Vibrant Female Rugby Squad Experiencing Success
The Women's Rugby team at Notre Dame College has made a strong impression in its first year, establishing itself as a competitive and respected program in collegiate rugby.
The team, consisting of eight female students, was founded at the start of the current academic year. Since then, they have shown significant improvement and progression, with a focus on communication, positioning, ball handling, and tackling. This dedication to teamwork and skill development has paid off, as the team secured second place in a university tournament and celebrated their achievements at this year's Sports Awards.
One of the standout players is Ella Lamptey (L6), who plays rugby league for York Valkyrie U19s. Ella has found the Women's Rugby team at Notre Dame to be a supportive and welcoming environment, helping her to have an easy transition into college during her first few months. Michaela Magonya (L6), another talented player, joined the team and has also benefited from the support of coaches and teammates. Michaela has been signed by Bradford Bulls U18s and attributes valuable skills in communication, teamwork, and physical ability to her time on the Women's Rugby team at Notre Dame.
Monina Crosby (L6), who has played rugby league for seven years, has also recently been signed by Bradford Bulls U18s. Victoria Walczak (U6) has been part of the Women's Rugby team at Notre Dame and looks forward to welcoming new students to further strengthen the team.
The Women's Rugby team's success extends beyond the pitch. Notre Dame College had 15 players named as 2024-25 Scholastic All Americans by National Collegiate Rugby. This recognition requires a minimum 3.5 GPA and significant playtime, underscoring the balance the student-athletes maintain between rugby and their studies.
In the 2024-2025 season, the team was ranked 14th nationally according to the National Collegiate Rugby Coaches Poll, reflecting a solid competitive standing with a record of 3-2. This ranking places Notre Dame College among the prominent rugby programs in the nation, demonstrating consistent team performance against strong opposition.
The team's culture of dedication and leadership is evident in their achievements, both on and off the pitch. Ella Lamptey reflects that the team has been fun, they have become great friends, and the team ended the season with many wins and only one loss. Michaela Magonya (L6) feels the Women's Rugby team at Notre Dame came together both on and off the pitch as a team.
As the team looks towards the future, they have built strong foundations, setting the stage for continued growth. The Women's Rugby team at Notre Dame College is a shining example of a program that embodies the dual pursuit of competitive athletics and scholastic achievement.
The Women's Rugby team at Notre Dame College, with its focus on sports and skill development, has also shown a commitment to academic excellence, as 15 of their players were named 2024-25 Scholastic All Americans by National Collegiate Rugby. The team's achievements in health-and-wellness, both in sports-analysis and academics, make it a prominent example of womens-health programs that combine physical fitness with intellectual growth.
