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MACON, GA – Wesleyan College is proud to announce the addition of women’s rugby as a new athletic program, expanding opportunities for student-athletes and continuing the college’s commitment to providing a diverse and competitive collegiate athletics experience. The new women’s rugby program will be led by Christopher Parks, who brings more than two decades of playing experience, coaching experience, and a strong background in athletic leadership throughout Middle Georgia. Parks is excited about the opportunity to introduce rugby to the Wesleyan community and build the foundation for a program centered on both competitive success and personal growth.
“I am incredibly honored to lead the women’s rugby program at Wesleyan College,” Parks said. “Rugby is a sport that demands resilience and absolute teamwork—qualities that perfectly align with the spirit of this institution. I look forward to building a fiercely competitive culture and empowering these student-athletes to achieve excellence on the pitch and in life.”
With more than 20 years of experience in the sport, Parks began his rugby career in 2002 and competed with Mother’s Rugby, South Buffalo Rugby, and Macon Love Rugby. After transitioning from playing to coaching, he began his coaching career with Macon Love in 2019 before becoming the Head Coach at Georgia College & State University in 2025. Parks also brings a broad background in athletic leadership and community sports development. He has served as Board President of the Macon Soccer Club and Sports Booster President for Mount de Sales Academy, experiences that have strengthened his commitment to developing athletes and building successful sports programs.
At Wesleyan, Parks will focus on establishing a strong foundation for the new program built around resilience, teamwork, discipline, competitiveness, and student-athlete development. His vision is to create a culture that challenges student-athletes to grow both as competitors and as members of the Wesleyan community. The addition of women’s rugby provides Wesleyan students with a new opportunity to compete in collegiate athletics while developing leadership, accountability, communication, and teamwork skills that extend beyond the pitch.
“We are excited to welcome women’s rugby to the Wesleyan College athletics family,” said Seth Berkebile, Director of Athletics at Wesleyan College. “Coach Parks’ experience and passion for the sport make him an excellent leader for this new program, and we look forward to seeing the foundation he builds with our student-athletes.”
The launch of women’s rugby marks another step in Wesleyan College’s commitment to expanding athletic opportunities and creating meaningful experiences that empower student-athletes to pursue excellence in competition, in the classroom, and in life.