USA Women’s Under 18s eyeing future Women’s Rugby World Cup success

With the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 less than 50 days away, USA Rugby Junior National team coaches are looking at the horizon to ensure success for the upcoming stars of the game. 

USA Rugby has committed to investing in its player development pathways, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent for sustained success on the international stage. Close to 80 Under 18 players were identified through USA Rugby pathways and invited to attend their respective East and West Development Camps set in Mt. St. Mary's, Maryland (East Camp) and the Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista, California (West Camp). These camps represent a pivotal step in identifying and nurturing the next generation of American rugby talent, with a strong emphasis on player development for future Senior Women's National Team cycles.

Head Coach Susan Whitwell shared her enthusiasm on the emerging USA Women’s Rugby talent;

"The talent we’re seeing from players aged 15-18 is incredibly exciting. It’s a testament to the hard work being put into developing rugby at the grassroots level. Our pathway programs are dedicated to providing as many opportunities as possible for these players, through both 7s and 15s camps. These camps are designed to not only develop their individual skills but also to introduce them to the higher levels of competition, helping to prepare them for future success in the Senior Women’s Team."

“Merging a group of young players together is both a challenge and an exciting opportunity. The challenge lies in creating cohesion among athletes who come from different backgrounds, training environments, and levels of experience. It's about blending diverse playing styles and personalities into a cohesive unit, all while building trust and communication on and off the field. The excitement comes from seeing how quickly these players adapt, collaborate, and inspire each other. There’s a lot of raw potential in these groups, and I’m excited to see the energy and passion of these young athletes.

"We’re looking for players who are eager to challenge themselves, and show a commitment to developing their rugby skills. These camps are all about pushing boundaries—whether that’s in terms of fitness, tactical understanding, or mental toughness. It’s an opportunity for players to showcase their potential and take the next step in their rugby journey.

Players earned Camp invitations through a multi-faceted approach designed to ensure a comprehensive and fair assessment of talent:

• USA Rugby Regional Talent Identification Camps: These regional gatherings provided crucial opportunities to scout and identify promising athletes from across the country.
• High School National Championships: Performance at the national level served as a significant indicator of a player's potential and readiness for higher-level development.
• Recommendations & Video Reviews: A robust network of Regional Coaches and Select Side Coaches, alongside nominations submitted via the USA Rugby website, contributed to a pool of recommended players. Extensive video footage was then reviewed to thoroughly evaluate individual skills, athletic potential, and game understanding.

The  primary focus for these camps is on player preparation and development to set them up for future Women’s Rugby World Cup success. Following the WRWC 2025, there will be a focus on providing players within the pathway programs with additional match opportunities. This proactive approach aims to equip players with the necessary experience and skills to seamlessly transition into the Senior Women’s National Team for the subsequent Rugby World Cup cycle.

Susan Whitwell | Head Coach

Josie Ziluca | Assistant Coach

Stacey Markovic | Assistant Coach

Kristen Zdanczewicz | Strength & Conditioning

Amy Stephen-McCormack | Manager

Stacy Mancuso | Manager

Martha Daines | Head of Player Systems and Development

Susan Whitwell | Head Coach

Kelly Griffin | Assistant Coach

KristenShalosky  | Assistant Coach

Kristen Zdanczewicz | Strength & Conditioning

Heidi Whitman | Manager

Martha Daines | Head of Player Systems and Development