National Scene

THE SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

(SUWRFC)

SUWRFC on the NATIONAL SCENE

The Club encourages ad supports athletes that strive to be the best that they can be. In a short 11 years, the Club has placed 4 players that have played for the National program and numerous others that have played on territorial and conference select side teams. Joanne Ward (02), Ida Bernstein (07) Tess Kohanski (09) and Rachel Sachs (10) are currently or have represented the United States in International play.

Joanne Ward has played over 6 years for the United States Women’s National Seven’s Side. She has played all over the globe including Hong Kong and Australia. While at Syracuse Joanne was selected to the United States Women’s U-23 team. Currently Joanne is still playing and is the head coach of the Albany Siren’s Women’s RFC. A message from Joanne;

“ Syracuse women’s rugby was the starting point which led me to where I am today. The rugby club strengthens you in ways that simply sitting in a classroom would never be able to do. The camaraderie and teamwork developed through rugby is unique to the sport. There are very few places where you can get people from all different walks of life, college majors, sizes, and strengths to come together and bond in a way rugby players do. From lawyers, to doctors, to laborers, to mothers, rugby brings people together in very special ways. It forms a community and a family that will be close to you for your entire life”

Ida Bernstein continues to impress the national selection committee with her athleticism and intensity. Ida, a soccer player at Syracuse looking for another sport tried rugby. Her determination of learning the game made her one of the all time greats to don the orange and blue. She was selected to the United States Women’s Senior Seven’s team where she has played all over the world including being an alternate on the world Cup team that played in Dubai. A message from Ida:

“My experience playing rugby at Syracuse University has had a tremendously positive effect on my life. I grew as a person and an athlete. Playing rugby at Syracuse opened doors for me that I couldn't have imagined. With help from my teammates and coaches from Syracuse, I learned the game of rugby from square one. Rugby is a special sport that is physically demanding while also very tactical and cognitive. It takes a unique personality to endure the sport of rugby which is why the bond of a rugby team is unparalleled. Playing a rugby match requires trust and willingness to push yourself to the limit for the team. Our team has had athletic experiences that non-rugby players could never appreciate. We had grueling matches in mud, snow and pushed ourselves to our physical limit and we did it TOGETHER! My teammates are more than just teammates, they are part of my family away from home. My friends on SUWRFC are friends for life. Syracuse rugby will always have a special place in my heart”

Tess Kohanski burst onto the national scene as freshman and has been one of the most consistent players in the national program. As a freshman, Tess was selected to play for the United States Women’s U-19 program, being named the number one selection from the tryout. From there she was instantly promoted to the United States Women’s U-23 program. She was named the 2006 National Youth Player of the Year and is currently a member of the United States Senior Women’s Team. A message from Tess:

“ I can honestly say that choosing to play rugby has been one of the most important decisions I have made so far in my life. I have met my best friends and continue to meet great people from around the world. I have played several different sports and have been a part of many teams, but the withstanding camaraderie of a rugby team is something that I have never experienced before and has helped me fall in love with the sport. It was not without the unyielding support of my teammates and coaches at Syracuse University that I am able to play at the international level. Rugby– the sport and the community– has become an irreplaceable part of my life”

Rachel Sachs was selected to the United States Women’s U-19 team as a freshman after participating and winning the first Women’s U-19 Select Side National Championship. Rachel continues to participate on both select side teams and national program camps and continues to be a leader at Syracuse. A message from Rachel:

“ Coming into the sport only playing one previously, Syracuse women’s rugby was a great place to start. The rugby club has taught me all of the basics to the sport and more. While a freshman, I had a chance to learn from some of the best players and coaches in the New York area, all of who helped me become the player and person I am today. The rugby club not only taught me how to play, but it led me to a completely new community of people. The bonds created between rugby players are unlike any other sport. Rugby has given me a new family of people from all different backgrounds that I know I will be close with for life. I did not come to college thinking I would play rugby, but now I can’t imagine my life without it”