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Life University Women’s Rugby is hosting its 2026 Girls Summer Residency Program from July 23-29 on world-class facilities in Marietta, Ga., featuring elite-level coaching and a high performance environment. The overnight camp is open to girls ages 13-17 of all experience and skill levels.
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Campers will spend the week on the Life University campus, residing in The Commons, the state-of-the-art dormitory located in the center of campus and a five-minute walk to the training pitches. A typical day begins with breakfast and then strength-and-conditioning, followed by skills and full training sessions before recovery and lunch. The afternoon includes down time, another full training session and game play, recovery, dinner and a team meeting. Read more about The Commons and schedule.
The Commons
Players young in their rugby careers will receive personalized fundamentals in a welcoming environment, while experienced will players train alongside some of the country’s top players, including USA Pathway players like AJ Haughey, Bella Vogel, Cece Rose and Leila Opeti.
“I never knew I wanted to go to college until I attended the Life U rugby camp and saw the possibilities,” Haughey said. “Bright green everywhere, free chiropractor care, and the wild discovery that there wasn’t a football team hogging the fields. At that moment I thought, “Yeah, this place might actually work.
“The rugby program ended up being incredible and helped push me toward my dream of playing professionally,” she added. “I showed up as a skinny, slightly terrified 13-year-old kid. Now I’m a 21-year-old D1 athlete getting ready to take on the world. Crazy what can happen in a few years.”
Thiongo Beni / Mianyas Photography
The coaching staff is led by Life University Director of Rugby Ryszard Chadwick.
“I’m thrilled to lead this transformative program and welcome players from all backgrounds to join the Running Eagles family,” Chadwick enthused. “At Life University, I’ve helped elevate our women’s program into a national powerhouse, delivering record-high team GPAs, undefeated seasons, and a relentless culture of excellence that produces professional and international-caliber athletes. As camp director, I bring that same high-energy, player-centered approach: personalized instruction in a supportive environment, cutting-edge drills drawn from championship-winning strategies, and a focus on holistic growth—technical skills, tactical IQ, physical conditioning, mental toughness, leadership, and goal achievement.”
Thiongo Beni / Mianyas Photography
“What makes me passionate about this role is seeing players light up as they discover their potential, whether they’re beginners stepping onto the pitch for the first time or standouts chasing bigger dreams,” he continued. “I love creating spaces where athletes train hard, laugh together, build connections, and leave more confident, skilled, and inspired. This camp isn’t just about rugby; it’s about becoming a more complete person and leader.”
Chadwick’s staff includes guest coach Josh Sutcliffe, performance analyst Seth Heidman, Head of Athletic Performance Elayna Vermaak, athletic trainer Kevin Tippett, digital content creator Noah Geltman and camp photographer Thiongo Beni. Coaches will lead a curriculum that teaches attendees:
• Technical mastery and positional excellence
• Tactical awareness and smart game strategy
• Deep rules knowledge and on-field application
• Rugby-specific strength, speed, and conditioning
• Building unbreakable mental toughness and competitive fire
• Goal-setting strategies that turn dreams into reality
• Leadership that shines on the pitch and in life
Camp kit
Camp is a fun, challenging, supportive space that builds rugby skills from the ground up or takes them to elite standards. It attracts players who are interested in a high-performing, nationally recognized collegiate program; those who want to improve their game, no matter the level; and those who want to learn the different near- and off-pitch elements that enrich one’s craft. Camp is also an opportunity to make friends, connections and build confidence.