USA Women’s Under 18s paving pathway to Global Youth Sevens Championships

The top USA Rugby Women's Under-18s players have assembled this week in Chula Vista, California for a five-day training and selection camp.

19 players from across the country were invited and will be in line for selection to represent the USA in New Zealand at the Global Youth Sevens Championship December 19-21st. The USA Pathways program have identified this event as a top showcase and marker for emerging talent with it being the USA’s third year making a team appearance.

Head Coach Irene Gardner commented; 

“This camp continues our efforts to verify the talent across the country in our rugby communities identified in 2025 as part of our women’s pathway talent ID campaign. 

"We are excited to learn more about the athletes we caught glimpses of at either a Talent ID camp or scouting event. The youth community development efforts continue to be vital to the players that enter and continue on in our pathway. 

"For returning players, we are excited to see how their past experiences and ongoing development at the high school or collegiate levels have elevated their skill and game play. Some of our players have just started their collegiate journeys and we welcome their leadership to drive standards in our pathway environment.”

The final squad will be narrowed down in the following weeks and the 13 player traveling roster will be announced ahead of the Tour.

Irene Gardner | Head Coach

Kelly Griffin | Assistant Coach

Jackie Rodriguez | Head Athletic Trainer