Sommer hoisting the 2015 (left) and 2016 DI club trophies. •
When the Seattle Saracens won the 2015 DI national championship, repeating the title run was always going to be difficult. The field now knew its top competition and adjusted its preparation accordingly. Meanwhile, the Washington team regrouped for another long season that takes little break between the fall and spring, and captain Kristine Sommer, our Club Player of the Year, put her team’s needs in front of her own for another DI trophy.
Sommer was thrust into a leadership role quickly. A four-year member of UC Santa Barbara, the Palmdale, Calif., native joined the Emerald City Mudhens after graduation. In 2014, she joined Seattle when they transitioned from the Breakers to the Saracens, and was named captain in her first year. She was at the helm for the team’s 2015 title and was charged with guiding the squad to future successes.
“We set standards before our 2015 win and wanted to follow that same theme going into 2016 nationals,” Sommer referenced fitness, nutrition and dedication ideals. “As far as expectations, we’re starting to be known as the best team in the states, with that comes a heavy load. Players are/were expected to continue to make it to practice and take care of fitness/injuries after 10 months of training. That can be extremely difficult. My role in this – especially in the last three months of training – was to try and keep everyone mentally motivated to practice and stay on track with our game plan and strategy.”
Seattle plays British Columbia teams for the majority of the year, and while that opportunity is enviable, the player burnout is real. A deeper player pool has allowed more flexibility in the roster, affording some in-season breaks, but Sommer is always on the watch for teammates’ fluctuating well-being.
“Our season is so long, which is great for us as a team; however, it can be physically and mentally draining,” Sommer explained. “Personally, I would go back and forth with burnout and new energy. However, especially in the last few months, it’s hard to focus on my own burnout when I’m making sure others are staying engaged.
“Seattle Saracens players know that this is the game we have chosen to play and the best rugby is located north,” the 25-year-old added. “Even though it’s easy for players to burn out, we have a lot of competitive athletes who understand the physical and mental commitment that is the BC league.”
Sommer also understands decision made for the good of the team. Most comfortable in the loose forwards, that unit began to swell later in the year, while the backs’ numbers lightened, and the captain stepped in to equalize the field.
“Our head coach explains it pretty clearly: He wanted 15 flankers on the field. Simple as that,” Sommer described coach Reyes Longares’ overall goal. “Reyes moved me to inside center so that I could continue to run hard lines and be a playmaker, in addition to our flyhallf, Kati Lee. It gave some relief to her as I could help direct the backs and she could make sure the forwards were organized.
“Captaining the squad was interesting during this transition,” she continued. “Physically, I was able to blend in well with the backs, however, it was a complete mental change for me with only two weeks of preparation. I did think it was a good move and showed well at nationals.“
The long year resulted in the Saracens’ second consecutive USA Rugby trophy, and players are now enjoying a bit of a break before ramping up for 7s. That said, 2017 isn’t far from anyone’s mind, especially Sommer’s.
“That’s an easy one,” the captain thought on future goals. “Seattle is looking to take first in BC’s women’s premier league. We’ve been in the top four the last two years and continue to excel. If our success continues as this rate, you’ll see Seattle Saracens with both the Canadian and American trophies next May and June.”
Want more on Seattle? Then read:
Sarries Keep Growing, Keep Winning
Saracens on the Road to Glendale
Reigning Champ Seattle Refreshed
#KristineSommer Seattle