by Lauren N. Colie
Volunteer coaches discuss how to fall safely when tackled. Image by Lauren N. Colie.
In a flash of bright pink shorts and a Virginia Commonwealth University t-shirt, a rugby player soars into a muddy puddle. Her tackler extends a hand to help the dirt-splattered player to her feet as cheers of support echo across the field at Abner Clay Park.
President of the Women’s Rugby Club at VCU Liz Dodson beams at her “Ram Fam” through a film of dirt and sweat. In her third year as a student and club rugby player, Dodson attributes her happiness at VCU to the unique bonds made in the club.
Dodson said the team culture creates a close community, complete with team “mothers” and “daughters” to form a multi-generational family tree.
“Rugby became the reason I stayed at VCU,” Dodson said. “My favorite part is just that, if you needed anything, the team would be right there for you.”
Former club president Katheryne Lewis echoes Dodson’s appreciation of the rugby family. She said this “band of misfits” will accept anyone no matter her skill level.
Lewis graduated last December, but returns for practices to offer support and experience. Laughing, she describes a tournament with the University of Richmond in which the club had to select a name to compete: the Unicorns.
“Unicorns are unique and special,” Lewis said. “You don’t see them that often, and, if you believe in them, they’re real.” Lewis applies this metaphor to the club, reflecting on the varied backgrounds of the players.
Club treasurer Kyra Kilfeather played soccer up through high school, and said rugby culture surprised her when she switched sports.
“Soccer can be really clique-y,” she said. “Rugby was refreshing because it was so welcoming.”
Club treasurer Kyra Kilfeather holds up one of the team’s old jerseys. Image by Lauren N. Colie.
Kilfeather holds up a well-worn jersey and points to the number on the back. A black number nine has been shaded with permanent marker to look like an eight.
She said the jersey is one example of how funding a club team through VCU can be a struggle. However, Kilfeather said the current leadership board is improving the situation and new jerseys will be ordered in the near future.
Player Kyra Watson said the stereotypes about female rugby players do not apply. While it is a high-contact sport, Watson said players are taught how to play safely and avoid injuries.
“You don’t have to be a tomboy,” Watson said. “Anyone can play rugby.”
Coach Alison Spillane played rugby for VCU from 2003 to 2007, and said she always felt something was missing in the experience under the male coaches. Spillane said they did a great job, but that she envisioned the organization reaching beyond rugby to encompass academia, sisterhood and empowerment.
She said the team offers a place for people from both sides of the political aisle, different religions, ethnicities and living situations to “add value.” Spillane said she hopes to instill responsibility in the players not only to themselves and VCU, but to women everywhere.
“Rugby is something you can be proud of,” Spillane said. “And, you get to get dirty while doing it.”
l.n.colie 