Lander Women's Rugby

🏛️ LANDER WOMEN’S RUGBY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.! 🏉

We couldn’t be more proud of Maria for representing Lander Women’s Rugby and Lander University on Capitol Hill!

Maria is spending her semester in Washington, D.C. as a Congressional Intern with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), where she is gaining firsthand experience in government, public service, and the issues impacting communities across the country.

Through her internship, Maria has learned the importance of representation for minority groups in America and has been able to see how policy and advocacy can create real, tangible impacts in communities. She has especially enjoyed giving back, contributing to meaningful work, and seeing the growing influence of women in the future of our country.

Maria will also have the opportunity to intern with Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California, continuing to learn, serve, and grow through her experience on Capitol Hill.

We are incredibly proud to see one of our own taking on Washington, D.C., making an impact, and representing the values of Lander Women’s Rugby and Lander University wherever she goes. 💙💛

Keep making us proud, Maria! 🏉🏛️✨

Checking in with our Bearcats: What are you most excited for this season? 👀

Reading these answers reminded me that what we’re building is about so much more than what happens on the scoreboard.

It’s about playing a game we love.
It’s about surrounding ourselves with people who challenge us and care about us.
It’s about creating memories, learning from one another, and becoming better humans along the way.

The wins will matter. But the people, the growth, and the culture we build together? That’s what makes Lander Women’s Rugby special.

🔒 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝 🔒

We are excited to welcome bryleyalannaa_ to the Bearcat family! 🔵🐻🟡

Why Bryley chose Lander Rugby:

“I decided to play rugby because I grew up playing sports and when I saw an opportunity to try a new sport, I joined. Also, coach and the team all seem amazing and I can tell it’s a great environment to be in. I’m excited to try something new and meet new people!”

We’re excited to watch Bryley embrace this new opportunity, bringing her energy, athleticism, and commitment to the pitch while continuing to develop and challenge herself as an athlete.

Welcome to the team, Bryley! 💙💛

The Bearcats are excited to welcome back Carmen Spears! 🐾🏉

Carmen will join us as our Graduate Assistant for the 2026 season, continuing to help build the future of Lander Rugby. We can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make on and off the pitch!

🔒 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝 🔒

We are excited to welcome to the Bearcat family! 🔵🐻🟡

A huge shoutout to our newest crossover athlete, joining Lander Rugby with a gymnastics background!

We can’t wait to see Savannah bring her discipline, explosiveness, and determination to the pitch as she takes on this new challenge and continues to grow as an athlete.

Why Layla chose Lander Rugby:

“I decided to play rugby because I grew up playing sports and when I saw an opportunity to try a new sport, I joined. Also, coach and the team all seem amazing and I can tell it’s a great environment to be in. I’m excited to try something new and meet new people!”

Welcome to the team, Layla! 💙💛

🔒 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝 🔒

We are excited to welcome to the Bearcat family! 🔵🐻🟡

A huge shoutout to our newest crossover athlete, joining Lander Rugby with a wrestling background! We can’t wait to see Savannah bring her athleticism, work ethic, and competitive mindset to the pitch.

Why Savannah chose Lander Rugby:

“I decided to play rugby at Lander so I could create long-lasting connections with the people around me and learn valuable skills that I can take with me throughout life. I am so honored and grateful for this opportunity to play such an amazing sport at Lander!”

Welcome to the team, Savannah! 💙💛

🔒𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝🔒

We are excited to welcome to our Bearcat family! 🔵🐻😼🟡

Why Kesha chose Lander Rugby:
I chose to pursue rugby at Lander because, during a call with Coach Makayla and a few of my future teammates, I immediately felt a genuine connection. I could picture myself playing alongside them, and when Coach Makayla described the team as a family, I truly believed it.

Beyond that, I want to be the best player I can be. I’m always striving to learn, grow, and improve, and having the opportunity to train alongside experienced teammates under a coach who genuinely cares for and invests in her players is a huge step toward achieving that goal.

Welcome to the team, Kesha! 💙💛

🔒𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝🔒

We are excited to welcome to our Bearcat family! 🔵🐻😼🟡

Welcome to the team, Sara! 💙💛

🔒𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝🔒

We are excited to welcome to our Bearcat family! 🔵🐻😼🟡

Why Pepper joined the Rugby Team:
“I am excited to join the rugby team because it will give me the opportunity to develop new skills and work with others toward a common goal. I look forward to learning the game, improving through practice, and contributing to the team’s success.”

Welcome to the family, Pepper! 💙💛

Huge shout out to our 6 Lander Bearcats who represented Lander University at the USA U23 Regional All-Star Tournament!

Competing alongside some of the top talent in the Southeast, our Bearcats continued to grow both on and off the pitch while creating memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.

Here are some words from player Sydney Molaski:

“Going on tour with the Reapers this summer was a once in a lifetime experience. I met tons of new people and learned a lot of new skills that you can’t just learn anywhere!”

Coach MaKayla shared:

“It is always an honor to work alongside one of the best coaching staffs in the nation. I’m incredibly thankful to Coach Lisa for the opportunity to coach some of the top athletes in the Southeast. Seeing Lander have six players on the squad and watching their growth and development has been so rewarding.”

We are incredibly proud of these six Bearcats for representing Lander with passion, dedication, and pride. Their hard work continues to elevate our program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish this upcoming season.

Enjoy these action shots of your Bearcats. 💙🐻