Lauren Kuffel: From High School Varsity Athlete to Rugby National Champion

We’re excited to continue our series, “Pioneers of the Pitch,” where we celebrate the groundbreaking athletes, administrators, coaches, referees, and fans making their mark on rugby in the USA. Each installment takes you on a journey through the inspiring stories of rising stars and seasoned legends, both on and off the field. Whether honoring their contributions during their lifetime or posthumously, we shine a light on these exceptional individuals and uncover their tales of dedication, passion, and triumph.

Women's Rugby Rundown - Weekly Video

Lauren Kuffel’s rugby journey began unexpectedly. After excelling as a three-sport varsity athlete in high school, she wanted to continue her athletic career in college, but without the pressure of varsity-level competition. At a recreational sports fair at the University of Michigan, fate intervened when a club member invited her to try rugby. One practice was all it took, and from that moment, she was hooked. What keeps her in the game? It’s the community—the camaraderie, support, and shared love for the sport that makes rugby unique. Lauren found a family within the rugby community, one that has been integral in her life both on and off the field.

Currently, Lauren is a member of Chicago North Shore, a club she joined after her college rugby career. Her dedication to the sport has seen her excel across various teams and competitions, but Chicago North Shore remains her home base for both 7s and XVs rugby.

Lauren’s rugby career is marked by a series of remarkable achievements. She was part of the University of Michigan Women’s Rugby Football Club (UMWRFC) for five years, a tenure that saw her grow from a newcomer to a leader. Lauren’s hard work paid off in 2022 when she helped lead the team to their first National Championship, earning the title of Women’s NCR D1 XV National Champion. That same year, she was recognized as an NCR D1 XV All American and received the Heart and Soul of the Game Award. In addition to her achievements in rugby, Lauren set a record in high school softball, demonstrating her versatile athletic skills.

Her drive to succeed extends beyond personal accolades. During her time with UMWRFC, Lauren played a crucial role in building team cohesion and pushing the team to greater heights. She recalls the progression from struggling to gather enough players for practice to building a team that went all the way to the national playoffs. For Lauren, the moments leading up to their 2022 National Championship win were more memorable than the victory itself. The team’s dedication, resilience, and unity throughout that journey embodied the spirit of rugby she cherishes.

Balancing rugby with her professional life as a Clinical Lab Associate has been manageable for Lauren, thanks to her disciplined approach. She emphasizes the importance of consistency in nutrition, training, and mental health. Her pre-game routine involves everything from watching game films and discussing strategies with coaches to simple yet effective habits like listening to music that uplifts her mood. Lauren’s preparation extends beyond physical readiness; it involves building connections with teammates, checking in on their well-being, and fostering a strong sense of unity.

Lauren has faced her share of challenges. The sudden passing of her grandfather was a deeply emotional time for her, as he was her greatest cheerleader. Yet, with the support of her friends and family, she found the strength to persevere. Similarly, in 2023, she encountered setbacks when she didn’t make two squads she had been aiming for. Although this was a hard pill to swallow, it pushed her to re-evaluate her path and led her to new opportunities abroad. Playing in Wales from September to December 2023 became one of the most rewarding experiences of her career, proving that resilience and flexibility can open unexpected doors.

Looking forward, Lauren hopes to see rugby grow, especially in terms of professional opportunities and accessibility. Her short-term goal is to continually improve as a player, while her long-term aim is to play at the highest level possible. Even when her playing days come to an end, she plans to remain involved in the rugby community as a coach or referee, nurturing the next generation of players.

Lauren’s story is not just about personal success but about contributing to a sport that has given her so much. She remains incredibly grateful to the coaches, teammates, and friends who have supported her throughout her journey. For Lauren, rugby is not just a sport—it’s a lifelong passion, and she is committed to giving back to the game that shaped her.

If you need a VPN, we highly recommend NordVPN for its stable connection and high-speed service, ensuring a seamless browsing experience. Save 56% on NordPass Premium plus get 3 extra months.

Watch the HSBC SVNS, Six Nations, and more rugby action on Peacock in the USA! Get Peacock for just $7.99/year. Terms and conditions apply.


Discover more from YSCRugby | Women's Rugby News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.