CHULA VISTA, CA – USA Women’s 7s Head Coach Chris Brown has selected 15 players to attend a competitive training camp in Dubai for the first two weekends of April. At the event, the USA Women’s Sevens will face other senior national teams as part of their ongoing preparation for the Olympic Games Tokyo this July.
Alongside the USA, participating women’s teams include Brazil, Kenya, Canada, Japan and France. The Emirates Invitational 7s will take place behind closed doors with no spectators in attendance. Tournament organizers have confirmed that a livestream will not be available and any updates will be shared on @USARugby and @Dubai7s social media channels.
Head Coach Brown said:
“It was a tough selection this time around with a number of quality players left out of the 12. Ari has shown some positive steps defensively over the last few weeks which has given us the confidence to give her this opportunity. The ones selected don’t take this responsibility lightly and will represent the whole squad well. Upon return, as a whole, we will continue to challenge and push each other so we progress.
USA Women’s 7s Roster
Player – Position (HSBC Tournaments)
Sui A’au – Prop, uncapped
Lauren Doyle – Flyhalf/Wing (30)
Abby Gustaitis (Co-Captain) – Prop/Hooker (12)
Nicole Heavirland – Hooker/Scrumhalf (24)
Kristi Kirshe – Center/Wing (8)
Ilona Maher – Center/prop (12)
Jordan Matyas – Prop (13)
Alena Olsen – Scrumhalf/Flyhalf (3)
Ariana Ramsey – Wing, uncapped
Steph Rovetti – Flyhalf/Wing (6)
Naya Tapper – Wing/Prop (21)
Kris Thomas (Co-Captain) – Hooker/Center (26)
RESERVES
Nia Toliver – Prop/Wing (uncapped)
Kasey McCravey – Hooker/Flyhalf (4)
Cheta Emba – Prop/Wing (16)
USA Women’s Sevens Staff
Head Coach | Chris Brown
Strength & Conditioning | Matt Long
Athletic Trainer | Nicole Titmas
Team Manager | Liz Strohecker
Dietician | Jacque Scaramella
USA Women’s Sevens COVID-19 Safety Procedures
USA Women’s Sevens program follows a rigorous testing and quarantine process in accordance with local mandates and stringent protocols from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. The program utilizes a robust contact tracing system to identify and minimize any exposure to the virus.
Protocols include:
- COVID-19 testing before and after a mandatory 3-day quarantine
- Antibody and echo cardiac testing
- Periodic testing and mandatory ‘Bubble’ re-entry in the event of travel or uncontrolled community exposure
- Daily symptom and temperature checks as mandated by the USOPC and Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
- Additional internal daily wellness checks
- Assigned training groups implemented to reduce unnecessary close contact and limit transmission risk
- Maintain more than 6 ft distance from all staff
- Signed Training Agreement adhering to all safety rule