DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) – Since its inception in 2004, the Palmer College Women’s Rugby team has firmly established itself as a dominant force within the Midwest rugby scene, consistently showcasing impressive talent and teamwork.
The club has not only clinched the last two Midwest Rugby Union championships but also made headlines by qualifying for the USA Club Rugby National Championships for the first time in 2022, marking a significant milestone in their competitive journey.
“Normally with Palmer, we struggle a little bit with numbers overall, so we’re continuously recruiting,” said Alex Lourens, Head Coach of Palmer Women’s Rugby. “A lot of people think that we’re just a school and not an open club, so it’s hard to get people to join, but the girls that are on this team this year are very dedicated. They’re hard-working and consistently bring a positive ‘pick me up’ attitude that inspires everyone around them.”
Some players are new to the sport, while others have been an integral part of the team for over three years, bringing a rich diversity of experience and backgrounds.
“I didn’t know that rugby was even a sport until I got here,” said Taylor Briehl, a dedicated player with three years under her belt. “Actually, I had a friend my first trimester here at Palmer who knew she was going to play right away, and I was like, I don’t know what that is. She just was like, well, come to a game and watch, and I still was like, wow, I don’t know, that seems kind of intense.”
“I’ve been playing rugby for high school, then club,” said Heather Ritchie, who also has three years on the Palmer rugby team. “I played provincially for one year, and then I played University. I actually came to Palmer specifically because of their renowned chiropractic program and strong rugby program.”
First-year rugby player Kenzy Reilley joined the team after attending a club fair and their initial meeting. She quickly discovered that the camaraderie was a pivotal aspect of the sport.
“Actually what sold me on the sport was the community,” said Reilley. “These girls play exactly like a family; they welcome you with open arms, eager to share their knowledge and help you grow, not just as an athlete, but as part of a close-knit community of strong women.”
Players share their valuable advice for women interested in trying out rugby, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the sport.
“Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith,” advised Briehl. “Especially with a sport like rugby, there is a position on the field for any body type, any age. Honestly, it is so inclusive that you will feel at home no matter what.”
“It’s gonna be scary, like everyone who comes and starts out most of them have never played before,” said Ritchie, providing reassurance to newcomers. “I just try and get them to understand that you’re gonna get confused, you’re gonna make mistakes. It’s gonna be okay. Rugby is a very messy game, but that’s part of its beauty.”
“The more and more I’ve given, the more I’ve taken out of whether that’s advancing my athletic ability throughout the community or just expanding my athletic horizon,” said Reilley. “You know, we have so many sports that we are able to play, but being able to discover a new one, that’s truly amazing.”
The club eagerly prepares for a challenging trip to Michigan this weekend, where they will face off against Grand Rapids in the second round of the playoffs, aiming to extend their impressive season.
**Interview with Alex Lourens, Head Coach of Palmer Women’s Rugby**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Alex. Palmer College Women’s Rugby has really made a mark in the Midwest rugby scene. Can you tell us more about the team’s journey since its inception in 2004?
**Alex Lourens:** Absolutely! Since 2004, we’ve grown tremendously. Winning the last two Midwest Rugby Union championships was a significant achievement for us. Qualifying for the USA Club Rugby National Championships for the first time last year was a milestone that highlighted the hard work and dedication of our players.
**Editor:** That’s fantastic! You mentioned recruiting challenges due to misconceptions about the team being a school-only club. How do you overcome these challenges?
**Alex Lourens:** It’s an ongoing struggle to recruit, mainly because many people think we’re limited to students at Palmer. We need to dispel that myth. The girls on our team this year are incredibly dedicated and hard-working. Their positive attitudes are infectious, and they really inspire those around them.
**Editor:** Speaking of dedication, can you share some insights about your players? It sounds like there’s a nice mix of experience levels.
**Alex Lourens:** Yes, we have a fascinating blend. Some players, like Taylor Briehl, are new to rugby and are learning the sport, while others, like Heather Ritchie, come with years of experience. This diversity enriches our team dynamic and allows for a supportive learning environment.
**Editor:** Taylor mentioned she didn’t even know rugby was a sport until she came to Palmer. How do you introduce newcomers to the game?
**Alex Lourens:** We strive to create a welcoming environment where newcomers can feel comfortable asking questions and learning the game. We often encourage players to come and watch games first to see the excitement before they dive in.
**Editor:** And what’s the atmosphere like during practices and games?
**Alex Lourens:** It’s electric! The energy is high, and our practices foster teamwork and collaboration. The players really rally around each other, celebrating each other’s successes, which builds camaraderie and resilience.
**Editor:** As you look forward to the upcoming season, what are your goals for the team?
**Alex Lourens:** Our primary goal is to continue building on our success, strengthen our recruitment efforts, and maintain that team spirit. We want to ensure every player feels valued and focuses not just on winning but also on personal and team development.
**Editor:** Thank you for your time, Alex. It’s clear that the Palmer Women’s Rugby team exemplifies dedication, teamwork, and community spirit.
**Alex Lourens:** Thank you! I’m proud of what this team represents, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve next!
