Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is taking a monumental step forward as head coaches from the six inaugural teams announce their “Foundational Five” players. These athletes represent the heart of their respective rosters, embodying the skill, culture, and vision that will shape the league’s competitive identity. With the league’s debut set for March, these quintets reflect a balance of experience and emerging talent across the nation.
Twin Cities
Twin Cities’ foundational five bring both youth and leadership, rooted in Midwestern pride. Head coach Sylvia Braaten—a capped Eagle and former Amazons star—has chosen players who represent resilience and regional legacy.
- Emerson Allen: A USA Eagle (#326) and former Life University standout, Allen’s versatility spans lock and jumper roles. After sharpening her skills at Life West and in PR 7s, she’s poised to anchor the pack.
- Marisa Hall: Hailing from Lindenwood, Hall overcame significant injuries to emerge as a commanding lock/flanker. Her journey is a testament to perseverance and excellence.
- Abbey Jacobs: The former Univ. Wisconsin Eau Claire No. 8 was pivotal in their NCR DII National Championship and has represented the USA U23 team in high-stakes matches.
- Katrina Nunes: A veteran leader, Nunes brings years of Midwest Thunderbirds and Amazons experience. Her resilience and tactical prowess make her an invaluable presence.
- Tatyana Reed: An electrifying playmaker from Univ. Northern Iowa, Reed’s WPL debut in 2023 showcased her flair as a flyhalf and captain.
New York
New York’s Foundational Five reflect the city’s rich rugby heritage and cosmopolitan energy. Head coach Diego Maquieira has assembled a roster of seasoned veterans and dynamic newcomers.
- Adriana Castillo: A Bronx native and powerhouse No. 8, Castillo has brought her athleticism to the WPL and the Dominican Republic Women’s National Team.
- Misha Green-Yotts: Returning to rugby after motherhood, this versatile forward’s journey from SUNY Binghamton to NYRC exemplifies resilience and commitment.
- Matilda Kocaj: A standout at Babson College and Life University, Kocaj’s power and agility make her an indispensable back-three player.
- Congetta Owens: Known as “Jetta,” Owens’ explosive performances at Virginia Tech and NYRC highlight her as a rising star in fullback play.
- Jenn Salomon-Clayton: A veteran leader with deep roots in NYRC, Salomon-Clayton’s dual roles as player and coach amplify her impact on and off the pitch.
Denver
Denver’s Foundational Five are steeped in the culture of championship rugby, featuring players who helped secure the 2024 Legacy Cup for the Colorado Gray Wolves.
- Erica Coulibaly: A wing with electrifying pace, Coulibaly’s Legacy Cup MVP performance signals her as a game-changer for Denver.
- Rachel Ehrecke: A flanker and USA Eagle, Ehrecke’s leadership stems from a stellar career at Penn State and overseas in the PWR.
- McKenzie Hawkins: With playmaking finesse, this flyhalf combines collegiate success at Lindenwood with international caps for the Eagles.
- Maya Learned: A powerhouse prop, Learned’s domestic and international experience—including a PWR title—cements her as a key figure in the front row.
- Tahna Wilfley: A dynamic wing with youth on her side, Wilfley’s rapid rise through U18 and WPL ranks makes her one to watch.
Chicago
Chicago’s foundational players blend veteran savvy with emerging talent, representing the city’s thriving rugby scene.
- Anabel Diaz: An internationally capped prop with Las Serpientes, Diaz is a stalwart of the Chicago Lions.
- Emma Farnan: A skilled fullback and aerospace engineer, Farnan’s precise kicking game and defensive acumen make her a standout.
- Cienna Jordan: From her beginnings at Univ. College London to All-Armed Forces and USA Club 7s, Jordan brings explosive energy to Chicago North Shore.
- Betty Nguyen: A coach and elite back-three player, Nguyen’s contributions to Chicago rugby extend well beyond the pitch.
- Kadie Sanford: Known for her versatility, Sanford’s leadership across 15s and 7s exemplifies the city’s rugby ethos.
Boston
Boston’s foundational five highlight Beantown’s rich rugby legacy, blending local talent with international pedigree.
- Cassidy Bargell: A Summit HS and Harvard alum, Bargell’s scrumhalf skills have earned her USA caps and a reputation as a playmaker.
- Yeja Dunn: A Dartmouth graduate and Hall of Fame inductee, Dunn’s experience and loose forward dominance anchor Boston’s lineup.
- Emily Henrich: A USA Eagle and Leicester Tigers star, Henrich’s robust center play offers Boston a cutting edge.
- Akweley ‘Q’ Okine: Hailing from West Chester, PA, Q’s rugby journey took her from Harvard to Beantown, where she became a standout leader as captain. Her front-row expertise is a cornerstone of the team’s success.
- Paige Stathopoulos: Currently in the PWR with Ealing Trailfinders, Stathopoulos’ hooker skills make her a dual threat domestically and abroad.
The Bay
San Francisco Bay’s foundational players embody the region’s rugby heritage, with roots in storied clubs and international experience.
- Olivia Bernadel-Huey: A Bishop O’Dowd and Stanford alum, Bernadel-Huey’s back-three brilliance shines at every level.
- Elena Edwards: A Berkeley stalwart, Edwards’ decade-plus of front-row dominance sets a high standard.
- Celine Liulamaga: Bringing international experience from Seattle RC, Liulamaga adds depth to the Bay’s front row.
- Jade McGrath: A center with accolades spanning Boston College and Scion, McGrath is a “15 Under 30” honoree.
- Roxelle Thomas: A Life West co-captain and USA U23 player, Thomas’ second-row dynamism strengthens the pack.
As the league’s inaugural season approaches, these foundational players will set the stage for what promises to be a groundbreaking year for Women’s Elite Rugby. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the stories and performances of these athletes, shaping the future of professional rugby in the U.S.
WER Head Coaches Announced
WER has announced the head coaches for the inaugural 2025 season, showcasing a seasoned group of individuals determined to lead the charge as a new chapter of women’s rugby begins in the United States this Spring.
“We are ecstatic to announce our roster of experienced head coaches who are committed to bringing professional women’s rugby teams to new heights in the United States,” said WER President Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf.
“After an extensive candidate search, we identified these individuals because of their excellence in leadership and decades of experience with the sport. By assembling this group of highly skilled coaches we are committed to fostering an environment where athletes can pursue their dreams, maximize their potential, and make an investment in the future of the sport.”
WER Head Coaches
- Kittery Ruiz – Head Coach, WER Boston
- Hannah Stolba – Head Coach, WER Bay Area
- Bryan Colbridge – Head Coach, WER Chicago
- Sarah Chobot – Head Coach, WER Denver
- Diego Maquieira – Head Coach, WER New York
- Sylvia Braaten – Head Coach, WER Twin Cities
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