The Tropical 7s is still a month-and-a-half away (March 29-30) but the tournament draws attention early, as all kinds of talent is drawn to a warm climate and stellar rugby facilities. The Tampa, Fla., event is even more important in 2024, as there is no LA 7s Invitational, which traditionally has been the first really big 7s tournament of the year.
Also a fixture at all the big 7s tournaments, Atlantis has named its girls’ U18, U16 and U14 rosters and staff, and still has an opening or two on its U14 team. [Have a player recommendation? Contact coach Kate Flanagan.]
The Atlantis Girls’ U18 Elite team is coached by Kate Flanagan and Karl Barth. Flanagan most recently led Atlantis to the New York 7s U18 Elite title (read more) and eight players have returned from that title run on Randall’s Island. Barth also needs no introduction, as the former USA age grade coach has led powerhouse Summit High School to numerous Colorado state championships. His players are all over the NCAA varsity space.
Included is Rebecca Balladares, fresh off of the USA U18 tour to New Zealand for the Global Youth 7s; U.S. Military Academy commit Reaghan King; Princeton incoming freshman Annie Huettel; and players from California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. [Related: 2024 College Commits]
U18 ELITE
Becca Balladeres – West Carroll, Md.
Luci Brady – Summit, Colo.
Caroline Cook – Charlotte Cardinals, N.C.
Nolah Flynn – Doylestown, Pa.
Annie Huettel – North Bay, Md.
Reaghan King – Doylestown, Pa.
Alexa Kirschner – Charlotte Cardinals, N.C.
Sana’a Lunon – State College, Pa.
Ashley Misch – Summit, Colo.
Lindsey Mulligan – San Diego Mustangs, Calif.
Aubrey Phillips – Owyhee, Idaho
Morgan Suniga – Wellington, Fla.
The U16 Elite team adds Connecticut and Idaho to the list of states represented in the Atlantis kit this tour. Lauren Shissler and Elijah Seay coach the squad, which includes seven returners and five newcomers.
U16 ELITE
Siena Accardi – Doylestown, Pa.
Teagan Barth – Summit, Colo.
Sydney Haddon – Doylestown, Pa.
Maggie Hoffman-Long – Cumberland Valley, Pa.*
Lauren Huang – Greenwich, Conn.*
Madison Morrell – Torrey Pines, Calif.*
Nakato Myers – Raleigh, N.C.
Zoe Nelson – Summit, Colo.*
Sierra Reil – Summit, Colo.
Noelle Robinson – Doylestown, Pa.
Haley Russer – Summit, Colo.*
Kanani Watts – Owyhee, Idaho
*New to Atlantis
Stacy Mancuso and Elizabeth Cairns are coaching the U14s, and the Atlantis post is a first for “Bitsy,” a USA Eagle. Of the 10 U14s signed on, all but Kayla Robinson from Doylestown, Pa., is new to the Atlantis outfit. The team could use another 1-2 players to complete the roster, so do reach out to Kate Flanagan (email) if you have any recommendations.
U14 ATLANTIS
Ava Brady – Summit, Colo.
Lauren Cartner – Summit, Colo.
Leah Cipollo – Doylestown, Pa.
Maeve Flaherty – Morris, N.J.
Mackenzie Harriet-Clay – Doylestown, Pa.
Ashley Kelly – Doylestown, Pa.
Kylie Mcbride – Blackthorn, Pa.
Kayla Robinson – Doylestown, Pa.^
Avery Russer – Summit, Colo.
Melanie Wilhoit – Wellington, Fla.
^ Atlantis returner