Women’s rugby team hits back
The Lee University women’s rugby team is not an average club sport. Though traditionally viewed as a brutally masculine sport, the women of Lee’s rugby club are pushing back against that stereotype.
There is no denying the intense physicality of the game, but team captain and club president Ellie Long laughs off the clichés.
“It’s definitely funny to watch people’s reactions when you tell them you play rugby,” Long said, grinning.
Long described the stigma of rugby culture and how it affects the team dynamic. She explained that it is often the desire for a close-knit community that draws people to the sport.
“In the past — about four or five years ago — the team culture was negative and tense,” said Long. “Our goal this year is to really grow our environment and have a welcoming, encouraging and happy environment for girls to play in.”
Head Coach Dr. Michael Freake backs up the necessity of having a good team dynamic, especially in rugby.
Photos by Sydney Pressley.
“The fundamentals of our team are communication and support. If we’re good at those, we can succeed in the game. Everything in the game revolves around that, and that’s translated into the culture,” said Freake. “On and off the field, if we do that well, then good things will happen.”
The women’s rugby program also stands out because the team competes on a national level, playing both small and large colleges. Last fall’s season saw the team advance all the way to the regional championships in Pennsylvania. The women were successful and hope to carry that success into this season.
As a club sport, anyone can play and everyone is welcome to join.
“We love having new people come out and play,” said junior Alyssa Colón, one of the team centers. “Rugby is for every type of girl, every type of person. No matter your size or shape, you have a place on the team.”
