Photo courtesy Armed Forces Rugby 7s (see more)
The Armed Forces has selected its 12-player squad to compete in this weekend’s Lupus Intus Women’s Elite 7s Tournament in Hanover, N.H. The military side will be joined by Atavus, Northeast Academy, Tiger Cubs and Stars in the two-day event, which also serves as a scouting opportunity for USA Women’s 7s coach Richie Walker.
RELATED: Preview: Northeast, Tiger, Stars • Elite 7s Players Ready for Hanover • Tournament Event Page
Armed Forces 7s coach Andrew Locke – fresh off the RugbyTown 7s himself – held a selection camp this week. The assembly started with a USA Rugby Level 200 Coaching Certification Course, led by Katie Dyke, Lisa Rosen and Kenneth Forehand. Per the program’s Facebook page:
“If we want to grow rugby in our military, it starts with qualified and capable coaches across our community. These ladies will be able to lead the way when they return to their bases. Although they are at this camp as players, they will now have this qualification in their kit bag.”
After yesterday’s scrimmages, Locke narrowed down the player pool to 12 players, who are now en route to Dartmouth College. There are many familiar names, including Cerrin Eldridge, who will captain the 7s team and helped DI Raleigh to a runner-up finish at nationals; N’Keiah Butler, a graduate of DI Elite powerhouse Life University; Katie Hathaway, a prevalent member since her days at varsity Norwich University; and Stephanie Iacobucci, who has represented DI NOVA, WPL’s San Diego and Atlanta Harlequins over her storied career.
The Army and Air Force lead selections with four representatives apiece. The Marine Corps has sent three players to the starting team and also has 1st LT Katherine Smith traveling as a reserve. Finally, LTJG Abigail Bishop represents the Coast Guard.
ARMED FORCES 7S
LTJG Abigail Bishop – Coast Guard
CAPT Kate Herren – USMC
CPT Katherine Hathaway – Army
SSgt Leanne Hardin – Air Force
1st Lt Melissa Thompson – Air Force
SSG Cerrin Eldridge – Army
SPC Erica Myers – Army
CAPT Jessica Lucia – USMC
Capt Adekunbi Adewunmi – Air Force
CAPT Stephanie Iacobucci – USMC
A1C N’Keiah Butler – Air Force
CPT Nicole Prescott – Army
Traveling Reserve
1st LT Katherine Smith – USMC
COACH: Andrew Locke – Army
#ArmedForces