As a New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) school, Bates boasts countless varsity sports. Rugby, however, is one of the few sports exclusively available at the club level. After the women’s team was disbanded, members moved their talents to the men’s roster and created a coed team, starting a movement to bring back the previously loved women’s team.
As of this school year, the women’s rugby club is officially back in action. The team primarily consists of sophomores, three of whom help to run the team: Sadye Cheever ‘27, Byars Langdon ‘27 and Clio Turner ‘27. Cheever recounts that she was an avid rugby fan and always hoped to play in college. When asked about the future of the team, Cheever said, “I have confidence that the love for such a fun game will continue onward through future students after us.”
Thanks to the help of Mike Milliken, community wellness manager and club sports coordinator, team leader Langdon met with Emily Gray, a potential coach over the summer. Gray agreed to coach the team, directing two practices every week. With years of experience playing and coaching, Gray’s presence is a turning point in the team’s development. Since she began attending practices, the groups’ skills have skyrocketed. Over mere weeks, players went from not knowing how to pass to practicing tackles and rucks, when one or more players from each team engage in contact over the ball.
Kara Foucher ‘27 writes, “Practices are… a good mix of teamwork and learning to bond… but also focus on ball handling and footwork.”
Another notable team leader is Xanthe Miller ‘25, a senior with years of rugby experience. Miller primarily aids the team as a student mentor. Foucher notes that Miller and Gray “…love rugby and that translates to the attention… they give at practice and the happiness they have while being there.”
As one of the first-year recruits, my personal experience started with nervousness since I did not have experience. The team leaders were infinitely kind and non-judgemental. The camaraderie and women-supporting-women environment made me confident in myself and my peers.
Attending college is a prime opportunity to meet people, try new things and learn more about yourself. Playing rugby and other club sports has allowed me to experience the team dynamic that many post-high school athletes mourn. I bonded over this sentiment with Foucher. As an ex-volleyball player, Foucher misses the camaraderie that accompanies team sports.
Foucher claims, “This team feels the nicest and most supportive I’ve been on, in college and high school.”
If you are interested in joining, please send a direct message and follow our Instagram @Bateswomensclubrugby. On top of the afternoon/evening practices, Shelter Gimbel-Sheer ‘27 will also lead morning runs with the team.
