The “Pioneers of the Pitch” series has officially relaunched. We have always been dedicated to celebrating the trailblazing athletes who shaped rugby in the USA with unmatched passion, and after a short break, we are back to dive into the stories that define our community.
From the foundational legends who started it all to the icons currently growing the game, we are bringing these inspiring journeys back into the spotlight where they belong.
Honoring a Legend: Kathy Flores
We are returning to this series by honoring the unmatched legacy of Kathleen “Kathy” Flores. Kathy was a true titan of the game, a 1991 World Cup Champion, and a coach who broke barriers as the first woman and first woman of color to lead a national team.
Her journey from Florida State to the World Rugby Hall of Fame is a testament to the power of perseverance. While she passed away in 2021, her influence lives on through every player she mentored and every program she built, from the All Blues to Brown University. We invite you to read our full tribute to her incredible life and career here: The Unmatched Legacy of Kathy Flores.
60+ Stories and We Are Just Getting Started
Since we launched this project, we have been privileged to feature over 60 incredible individuals. Our archives already include modern icons like Hope Rogers as she surpassed cap records in front of record crowds, and 1991 World Cup champions like Krista McFarren and Barbara Bond. We have also looked at the creative impact of voices like Maddie Miller and the work of developmental leaders like Karl Barth.
Every one of our 66 features has highlighted a different way to be a pioneer, but we know we have only scratched the surface of our history.
We Need More Pioneers
We are expanding this archive, and we need your help to do it. For every legend we have featured, there is a coach who started a youth program from scratch, a player who fought for pitch space in the 70s and 80s, or a mentor who changed the trajectory of the sport in your city.
Who shaped the game for you? Who paved the way so you could take the pitch today?
Whether it is a teammate, a coach, a club founder, or your own story, we want to hear it. We are looking for the builders, the grinders, and the visionaries who have contributed to the tapestry of American rugby.
Submit a Nomination
Help us continue this mission of preservation and celebration. Submitting a name is simple and ensures that these vital pieces of our history are documented and shared with the next generation of players.
Submit yourself or nominate a legend today at our relaunch link: https://bit.ly/PioneerofthePitch
Stay tuned as we bring these stories back to the forefront. The pitch was built by those who came before us, and it is time we told their stories.
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.
Don’t miss a single beat of the action. You can subscribe to our weekly Women’s Rugby Rundown show on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or Patreon for in-depth analysis and exclusive interviews. For daily updates, breaking news, and behind the scenes content, make sure to follow us on all our social media platforms.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Your source for all things women’s rugby. Join the conversation and get our weekly Rundown in one quick, five-minute watch. Sign up below to stay in the know.