Staniford during an Atavus Resident Camp /// Photos: Atavus • If you know women’s rugby then you know Michaela Staniford. The 2012 IRB (now World Rugby) Women’s Player of the Year began representing England in 2005, when she was 17 years old. The next 11 years saw Staniford earn 60 caps for England and compete in four World Cups across 15s and 7s. Her storied playing career came to an end in August 2016, but England’s loss has turned into the USA’s gain.
After a few months of recalibrating to life outside the professional rugby set-up, Staniford relocated to Seattle to join her fiancé. While the move to the states was long part of the plan, the continued involvement in rugby wasn’t necessarily a given.
“I found myself being drawn back to rugby, and now that I’m in the U.S., it’s refreshing,” said Staniford, whose non-rugby professional career is rooted in the teaching field. “It’s a new scene. Back home, amongst the rugby crowd, it’s difficult to get away from your best friends, the media – it’s nice to not have that carrot dangling in front of you to still play.”
Instead, Staniford has eased into coaching and accepted a contract position with Atavus. Her involvement includes instruction at the Atavus-led USA Rugby Academy resident and training camps, “Powered By Atavus” club and collegiate programs, and delivering coach education, which crosses over nicely with her teaching background.
She has been named head coach of the Rugby Washington Girls Loggers, which just held its first tryout and is readying for the Vancouver 7s. And she’s also leading Atavus’ senior women’s academy, which includes six athletes aspiring for the national teams. Several of the academy athletes are preparing for the Atavus All-Stars, which Staniford will coach in Las Vegas.
Staniford with the Utah Lions Rugby Academy
“Being in a professional [rugby] environment for so long and playing internationally for so many years, you lose a bit of that enthusiasm and excitement,” Staniford said of her first impressions of American youth rugby. “I’m not sure if it’s the age grade, but their excitement and enthusiasm about the game is really energizing. I needed it.
“There are differences in the game due to lack of exposure or game time or not playing at a younger age because not as much is available – and you’ll see differences in things like footwork, decision-making, handling,” she added. “But the potential is massive and very exciting.”
At the moment, Staniford is enjoying the work, delivering familiar information in an environment in which she’s comfortable. The set-up also provides some freedom in acclimating to a new country.
“It’s fantastic, because it allows me to find my feet in the U.S. – like where to drive,” Staniford laughed. “I might get back into teaching and gauge what the private and public sectors are like – do some volunteering or observe schools since it’s been a few years since I’ve been in front of a class. … But I’m in no rush to full-time work.”
And the question on everyone’s mind: Might we see Staniford in a Seattle Saracens jersey one day?
“Probably not … unless the whole team is stricken with the flu,” she said.