want to play elite-level rugby,” said Bitsy Cairns, the U20 on-field Captain for the 2013 Nations Cup. “When I came to Penn State I found great players who pushed me to become better. I had to work really hard to play for the top side here, but the resources here made it all possible.”
Two Penn Staters were also able to earn their first caps with the Women’s Eagles 15s team over the summer as well having played minimally in high school at their current positions.
“When I came to Penn State I knew I wanted to become an Eagle but I didn’t know how,” said junior prop, Hope Rogers. “Being part of this program provided me with a pathway to reach my goal and this summer I not only played for the USA U20 National Team for the first time, I also was capped six times for the senior Eagles.”
Rogers donned the number 8 jersey before enrolling at Penn State.
Being a recognized team sport through the athletic department, Penn State’s resources include two full-time rugby administrators, varsity athlete health insurance, an academic advisor program, dedicated rugby fields, and access to the newly refurbished varsity weight room, which includes varsity strength and conditioning coaches versed in rugby.
“Penn State is the best place to be if you want to be an Eagle or be on the pathway to the Olympics,” said Penn State graduate and current USA 7s resident Deven Owsiany. “The quality of the coaching and the environment allows you to create your own pathway. You cannot guarantee you will get selected, but you will be the best player you can be when you are graduated.”
Owsiany picked up rugby after enrolling at Penn State, eventually slotting in as a center. She was capped this past summer as a scrumhalf.
Players that are interested in attending the recruiting weekend can sign-up at:
