All photos: Locke Bradley
The Washington Athletic Club (WAC) will be in a good place when the USA Club 7s National Championship unfolds this weekend. The Seattle-based, summer-only team is playing at home essentially, has returned many players from the 2019 squad, and got a decent amount of playing time this summer. To boot, there is extra incentive to compete well this weekend.
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“We did not qualify for the Nationals that Seattle hosted in 2014, so we are not taking this ‘do over’ for granted,” WAC captain Megan Sanders explained. “Getting the chance to showcase the excitement and talent women’s rugby brings to this Seattle massive sports community on our home stage is an incredible opportunity. Time to show up and show out!”
Megan Sanders / Photo: Locke Bradley
WAC started training in late May, and by late June, training sessions were drawing solid numbers. The squad was able to play four tournaments in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), with nationals-bound ORSU providing good competition and two-time national champion Berkeley All Blues mixing up the field.
“We have seen incredible progression in skills from each player individually as well as combinations throughout each tournament,” Sanders reviewed the summer. “We set early expectations for this season and knew our focus was to get to our peak performance by the national weekend. Winning the four PNW tournaments was just a bonus.”
The team also set its focus on defense (“We can’t lose if they don’t score,” per Sanders) and that theme will continue its prominence into the weekend.
Kendra Young / Photo: Locke Bradley
The team itself will look fairly familiar, as seven players from the 2019 team have returned to the pitch for this weekend. Sanders is joined by Christa Banks, Lauren Barber, Carly MacKinnon, Erica Legaspi, Jenny Johnson and Kendra Young. Between them, there is an internationally capped 7s player (Philippines), former USA U20 representative, a championship 7s MVP winner, and one of the best conversion kickers in the domestic game – among many other attributes.
“Some additional players you’ll want to watch this weekend are Nikki Kenyon, Leah Ingold, Sydnee Watanabe, Lili Shi and Emily Barber,” Sanders added. “I know that is our entire squad, but what can I say? Each player brings such power and versatility. I am very excited to see what we can do this upcoming weekend!”
The players-to-watch are also known entities. They range from a capped Eagle, to former Collegiate All-Americans, to standout 15s players. There is a lot of great experience in the ranks, and head coach Pate Tuilevuka helps bring it all together.
Former Life West player Nikki Kenyon / Photo: Locke Bradley
“The Washington Athletic Club has provided incredible support through the re-building we have done this season,” Sanders credited the larger club. “They truly are a blessing to this program and all the players involved. We can only roster 12, but all the players that contributed at practice and tournaments throughout the season will be just as big of a contributor to any success we have this weekend as the players on the field.”
WAC is competing in Pool D with Midwest runner-up Chicago North Shore and Atlanta-based Optimus, and will bring a fast, crisp, creative game to the group. The top two teams advance to the Cup quarterfinals but must first contest a seeding match at the end of Saturday – a circumstance of a 13-team tournament.
“Adapt and thrive! These have been our core focuses this season. This weekend will be no exception,” Sanders looked ahead. “We just want to play exciting, high-level rugby no matter the hardware at the end of the weekend.”
For more information, visit www.usaclub7s.com.