By Lukas Nier
A “support group and family” is how Head Coach Tyler Scott describes Grace College’s women’s club rugby team. Rugby is one of the more unique club sports at Grace, but it is just as intense as Grace’s other club sports.
While in season, the team practices two to three times a week. At practice, they scrimmage and run drills to improve their skills. Players also workout on their own at the Gordon Health and Wellness Center.
During the season, they play matches on Sundays. They play in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and New Orleans. Some players qualified for the conference all-star team and traveled to Florida and Texas with the team.
Recruiting for rugby can be challenging as people can be wary when thinking about rugby. Scott explained that there is a stereotype that players are always getting hurt or injured. Although players must be tough and there is possibility for injuries, this is true of any sport. Rugby is not for all students, but Scott encourages students to give it a chance and see if it is a good fit. It usually takes students about a week to see if they enjoy the sport or not.
Scott said that they have had some tough seasons, but also seasons where they have been at the top of the conference. A highlight for the team was competing in the Collegiate Rugby Championships in New Orleans in 2021. Scott loves the team and loves watching these players, who once knew nothing about rugby, become top competitors. It has been great for them to find a community.
Those interested in rugby can contact Tyler Scott at scottt@grace.edu or fill out the recruit questionnaire by following this link: https://connect.grace.edu/register/?id=9a19e662-aa99-47f3-acca-40ca53e401f3.
The Sounding Board 