Back-to-Back: Freda Tafuna Named Top Collegiate Player Again

Lindenwood’s Freda Tafuna just made history. The powerful loose forward has won the MA Sorensen Award for the second season in a row, becoming the first-ever repeat winner in the award’s 10-year history.

The Sorensen Award, presented by the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle, honors the top women’s collegiate rugby player in the U.S. It’s notoriously difficult to win once. Injuries, changes in team performance, and the weight of expectation can get in the way. Tafuna overcame all of it, again.

After earning her first USA cap last season, Tafuna returned stronger and more complete. She took on added responsibility this year—kicking for goal, throwing in at lineouts, and leading her team as captain. Lindenwood responded, capturing the D1 Elite national title with a win over Life University, a rematch of last year’s final that went the other way.

“Freda was clearly an Eagle last season,” said Goff Rugby Report’s Alex Goff, who oversees the Sorensen selection committee. “But she managed to ask more of herself this year and drive herself to be better and more valuable to her team. That’s why the committee voted her to win again.”

Tafuna was a unanimous choice.

She joins a stacked group of Sorensen alumnae shaping the international game. Six former winners, including Tafuna, suited up for the USA in last weekend’s match against Canada. Two others have played in the Olympics, and one now represents Canada.

“Freda is a standout player, but it’s who she is off the field that makes this even more special,” said Lindenwood head coach Trevor Locke. “She’s grown into her voice, led as captain, and left a lasting impact on this program.”

Tafuna beat out three exceptional finalists: Tiahna Padilla (Harvard), Nina Mason (Life), and Cindy Taulava (Dartmouth).

The Sorensen Award gala takes place June 7 in Seattle, where Tafuna will be honored in person for her historic achievement.