The West Region 15s Showcase is back for year two, drawing the top girls’ high school 15s teams to Long Beach, Calif., on Friday-Saturday, Jan. 16-17. Five of the six teams are regulars at 15s nationals, but first-timer TOA Rugby Academy is an addition for 2026. The select side is based in the West and will bring 22 athletes from six states to the tournament.

Stay tuned for a preview with showcase coordinator Robert Pahulu.

Washington leads all TOA selections with eight players, including USA U18 7s player Gianna Veetutu, who is fresh off of the junior Eagles’ trip to New Zealand LINK. TOA Head coach Gabrielle Fernandopulle, assistant coach Gabby Simmons and advisor Heidi Whitman also call Washington “home.”

Chris Kovac is the TOA Rugby Academy Girls Director and his home state of Idaho also has seven players on the roster. Colorado, Montana and Oregon have two players apiece heading to SoCal. Hawaii is represented through Sela Uluave.

There are two games on Friday night — the first between host Belmont Shore and fellow 2025 national finalist Majestics, followed by TOA and the San Mateo Wolverines. Saturday begins with a USA camp, before games resume, and the Sacramento Amazons and United join the fray (see full schedule). It’s an early-season runout for these teams, but the timing is perfect for collegiate and USA Pathways scouts. An impressive number of recruiters are heading to Long Beach, from NCAA varsity programs in NIRA, to DI schools in NCR, to club programs like Boise State and Gonzaga. Stay tuned for more info from showcase director Robert Pahulu.

TOA ROSTER

Jenavive Bradford — Colorado
Gavin Brown — Idaho
Shaidynn Elama — Washington
Anya Haar — Oregon
Leia Harmon — Montana
Amanda Homer — Idaho
Rebekah Jenks — Idaho
Snapper King — Oregon
Jainaya Masunu — Washington
October Micheal — Washington
Payton Parks — Idaho
Aubrey Phillips — Idaho
Hailey Russer — Colorado
Abby Sanchez — Washington
Emelia Stroppa — Washington
Lilah Tuani — Washington
Paige Thomason — Idaho
Kenzie Thornton — Idaho
Sela Uluave — Hawaii
Gianna Veetutu — Washington
Trinity Wahl — Washington
Wren Waliser — Montana

TOA COACHING STAFF

TOA Rugby Academy Girls Director
Chris Kovac – Idaho

Head Coach
Gabrielle Fernandopulle – Washington

Assistant Coach
Gabby Simmons – Washington

Advisor
Heidi Whitman – Washington