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eagles.rugby – Transitioning into the foundational phase of a multi-block development pathway, 17 athletes have convened in Chula Vista for a U23 Women’s Sevens Spring Training Camp. [lead photo: James Lacey for USA Rugby]
This camp marks a strategic evolution in the Women’s Sevens Pathway. Of the 17 athletes attending, 14 are members that make up the Core Development Group, signaling a dedicated move toward consistent, long-term player growth. Their intensive five-day program will culminate with three matches on the final day, allowing the coaching staff to see these skills in action.
Following the pathways Talent ID process, this camp prioritizes the refinement of the “daily training environment” and the professional standards required for the evolution to the senior level.
Life’s Bella Vogel / Photo: Beni Thiongo, Mianya’s Photography
Women’s 7s Pathway Head Coach Irene Gardner emphasized the importance of this shift:
“This year in the Women’s Sevens Pathway, we are shifting our primary focus from verifying talent scouted at various events to developing a core player group. This player group here at the March camp will join us again for a 2-week Residency Immersion Camp in June. Our aim at this camp is to assess and support core skill development, while establishing core behaviors required at the National team level.”
“By increasing the attention given to foundational attack and defensive skills, we better equip our athletes and their support networks in their daily training environments with the tools to continue to accelerate their development between now and June.”
Establishing core frameworks across all USA Sevens age grades, the camp will focus on technical proficiency in foundational attack and defense and building elite-level behavioral standards.
The majority of this roster will reconvene in June for a specialized two-week Residency Immersion Camp to further build on the work started this week with the aim of seeing athlete growth as they strive to bridge the gap between developmental rugby and the National Team standard.
U23 Women’s 7s 2026 Spring Camp Roster
Falalauola Amanoni – Berkeley All Blues
Shawnee Asiata – Majestics
Brooke Crago – Scion Rugby
Chloe DeLeon – US Military Academy
Kiyanah Edwards – American International College
Cameron Fields – Harvard University
Kori Fields – Long Island University
Olivia Frisby – Life University
Aleksandria Gabbard – US Naval Academy
Leah Lockerman – Denver Onyx
Josephine Mignone – Harvard University
Chloe O’Meara – Washington Athletic Club
Cecilia Rose – Life University
Sayler Russell – Long Island University
Jayne Schalesky – UC Santa Barbara
Annabella Vogel – Life University
Zoe Zumbro – Belmont Shore U19s
U23 Women’s 7s Coaches & Staff
Irene Gardner | W7s Pathway Head Coach
Kelly Griffin | W7s Pathway Assistant Coach
Jackie Rodriguez | W7s Lead Pathway Athletic Trainer
Kristin Zdanczewicz | Pathway S&C Coach
Aiyana Gilliard | Team Services Manager
Maria Adams | Women’s Sevens Operations