PRESS RELEASE — National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) has hired Kelsea Thompson as its new Women’s Small College Commissioner.
Kelsea will lead the Competitions Committee for the nearly 100 Small College teams across the country and manage the national playoffs and championship pathways for both the 15s and 7s seasons. In addition, Kelsea will manage NCR’s small college national rankings, recognition programs and club development initiatives.
Born in Farmingdale, NY, Kelsea is a former Division I track and field athlete who converted to rugby during her sophomore year of college. She started three years at outside center and handled kicking duties for SUNY Oneonta, earning the Heart & Soul award at Nationals in 2017. Her senior year she served as Club President.
Angela Smarto, Women’s Director, commented, “I’m extremely excited to welcome Kelsea to this position. She has a great perspective as a former small college player, but also as a sports professional. Her passion to elevate small college women’s rugby can be executed through her great skill set; I am ready to get to work with her.”
Following college, Kelsea was actively involved in the Arizona rugby community serving as the Executive Director of Rugby Arizona. With a Level 200 Coaching Certification, Kelsea was the head coach of Phoenix Women’s Rugby in 2020 leading them to an undefeated season.
Kelsea holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Athletic Coaching. She has worked in sports operations, helping companies and organizations grow within their communities. Kelsea is currently the Sports Operations Director at Athletic Edge Sports & Fitness in Washington, NC.
“I am super excited to be the new Women’s Small College Commissioner and I am ready to get the ball rolling! I am most excited to help grow the game and give back to an organization I played within as a college athlete. Rugby changed my life for the better and I am hoping to be a part of it doing the same for others,” said Kelsea.