Girls rugby is an incredible sport that should be gaining more popularity. The object of the game is to ground the ball behind the opponent’s try line. Rugby is played both by running with the ball and by kicking the ball. In the game you tackle the opponents, so they don’t score a try.
Rugby is empowering young women to learn about their strengths, skills, and teamwork on the field. Rugby is a sport that allows you to build confidence, and develop leadership skills. Sadly, girls rugby is an overlooked sport, but the seniors have shown great commitment. Today, the focus is on two amazing seniors: Francess Simmons and Audrey Teats.
Simmons has been on the team for a long time, showing great dedication to the team. She started playing in the spring of her sophomore year; it was her friends that got her into playing, and she decided it was just the right fit for her. F. Simmons quit other sports, and now she’s playing for both our high school team, and select-teams. Simmons’ biggest accomplishment was the international tournament, “My team placed 6th at the North American invitational 7s tournament, which made me feel proud”. She continued telling us about how there was a lot of high school competition and there were even some international teams. “It was really cool watching and playing against so many different styles of rugby,” said Simmons. Simmons continues explaining how rugby is a safe space for her, “The rugby community is super supportive and welcoming to everyone, every team I’ve paid on or against has shown love and support making the sport a safe place for me,” said Simmons.
Audrey Teats is the other awesome senior on the Timberline Rugby team. Teats has been playing rugby for two years now, the reason she stays committed is because she feels like it’s an outlet, where she can get her emotions out, and also because it’s a safe space. She feels like she can be herself. Teats’ biggest accomplishment is becoming captain during rugby 7s season, “Even though it wasn’t the best season, I still feel like it was one of my best rugby accomplishments,” said Teats.
As far as these two seniors continuing their Rugby careers post-high school, both shared their thoughts. Simmons said she is: “planning on playing for Utah State University starting in the fall,” said Simmons. Teats will also be continuing but wants to focus on the recreational purpose of the sport, “ not super competitively…for fun because once it’s too competitive some coaches don’t care about the fun aspect,” said Teat. We hope that both athletes focus on the fun and enjoyment of the sport as they start their next chapters.
As a player, I am so proud of these two seniors; they have shown great commitment to our team. Audrey Teats is skilled at lighting up your mood, even if it’s the worst day. She’s just incredible and her vibe is amazing. Simmons’ commitment and team spirit, really inspired me to continue playing on the team and show up to every practice to give my all to the sport.
The girls rugby team is truly an amazing team, with great positivity and teamwork. More girls should try out for the team, not just because it’s a great sport, but because the team will encourage you to enjoy every moment.Go Wolves!
