BROOKVILLE, N.Y. – LIU Athletics Director Dr. William E. Martinov Jr. announced Monday that the University has selected Jinnie Pratt to be the new head coach of the women’s rugby team.
“We’re excited to have Jinnie Pratt join the Shark family!” Martinov said. “Jinnie brings a wealth of rugby experience to LIU, both as a player and a coach. Her passion for the game, experience playing and coaching at a national and international level, and her ability to relate to the student-athlete will play a major role in the team’s future success. Welcome Coach Pratt!”
Pratt comes to LIU with a long history of elite rugby experience. A native Texan, Pratt attended the University of Oklahoma where she played club rugby, and was a two-time Collegiate All-American. She took part in several high-level playing opportunities while with the Sooners, including multiple selections to the Heart of America U23 team and appearances in the Collegiate National 7s Championship and the National All-Star Competition.
“I am honored and elated for the opportunity to continue my rugby journey with LIU Rugby,” Pratt said. “I want to thank Dr. Martinov, Lloyd Ribner and Deirdre Moore for the chance to lead this program into the future. My goal is to continue the development of the program and athletes as representatives of both the university and the sport of rugby. This role is a dream come true for me, and I am so excited to get started! Go Sharks!”
Following her time at Oklahoma, Pratt pursued her playing career around the globe, representing teams across the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. She was also selected to represent the elite rugby program, Phoenix, at Amsterdam 7s and Barbados 7s. Pratt has represented multiple elite programs throughout her career, including the USA South Panthers, Old Blue Women’s 7s (NY), Charlotte Women’s Rugby Club (NC), Houston Athletic Rugby Club (TX), and the DC Furies.
Pratt’s coaching career has developed over the past decade, including stints in youth rugby, high school, collegiate, and women’s and men’s club coaching experiences. She has worked with the men’s rugby club teams at both Sam Houston State and Georgetown, including guiding the Bearkats to their first Texas 15s Championship in 15 years in 2018. Several athletes from that team are currently training at the MLR developmental level. She also improved the win-loss ratio of the Hoyas, including a win over the Naval Academy’s 7s team.
Pratt has also worked with the All-Army Women’s 7s program in 2019 and 2021 as an assistant coach. In her time with that program, her team won two Armed Forces championships, and had six All-Tournament team selections, and a Female All-Army Soldier-Athlete of the Year.
Outside of her contact rugby aspirations, Pratt is also an avid touch rugby player, having made multiple appearances at Touch Nationals with teams from Houston and Austin, and was selected to attend the World Cup Selection camp in 2018.