If you tuned into the Women’s Premier League (WPL) match between Glendale and ORSU last weekend, then you probably noticed a few new, but familiar, faces in Raptors jerseys. Hannah Stolba and Kristen “Shilo” Shalosky, fresh off their club and provincial seasons in New Zealand, returned to Colorado in time for the second half of the WPL season. They, like several other Eagle pool players testing themselves overseas, went in search for more high-level rugby, and the duo hopes the experience pays off as the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup player pool takes shape. [Lead photo: Otago Spirit’s Shalosky during the Farah Palmer Cup /// Photo: Caswell Images (view more)]
Word reached Stolba that a young, up-and-coming North Otago was looking for a first five-eighth, and once the conversations started, she pitched the inclusion of a powerful prop who would benefit the team. The second-season club bought in and set the pair up with host families. Shalosky was able to take a sabbatical from work and traveled on a work visa. Stolba did some volunteer work with the New Zealand Rugby Union and also worked on a farm in the rural Oamaru, the epitome of small town, South Island living.
“I’m old now,” said the 34-year-old Stolba. “This is something I wish I’d done eight or nine years ago, but I made excuses about why I couldn’t do it or why it wouldn’t work. But I’ve got nothing left to lose now and needed to play some good rugby, and this was a good opportunity.”
“It was a possibility that I never entertained,” 25-year-old Shalosky said of playing overseas. “I didn’t think I would be able to compete at my current level of play. It was a far-off dream.”
But they did more than contribute when they arrived in New Zealand in April. North Otago is one of five teams in the Otago club competition, and Stolba was named captain of a squad that included Irish, Dutch, British and Canadian players. Shalosky drew praise from the front row. The duo – who lost their individual names in favor of “The Americans” – were selected to the Otago Spirit, the provincial side that competes in the Farah Palmer Cup (FPC).
“The club competition we participated in would be closer to DI level,” Stolba drew comparisons with the U.S. “Some of those other club competitions in bigger metro areas would be similar to WPL quality. In provincials, a couple of those games were almost tougher than a few internationals I’ve been in. They were really high level. They play with each other so much that there’s a certain fluidity you can’t get with [our] national team stuff.”
“It was obvious to me that people had been around rugby most of their lives – whether playing or watching,” Shalosky reflected on the club level of play. “Even though North Otago was a newly established club, there was a high level of individual skill. People start watching rugby from the moment they start watching tv. Kids don’t carry Frisbees or footballs to the park; they bring rugby balls. And it shows in their ability to read the field and the game.”
Unfortunately for Stolba, the Eagle flyhalf broke her ankle toward the end of May, requiring a metal plate and screws. She made a remarkably quick recovery and played her first game for Otago Spirit less than 12 weeks after surgery.
“She was back on the pitch in less time than the doctors thought she’d be able to walk,” Shalosky sang her teammate’s triumphs. “And she was fierce at fullback – a position that she doesn’t normally play.”
Shalosky remained healthy, and although the Spirit didn’t win any games in the FPC, she banked some excellent experience in the front row.
“Against Canterbury, Shilo had a phenomenal game at loosehead and then tighthead. After the game, I asked her, ‘Shilo, did you know the girls you just owned in the front row were Black Ferns?’ She had no idea. ‘Oh, great! I didn’t know,’” Stolba imitated her innocent lilt.
“It can be a blessing and a curse,” Stolba referenced the notion on knowing one’s competition, especially when that includes some of the country’s and world’s best. “New Zealand doesn’t support [the women’s game] so well that you know the players by name, and so for Shilo, she didn’t know who she was going up against and just smashed them.”
Stolba had her share of surprises, too. The Otago fullback recalled the FPC match against Auckland.
“I’m watching some of the girls run out, and I see Shilo’s opposite – she has a #1 on her back. I’m thinking, ‘Uh oh, she’s got 10 kilos on Shilo,’” Stolba said. “And then I realize: Oh crap, that’s an 11. It’s interesting because Auckland is the perfect example for the difference between U.S. and New Zealand rugby. We’re fit and strong, but they know the game so well and can execute at pace. We saw the back end of that.”
There’s a pause in the conversation. “They seemed strong to me,” Shalosky laughed.
There was a lot of joy in their back-and-forth, as one would hope while reflecting on six months in rugby heaven. If you get the chance, ask them about the confusing nature of pre-game taping rituals or why a lamb in Oamaru answers to the call of “Shilo.” When one became modest, the other lauded her triumphs on the pitch. But through it all, they were both keenly aware that they went to New Zealand to become better rugby players.
“Absolutely,” Shalosky responded to whether she’s improved. “The things that are such strong elements in New Zealand’s game – fluid, creative play and field vision – were definitely weaknesses for me. In those areas, I’ve definitely grown. My ball-handling’s better, and the scrummaging experience I got against very high-level props was a huge opportunity.
“I feel the same in a lot of ways,” Stolba added. “The WPL is a good level for us and keeps getting better, but in the States it’s unfortunate that we just aren’t able to play as many competitive games as we need to. The opportunity to play 4-5 high-level games even back from injury gives you a certain strength. I have perspective on where I am and where I need to get better.”
“The Americans” will likely play in Glendale’s WPL game tomorrow, as the Raptors host Berkeley in round five. Players need three WPL games to be eligible for the championship, where many of the country’s best players will be angling for selection to the winter Eagle camp and, ultimately, the World Cup pool. And that’s where Stolba and Shalosky want to be.