Hall Steps Down as Norwich Univ Head Coach

NORTHFIELD, Vt. – After 19 years at the helm of the Norwich University Women’s Rugby program, Head Coach Austin Hall has announced that he will be stepping down from his head coaching position. Hall will remain with the team in an assistant coaching role.

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“The greatest joy in coaching is watching others succeed. I’m excited to be able to step aside, hand off the baton, and play a supporting role in the next generation of Norwich rugby,” said Hall.

Hall’s tenure marked the golden era of women’s rugby at Norwich. He oversaw the program’s transition to varsity status, with the sport now classified as an emerging sport in the NCAA.

“I want to sincerely thank Austin for his 19 years of dedicated and selfless leadership of the Norwich women’s rugby program,” said Director of Athletics Ed Hockenbury. “He brought Norwich rugby to national prominence, and his passion for rugby and genuine care for the student-athletes on his teams helped them to excel on the pitch, in the classroom, and in their military pursuits.  While life is taking him in a different direction, we are pleased that he will continue to play an important role in Norwich rugby for years to come.”

Over his tenure with the Cadets, Hall led the team to six National Championships.  Winning their first Div. I national title in 2011 at the USA Rugby 7s Championships, Norwich continued to be a dominant force on the college rugby scene for the next four years.  The 2011 7s champions went on a 65-game winning streak, spanning nearly four years, before losing to West Point in 2015.  Norwich 7s was Div. I USA Rugby Champions in 2011, 2012, and 2013, and Div. I American College Rugby Association Champions in 2014.  The Norwich 15s team won the Div. II USA Rugby National Championship in 2012 and the Div. I ACRA National Championship in 2013.

Hall steps down with a 188-65-4 (73%) record in 15s rugby.  Norwich 7s rugby was founded in 2011 and Hall leaves with a 106-35 (75%) record in the Olympic variation of the game.

At the conclusion of the 2013-14 academic year, Hall was named as the Div. I National Collegiate Coach of the Year, and star fullback, Rose Bernheim, was named the Div. I National Collegiate Player of the Year.  Norwich women’s rugby has produced 20 All-Americans during Hall’s tenure and many more conference All-Stars.

Hall’s 2011-12 women’s rugby team was inducted into the Norwich University Athletic Hall of Fame last September and will see his 2012-13 7s national championship-winning squad also inducted during Homecoming Weekend on Sept. 24.  Hall also saw two of his former ruggers inducted last year in Stephanie Hurley ’07 and Katie Hathaway ’12, while Emily Baugus ’13 will be a member of the 2023 Hall of Fame Class.

“Norwich has been absolutely amazing at providing 100s of rugby women the opportunity to excel and reach for the stars, year in, year out,” said Hall.  “I’m blessed to have had this opportunity to lead this team.  We’ve accomplished so much over 19 years and my gratitude goes out to all of you who laced up your boots and brought a smile and a work-rate to practice every day.”