The Penn State Women announced its Recruiting Weekend for the weekend of October 1-3. Penn State, current 15s and 7s National Champions, is the most successful women’s collegiate program in the country. The women have earned a combined 11 National Titles between 15s and 7s and appeared in the last 20 of 22 National Championship games.
Penn State offers both a world class education and a place where players can maximize their potential. This summer Penn State had three players represent the Eagles at the Super Series in Canada, seven players represent the USA U20s in Ellensburg, WA and one player on partial contract at the Olympic Training Center.
“Penn State is unique in both the support the University provides and the ability for rugby players to focus on their education,” said USA Elite Development Pathway and defense coach Bernie Cantorna. “The school offers over 160 majors and has a tremendous academic reputation. The Penn State Rugby program also prides itself on a robust peer-to-peer and coach-to-player mentoring program. It helps to keep players focused on becoming not only great players but great students and people.” Penn State is a program that builds leaders and develops great players.
This year marks the first year under Head Coach Kate Daley as she moves from an interim role in the 14-15 season. “Penn State is ideal for players that want to play at a high level,” said Kate Daley, “You are surrounded by all the resources of an elite, division 1 sports school, plus other athletes who have the same goals as you.” Daley, prior to becoming head coach was a 4-time All-American at Penn State and used the resources to not only make the World Cup squad in 2014, but captain the Eagles as well.
The rugby program sits within the Athletic Department and is designated a “Team Sport”. The status means the program has access to many of the resources of other varsity programs, but can still keep the culture of rugby. Benefits include varsity athlete health insurance giving all players access to world class medical care.
The team also has the most robust coaching staff with multiple members of staff with international experience, including USA consulting scrum coach Brett Bissinger and former USA Strength and Conditioning Coach Ian Jones, an Ireland native, who brings his knowledge and experience working with professional rugby in the UK.
If you are interested in attending the recruiting weekend please fill out this form. All interested players, whether they attend or not, should complete the recruiting form.
