eagles.rugby — Kicking off the New Year, USA Rugby Women’s Pathways players get to business at winter camp with 40 of the top USA Under-20 players in Charlotte, N.C., for a 5-day talent ID camp. [lead photo c/o USA Rugby]

With the focus on forging future Eagles as the the next Women’s Rugby World Cup cycle begins, the camp will work towards selection for age grade international Tests in South Africa later this summer while allowing coaches to identify stand out talent, work rate and team building characteristics required of players looking to elevate their game to the senior level.

Head Women’s Pathways Coach Katie Dowty commented:

“This winter camp was set to identify and prepare athletes for this summer’s U20 competition in Stellenbosch, South Africa, while also evaluating players’ potential to transition into the senior national pool as a new World Cup cycle begins. Camp will accelerate international readiness by embedding the mental skills, behaviors, and performance standards — alongside the physical, technical, and tactical demands — required of being an Eagle.”

“Winter camp will establish individual baselines and cement the foundations of the U20 XV Program for 2026. Consistent communication and collaboration between players, pathways staff, and the athletes in their daily training environments will be critical to ensuring measurable progress.”

“We will be assessing and communicating key strengths and work-ons for each athlete at this point in the year, and provide clarity on international standards and create action plans for winter and spring in players’ home training environments allowing us to close gaps and amplify their superpowers.”

“This player group is full of athletic potential and will be encouraged to fully express themselves on the field, expanding our ability to apply sustained, creative pressure on both sides of the ball.”

The Under 20 women in this camp will be eligible for selection for the USA Tour to Stellenbosch, South Africa, this July where they will play two matches against the South Africa U20s. As well as give athletes the opportunity to showcase their talent for potential to be key contributors building towards the 2029 and 2033 Rugby World Cups.

2026 U20 WXV Winter Camp Invitees

Natalie Allen — Frostburg State Univ
Rebecca Balladeres — Quinnipiac Univ
Kaylie Castro — La Salle Univ
Evie Danhof — Lindenwood Univ
Kiyanah Edwards — American International College
Nevaeh Elliott — Life Univ
Ella Elordi — Eagle Lady Mustangs
Jasmine Fehoko — Lindenwood Univ
Sahryse Fong — Hawaii
Arielle Fotso — Dartmouth College
Olivia Frisby — Life Univ
Cora Haughey — Life Univ
Annie Henrich — Dartmouth College
Alyssa Hine — Brigham Young Univ
Liliani Hopoate — American International College
Maddie Hubbell — Harvard Univ
Amenekina Latu — Life Univ
Kirsten Lees — Stanford Univ
Sana’a Lunon — Harvard Univ
Mele Mausia — San Mateo Wolverines
Jojo Mignone — Harvard Univ
Ariane Moea’i — United Rugby (Utah)
Reece Moody — Dartmouth College
Nakato Myers — Raleigh Rugby Cobras
Gemma Ogoke — Harvard Univ
Khalea Pahulu — Lindenwood Univ
Alyssa Post — La Salle Univ
Juliette Robinson — Georgetown Univ
Cece Rose — Life Univ
Alaina Sandberg — Raleigh Cobras
Seq’hiya Simmons — Univ. Lethbridge
Aleina Teaupa — Sacramento Amazons
Alilia Tu’itavake — Life Univ
Ana Tu’itavake — Portland Grackles
Lola Unga — Lindenwood Univ
Salote (Lala) Valikoula — Pasifeka
Gianna Veetutu — Kent Crusaders HS
Annabella Vogel — Life Univ
Dorothy Vunipola — Life Univ
Jennie Weiner — Lindenwood Univ

2026 U20 WXV Winter Camp Coaches & Staff

Katie Dowty | Head Coach
Kate Daley | Assistant Coach
Karameli Faaee | Assistant Coach
Catie Benson | Assistant Coach
Blake Bradford | Coaching Advisor
Kristin Zdanczewicz | S&C
Luke Richmond | Analyst
Mia Pelton | Athletic Trainer
Martha Daines | Head of Player Systems and Development
Aiyana Gilliard | Team Services Manager