USA Women’s Rugby Junior National Teams Gear Up for Pan American Games
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USA Women's Rugby Junior National Teams are preparing for the Junior Pan American Games with a training camp in Chula Vista, CA. Discover the players and coaching staff.">
The USA Women’s Rugby Junior National Teams are currently engaged in intensive training at the Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista, California, as they prepare for the upcoming Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Paraguay. This assembly of top junior talent underscores the commitment to developing the next generation of rugby stars. The Junior Pan American Games will be held August 9-23, 2024.
Emerging Talent Pool
Coaches have identified a talented pool of Under-21 athletes from across the United States, all competing for a coveted spot on the final roster that will represent the nation at the Junior Pan American Games. The selection process is rigorous, ensuring only the most skilled and dedicated players make the cut.
Did You Know? The Junior Pan American Games are a multi-sport event for athletes aged 17-22, showcasing emerging talent from across the Americas.
Training Camp Details
The week-long camp features demanding training sessions, tactical reviews, and competitive scrimmages. These activities are designed to evaluate each player’s abilities and foster a strong, cohesive team. the Elite Athlete Training Center’s world-class facilities provide an ideal surroundings for high-performance training. The facilities are also used by USA Rugby sevens programs, offering the junior players a taste of elite-level preparation.
Coaching Staff Insights
Head Coach Irene Gardner expressed enthusiasm about the camp, noting the blend of experienced players and newcomers. She highlighted the rapid progress of the athletes and the effectiveness of the Women’s Pathway talent Identification strategies.Gardner emphasized the camp’s dual purpose: verifying the talent pool and developing core skills necesary for high-performance sevens rugby.
Pro Tip: Follow USA Rugby’s social media channels for updates on the team’s progress and behind-the-scenes content from the training camp.
Player Pool
Following the camp, the coaching staff will assess player performances to select the final squad for the Junior pan American Games.The player pool includes a diverse range of talent from various teams and regions.
Here is a list of players who attended the training camp:
| Name | Team |
|---|---|
| Alyssa Hine | Idaho rocky Mountain Rugby |
| Ana Tuitavake | East County Grackles (OR) |
| Annabella (Bella) Vogel | Life university |
| Annie Henrich | Dartmouth (NH) |
| Annie Huettel | Princeton |
| Ariane Moeai | United Rugby UT |
| Chloe DeLeon | West Point (NY) |
| Eleva Kalei Moala | Wolverines Rugby Club |
| Ella Elordi | Eagle high |
| Ella Huntley | Sacred Heart University |
| fane Tausinga | Majestics (UT) |
| florinalaulaau (Nalu) Liufau | Belmont Shore |
| Grace Kennedy | Fallbrook HS |
| Hapakalia (Kalia) Aiolupotea | Belmont Shore |
| Hope Rogers | Stanford |
| Ilaisaane (Laisa) Fine Unga | Belmont Shore |
| Isabella (Izzy) Hamel | Doylestown |
| Jazelle (Jazzy) Villegas | Belmont Shore |
| Jenna Dunne | Stanford |
| Josephine (Jo) Olson | Campolindo HS |
| Kathryn (Kate) Muldoon | Dartmouth (NH) |
| Kylie Lewis | Doylestown |
| Lana Savenko | Kent |
| Leilani Lepe | DSHA |
| Liliana (Lili) Mendoza | Belmont Shore |
| Malia Isaac | kahuku HS |
| Margaret (Maggie) Hanson | Dartmouth (NH) |
| Makayla (Kayla) Edwards | DSHA |
| Megan sanders | James Madison University |
| Nalani (Lani) Dollar | Fallbrook HS |
| Olivia (Liv) Emanuel | DSHA |
| Saher Hamdan | Doylestown |
| Sophia Haley | Belmont Shore |
| Taina Tufaga | Belmont Shore |
| Vasiti Turagavou | Dartmouth (NH) |
| Zoe Zumbro | Belmont Shore High school |
coaching Staff
The coaching staff includes:
- Irene Gardner | head Coach
- Ben Pinkleman | Coach
- Kristin Zdanczewicz | S&C
- Maria Adams | Operations Manager
- Jackie Rodriguez | athletic Trainer
- Sam Queen | Athletic Trainer
The Rise of Women’s Rugby
Women’s rugby has experienced meaningful growth in recent years,both in participation and viewership. Increased investment in grassroots programs and professional leagues has fueled this expansion. According to World Rugby, women’s rugby is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, with participation rates increasing by over 28% since 2017. This surge in popularity is driving greater visibility and opportunities for female athletes in the sport.
The Junior Pan American Games provide a crucial platform for young athletes to gain international experience and exposure. These games serve as a stepping stone for many athletes aspiring to compete at the highest levels, including the Olympics and World Cups.
Frequently Asked Questions
- what are the Junior Pan American Games?
- The Junior Pan American Games are a multi-sport event for athletes aged 17-22 from countries in the Americas.
- When and where will the next Junior Pan American Games be held?
- The next Junior Pan American Games will be held in Asunción, Paraguay, from August 9-23, 2024.
- What is the meaning of the USA Women’s Rugby Junior National teams participating in the Games?
- Participation in the Games provides valuable international experience and exposure for young rugby players, helping to develop the next generation of talent.
- How are players selected for the USA Women’s Rugby Junior National Teams?
- Players are selected through a combination of talent identification camps, performance evaluations, and recommendations from coaches and scouts.
- What are the key skills and attributes that coaches look for in players during the training camp?
- Coaches look for technical skills,physical fitness,tactical awareness,and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
What are your predictions for the USA Women’s Rugby Junior National Teams at the Pan American Games? What other sports are you excited to watch?
