HANOVER, N.H. – Head women’s rugby coach Katie Dowty has announced the hiring of Meya Bizer as an assistant coach.
“Meya is one of USA Rugby’s most experienced players in both 15s and 7s,” Dowty said. “She has been a full-time professional 7s athlete for six years, played a key role in two Olympic cycles, represented the USA in the 2014 XVs World Cup, and won four collegiate national championships herself as a player at Penn State. Among other things, her technical expertise as a kicker will add an exciting new dimension to our kicking game.
“Through the USA Rugby CARE Program, Meya’s been on a professional development track to prepare her for a career in coaching — learning from the world’s best coaches, analysts, and sports scientists,” Dowty continued. “The wealth of knowledge and professionalism Meya brings with her will be invaluable. She has a brilliant rugby mind, fantastic energy, and we cannot wait to welcome her to the Big Green!”
Since 2012, Bizer has been playing with the USA Women’s National Team as part of the 15s team (2012-present) and as a contracted 7s resident (2015-present). She has many accomplishments under her belt, including: seven HSBC World Series tournament appearances, 2016 Olympic Team travel reserve, 2020 Olympic qualifying team, youngest player on the 2014 World Cup team and 18 international 15s CAPS.
While with USA Rugby, she was also part of the CARE Program (2020-21) coaching athletes ages 18-25, and was an Aspire Rugby Virtual Coach (2020-21), teaching small groups via Zoom.
Bizer graduated from Penn State in 2017 with a degree in psychology. While there, she was co-captain of the Penn State Women’s Rugby Football Club, being named an All-American (4x), USA Rugby XC’s National Champion (4x), and a USA Rugby 7s National Champion (3x).