University of Michigan Women's Rugby Football Club

The SISU Player of the Month for April is known for being studious both on and off the field. She's always willing to put in the work and help out wherever she's needed. She's also been our fearless Alumna Chair for 2 years now. Let's learn more about one of our most dependable teammates: Julia "Jeb" Ebben! Year: Sophomore Hometown: Lake Orion, MI Major: Political Science, International Studies, & German Studies How long have you been playing? 2 years Why rugby? A couple week

This month's featured SISU Player of the Month is a crucial part of our forward pack and has held the title of Apparel Chair and Treasurer on our Admin Board. She's also known for being relentlessly studious in her academics and extremely hard-working at everything she sets her mind to. Let's give it up to our March featured player: Vanessa Rojano! Year: Junior Hometown: Chicago, IL Major: Mechanical Engineering How long have you been playing? 5 years Why rugby? I started pla

For four long years, Vicky has helped build and grow this team. On the field, she's team captain and a integral part of the backline as our scrum-half. However, off the field, she's been Treasurer and Fundraising Chair for our Admin Board, a fantastic big to four littles, and a reliable friend and teammate. We will be sad to see Vicky go at the end of this season, but we are thrilled to give her some time in the spotlight as our SISU Player of the Month! Name: Victoria "Vicky

This past season, Allyson was known for learning the ropes of rugby as a new addition to the team. However, off the pitch, she was also juggling life as a freshman and as a member of the U of M Figure Skating Club. Name: Allyson Grossa Year: Freshman Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada Major: Business Administration with a Double Minor in Mathematics and Music How long have you been playing? One semester Why rugby? It sounded fun and everyone was really nice and welcoming. In 5 years

As a student at University of Michigan-Flint, McKenna is an outstandingly dedicated player. By showing up and working hard at practices, volunteering to work at fundraisers, and splitting her game day time playing and covering sideline duties, McKenna shows her commitment to the team and to growing as a player. Year: Freshman Hometown: Howell Major: Human Biology How long have you been playing? 2 years, one in high school, one at college level Why rugby? I love the amount of

Lindsay joined the team one short year ago, and has since become a pillar of the forward pack. On the field, Lindsay’s technical skills and fitness shine. Off the field, Lindsay leads by example in her character and her diligent scholarship. Year: Junior Hometown: Harrison Township, MI Major: Nursing How long have you been playing? 1.5 years Why rugby? During my freshman year of college I missed being on a team and pushing myself athletically, and I was interested in rugby be

This month, we’re honoring one of our seniors, Emma “Miguel” Gell. Emma brings both humor and drive to the pitch for every practice, scrimmage, and match. Since she joined, Emma has become a key member of the forward pack. Get to know Miguel a little better here! Year: Senior Hometown: Farmington Hills, Michigan Major: Nursing How long have you been playing? 2 years Why rugby? Well... I used to be on the water polo team. I started water polo my freshman year, continued my sop

Our February SISU Player of the Month is Christa Hansma! As we move into sevens season, Christa has been establishing herself as a strong player on the field! Her skills are diverse and unrelenting; on offense, she is a hard runner who is rarely gets caught thanks to her deceptive runs, and on defense, her tackles are fast and reliable. Year: Sophomore Hometown: Jenison, Michigan Major, Minor: Neuroscience, Computer Science How long have you been playing? 1 and a half semest

Alena is a powerhouse for this team every time she steps on the pitch. She was our lead scorer and conversion kicker this year as well as Big 10 Back of the Year. Off the field she is always goofy and has a smile, but also knows when it is time to get serious. Her experience at high level development camps has improved her as both a player and leader for our very young team. This is her fourth year on the team and we will miss her so much when she graduates this month. Year:

Emma is an excellent lock on our team and wholly supportive of all of our rookies and younger players. She is always happy to see you, on or off the field, and hear about your day. We will miss her dearly when she graduates this December, but also look forward to seeing all the great things she gets up to in her future. Year: Senior Major: International Studies & Community Action and Social Change Hometown: Traverse City, MI why rugby? I was really missing the environment and

Dana has been playing rugby for almost a year now and has quickly become one of our best players. You can hear her the fullback position during every game directing play, and she bravely takes every kick for Michigan. We will be sad to lose her for 7s season as she ventures abroad to Spain, but look forward to next fall when she will be back on the pitch! Year: Junior Major: Communications and Spanish Minor: Art and Design Hometown: Portland, Oregon why rugby? The real questi

Popeye earned her nickname from a love of chicken tenders. She joined the team last year and quickly learnt the ropes. She is always willing to workout and constantly encouraging her teammates. We are looking forward to seeing her grow during year two of her rugby career. During the summer Popeye gained even more rugby experience. She traveled to Israel with a women's team and attended an Atavus camp to further develop her rugby skills! Year: Sophomore Major: Theatre Design a

Samantha "Sam" Taylordean Sam is one of our captains and is graduating this year. She has been playing fiercely since her freshmen year and her leadership has been integral to developing the team we have now. Thankfully we won't have say goodbye just yet because she is sticking around for some even higher education!! Year: Senior Major: Mechanical Engineering/Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering Hometown: Summerfield, NC why rugby? I had played soccer my entire life, and I

Megan Melton Meg is one of our captains and is graduating this year. She has been playing rugby with an indomitable spirit for 4 years now and is always full of optimism on and off the field. We are really excited to see what she gets up to in the years to come!! Year: Senior Major: Actuarial Mathematics Minor: Business Administration Hometown: Buffalo, NY why rugby? Honestly, I came to campus planning on playing club soccer, but ultimately decided not to try out. Thanks to s

Ariana Castillo Ari joined the rugby team her second semester sophomore year and despite an early ACL tear she is one of our most dynamic players. She's got some big plans and exciting ice cream opinions! Keep reading to find out more!! Year: Senior Major: B.S. International Studies: Global Environment and Health Hometown: Harrison Twp. MI why rugby? I have played other sports in the past--soccer and basketball--and have always been an aggressive player, despite my size. When

Emily Carlson Emily joined our rugby team with little to no experience, but put in her all and quickly became a starting forward. She's always got a smile on her face and a hug to dole out, but that doesn't stop her from being a beast on the field. Most recently, Emily has been elected Vice President of the Administration Board and we are really excited to see all the amazing thing she is going to do on and off the field in the upcoming seasons! Congrats Emily !! Year: Sophom

For rugby players, protection essentially only comes in one form – our mouth guards. SISU Mouth Guard, focused on setting new standards for innovation, quality and functionality, recently launched a new product, the SISU Next Gen and our team was able to try it out! All SISU mouth guards are made from their patented Diffusix™ Technology which uses a non-compressible polymer that is only 1.6 mm “thin”. The perforated surface of the material also allows their guards towithstand

Janera Martinez November is already upon us, can you believe it? This month we are featuring Sophomore, Janera Martinez. Janera joined last fall and quickly asserted herself on the field with break out runs. She's always smiling, gives great hugs and never fails to bring a positive attitude, even if its below zero and snowing! Can't wait to see how she progresses as a player in the next 2.5 years! Year: 2019 Major: Industrial Operations Engineering Hometown: Sterling, VA