Hamilton Rugby Wins Nationals!
Photo from Hamilton Rugby.
Maya Desai
Last year Hamilton Girls’ Rugby Club graduated 14 seniors which is one shy of a full roster. 11 of those seniors were powerful starters. There were a lot of big roles to be filled and connections to be built. Rugby is 100% a team sport that requires chemistry and selfless players. We knew going into this year that it would be a season full of growth and rebuilding. It was a fresh start for Hamilton Rugby but definitely an exciting one! Other teams thought by graduating so many seniors we would be a weaker team, but we used that as motivation to prove them very wrong. It was our opportunity to shine. The fall season was a time to figure out how to play with the girls beside you. It was a learning curve but with every practice, you could see the progress and ability to learn. They trusted the process and kept striving for greatness. Our coaches would focus on the bigger picture and how this experience in 15s can be used as a growing period to get us to the National Championships. They would say, “The journey may be tough, but the destination is worth it.”
Our record this past fall was 2-2-1 which allowed us to be asked back to the National 15s tournament in the spring. Initially, we were debating going to Nationals as a team; we are a young team and hadn’t experienced much 15s play. However, we weren’t going to shy away from an opportunity as big as this one. The team knew it would be a challenge that would require lots of work on and off the field. The players held many winter practices to keep their skills fresh, worked out together at the gym, and participated in team bonding activities. Even from the beginning to the end of winter practices, you could see significant growth and unity as one. The team began to trust each other and utilize their teammates at the right moments leading to big runs and a strong offense.
The head coach of Hamilton Rugby, Katie McNeil, states, “It’s been an incredible season of growth, and the team has put in a lot of hard work to reach the success they’ve earned. Every week, you could see us coming together as a team, and the momentum was building. I’m really proud of the way everyone supported and cared for each other as we navigated through growing lessons and ultimately the pressure moments on the big stage. At the end of the day, the team competed with one heart, and it was really something special to be a part of. Everyone gave their best effort and laid it on the line for the girl next to them.”
Game Breakdowns
Game 1: Hononegah, IL
Score 50-0
Hamilton started off the day strong by winning their first competition 50-0. Hamilton was able to settle in and build offensive chemistry while capitalizing on forced turnovers with a stout defensive performance. The tone was set early, and Hamilton didn't let up. Hamilton had 6 try scorers, Ellie Schoenwetter (2), Payton Krenz (2), Katelyn Gouin (1), Scarlet Sereno (1), Caitlyn Dieman (1), and Lauren Houts (1). Grace Houts added 10 points for the match by going 5 of 8 on conversion kicks.
Game 2: Eagle, ID
Score 7-5
Hamilton ran into a pressure-filled game in their second match as they competed for a spot in Sunday's championship game. Hamilton was able to keep Eagle pinned on their side of the field for most of the first half but was unable to capitalize on a scoring opportunity leaving the first half locked at 0-0. Hamilton was able to regain their spark shortly after half-time when captain Haley Meneses found the try zone and successfully converted her kick to put Hamilton up 7-0. The defensive battle continued: Hamilton took away two Eagle scores off the board as both captains Caitlyn Dieman and Scarlet Sereno held up tries. (Holding up a try is when the defending team gets their hands underneath the ball when the offensive tries to score the ball. The defending team doesn’t let the opponent touch the ball down in the try zone). Eagle was able to find the try zone with 9 minutes left in the match but missed the conversion kick putting the score to 7-5. Hamilton was able to lock back down on defense for the final 9 minutes of the match and eventually ran the ball out of bounds to end the game and send the Chargers into the championship.
Game 3: Taft, IL
Score: 57-14
Hamilton found themselves on a mission this weekend and made sure they gave everything they had to complete the task at hand–winning a National Championship. Hamilton's scoring opened up early as Ellie Schoenwetter found the try zone for the first score of the day. Ellie would go on to find the try zone 3 more times and scored a team record of 4 tries in a match. An offensive clinic was displayed as the team celebrated each other with selfless passes and solid team play the entire 60 minutes. Hamilton had 5 try scorers in the match. Ellie Schoenwetter (4), Payton Krenz (2), Haley Meneses (1), Caitlyn Dieman (1), Kaylee McKennon (1). Grace Houts added 12 points to the match by going 6 of 9 on conversion kicks.
