Women's Team Looking Forward
Fall 2020 has proven to be one of the oddest in the program’s history with no games, limited small group training and full of everyone’s two new favorite activities, zoom meetings and socializing distantly. Through it, the team has persevered working to find their identity and continue to grow on and off the field.
Due to the pandemic many of our usual training spaces and resources on campus were unavailable. But with the motto of “We are nothing if not flexible” running though our heads we secured the use of the off-campus gym Victory Sports & Fitness for lifting and Calvary Harvest Fields in Boalsburg for on-field training. Victory has been a longtime supporter of both the men’s and women’s program and we were excited to partner with them again and grateful for our relationship with their establishment.
Students officially left campus on November 20th and returned to fully remote learning for the remainder of the semester and will not return until Tuesday January 19th. Currently the university is planning to approach spring instruction the same way they did this fall, offering a mix of online and in person modalities.
In terms of rugby, we are optimistic for a return to our campus facilities and resources but are contingency planning to remain off campus and provide a meaningful and competitive spring season for the team. At the moment our spring season will kick off in early March against Lindenwood University with games against Life and Army to follow. D1 Elite playoffs will begin March 27th in conjunction with the newly formed CRAA (College Rugby Association of America) where the D1 Elite has found its home. We hope for a 7s championship to follow in early to mid-May.
As we continue to navigate these unprecedented times, we remain committed to the health, safety and well-being of our student athletes whilst still providing a meaningful and memorable Penn State Rugby experience. Stay safe and well this holiday season and we hope to see you in Happy Valley this spring!
