The last few years, Lakefront 7s (June 29, Milwaukee) has made a concerted effort to stoke girls’ high school 7s in the Midwest by fielding a competitive division toward which teams can build. As such, all-star teams like the Iowa Hawkettes – the three-time champions – have circled this Lake Michigan event as its summer showcase.
RELATED: 2018 Hawkettes Triumphs • 2019 Women’s Rugby Calendar
“Finding 7s tournaments is still a struggle, and Lakefront is our main focus as usual,” Hawkettes head coach Kelsie McDowell noted. “We do have 22 girls though and picked 15 from our weekly scrimmages. They’re not making the selection easy either.”
Those not selected to the final squad will still be invited to observe Lakefront 7s, which has drawn teams from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana, in addition to Iowa. Looking ahead, McDowell is toying with the idea of a Hawkettes 15s team, as players like Sydney Julich and Ava Denner are pursuing all-star 15s with entities like EIRA Midwest at the Regional Cup Tournaments.
For more information on the Lakefront 7s, click here.
IOWA HAWKETTES 7s
Becca Anselme: Ankeny
Katie Brandt: Roosevelt
Sarah Breitsprecker: Southeast Polk
Ava Denner*: Roosevelt
Madie Dunn: Ankeny
Emmersyn Forest: Southeast Polk
Portia Jones: East
Sydney Julich*: Ankeny
Jada Morris: Roosevelt
Jocee Morris: Roosevelt
Nancy Odir: Dowling
Adeline Riedmann: Indianola
Kaylee Sartell: Southeast Polk
Shianne Simmers: Mason City
Gabby Thomas: Mason City
Head Coach: Kelsie McDowell
Assistant Coach: Nick Sawhill
S&C Coach: Joe White
* Captains