Here are statements from the captains of the team about the Nationals experience and how the team did in their eyes:
““This weekend was a very proud moment for me as well as everyone apart of Hamilton Girls Rugby. Our team has worked extremely hard this season, and I’m happy to say that it has paid off. I am extremely grateful to be part of a team that is so dedicated and encouraging on and off the field. This weekend took grit and determination, which was very present in all our games. We played hard to the very end, and I really feel that we have left our mark. Winning the championship game was definitely a moment that will stick with me forever. I believe this experience was helpful for my growth as a player, skill, and leadership-wise. Playing teams from around the nation with different styles really helped our team advance our game play. I really appreciate this opportunity and am very excited to experience what’s to come for our team!” ”
““This past weekend I saw incredible growth in each person who stepped on the field. The entire team persevered both physically and mentally through the tough moments we had to encounter. This team truly played as one body, with one big heart, and most of all we had fun while playing! Earning the DII national champion title is quite an honor that I think this team truly deserved.” ”
““Winning Nationals this weekend just felt so fulfilling. Each and every one of the girls on our team put ample work, effort, and heart into making this possible. From the beginning of our 15s season in the fall, through 7s to now. I’m so proud of every woman on Hamilton RFC. It is such an amazing and lucky feeling to be on a team with so much chemistry. We build each other up constantly. If one of us feels like we are falling, there’s a whole team of girls to pick us up. We worked hard for that win and when the game ended, you could tell each and every one of us poured our hearts, effort, and love onto that field, and that’s what won us the national championship. I have no doubt this team, and every girl on this team will continue to grow and go amazing places.” ”
A Hamilton Rugby coach, Amanda Huber, exclaims, “It has been such an adventure to watch this team grow through the season but also throughout the weekend. We kicked off our Saturday bright and early with a win that set the tone for the day. As we were warming up for our second game you could feel our energy was not quite there. Kick-off went well, we had some positive offensive plays but then we lost the ball. Eagle picked up a few positive plays but then lost possession. The first half went back and forth until half-time. The score was 0-0 and we all felt off. So during the half-time break, we talked about some adjustments and took a few breaths as a team. The second half was electric. The girls were able to battle and score a try and ultimately win with a 7-5 score. On day two, we came in ready. Warm-ups set the tone. The girls were confident and excited. We scored right away and just kept rolling throughout the game. We were able to stay competitive and every girl got an opportunity to be a part of that game. This group of girls has been building for this moment since fall. They have put in work outside of practice and focused on really building the continuity between each other. They were able to have tough conversations to grow as a unit, not as individuals. It has been a privilege to be a part of such a great group of girls and coaching staff. This team is still growing and building, and our journey is not done.”
This team is the definition of grit. Grit is the mental toughness and passion that propels you toward achieving your vision for life. It is the key to remaining focused and motivated. Grit is the tenacity, perseverance, resilience, and willingness to keep you going despite obstacles. It is quickly adapting to new circumstances and being committed to work hard, trusting that if you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, you will light it up yourself.
This season was unlike any other season from the start. You could feel the heart and want from every single player on the field. The girls were willing to put the work in on and off the field. We never underestimated ourselves and strived to continue the Hamilton Rugby legacy. This was a growing season with a brand new team, yet we accomplished so much and overcame the battles. This team had to adapt to the new team and players on it. They had to be willing to take on the challenge. Every player had to commit to the hard work. Every teammate had to learn how to be a team player and realize it is just as rewarding to get your team a try by passing it as it is when you score the try yourself. The team endured many moments that required mental toughness.
Reflecting on our rugby season, it was filled with moments of resilience and heart. Each match was a canvas where we painted the story of our commitment, passion, and mutual support. In our fall season, we faced DSHA at half the score was 0-26. Then with 20 minutes left in the match, it was 5-31. However, we came back to tie the game. It came down to the last few seconds; everyone fought up until the last whistle. That was amazing and extremely impressive and the kind of dedication this team has faced all season–regularly surpassing expectations to culminate the season in being National Champions. We’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories, and grown together as a unit. In the face of challenges, we stood strong, demonstrating character both on and off the field. This wasn’t just a team but a rugby family. Our journey wasn’t defined by the wins or losses, but by the constant commitment and teamwork that binds us. Every tackle, every try, and every moment on the field was evidence of our collective strength.
