10/19/2026
🏉💜 Meet the Maiden Monday: Co-Founder/Coach Maya Edition
💜 MEET MAYA
Hometown: Davenport, IA
Occupation: Training & Development Specialist
Current River Maidens Role: Coach (player if it’s 10s or Nash Bash 😉)
Rugby Experience: 5 years
🏉 THE PLAYER BEFORE THE COACH
1. How did rugby first find its way into your life? Who or what convinced you to give it a try?
An old friend convinced me to come check out a practice, and honestly, that was all it took. I fell in love with the sport almost immediately. I had no idea that one practice would turn into five years of rugby and eventually helping start a team of my own.
2. Do you remember your very first rugby practice? What was that experience like?
I was nervous! I was out of shape and hadn’t played a physical sport since high school. I wasn’t sure what to expect or whether I’d even be able to keep up. But I learned pretty quickly that none of that mattered. There was a place for me on that field exactly as I was, and that was something I hadn’t experienced before.
3. What positions have you played, and which one feels most like YOU?
I’ve played just about everything in the front row, but I’ll forever be a ho**er at heart. 😉 Once a ho**er, always a ho**er!
4. What was the moment you realized rugby wasn’t just another sport you were trying, but something you genuinely loved?
I’ll never forget my first game. My coach pulled me aside and told me I needed to start running THROUGH people. I remember looking at him and saying, “But I don’t want to hurt anybody!” 😂
He laughed and reminded me that everyone on that field had willingly signed up to play a contact sport. Something clicked in my brain that day. I realized I didn’t need to hold myself back or make myself smaller. I could be strong, aggressive, and take up space. And from that moment on, I stopped holding back!
5. What has been your proudest moment as a rugby player?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have some incredible moments throughout my rugby career. From earning Bitch of the Pitch multiple times to being named Most Valuable Forward several years in a row, those recognitions have always meant a lot to me.
But one of my biggest accomplishments was being named MVP at the 2024 Midwest Championship for our bracket. That tournament was especially memorable because I also suffered my first concussion. Definitely not the souvenir I wanted to bring home, but the recognition was something I’ll always be proud of!
6. What’s one rugby memory you’ll never forget, whether it’s hilarious, embarrassing, or meaningful?
My first try, without a doubt!
First of all, someone actually caught it on video, which makes it even better. But what I’ll never forget is being immediately surrounded by some of my favorite people, all celebrating that moment with me. What makes it so special is that before the game even started, I told my teammates that I wanted to score my first try that day. And then I DID!
It was one of those surreal moments where everything comes together, and you get to share it with people who are just as excited for you as you are.
7. What’s something rugby has helped you overcome or taught you about yourself?
Rugby taught me that it’s okay to take up space.
That I don’t have to make myself smaller, quieter, or less intimidating to make other people comfortable. That my body is capable of doing incredibly hard things, even when I doubt it. Most importantly, it taught me that I am strong. Not just physically, but mentally too.
8. How would you describe the rugby player you were when you started compared to the player and coach you are today?
When I first started, I played like injuries weren’t even a possibility. 😂 I just threw myself into everything without thinking twice. Five years later, I’ve learned that injuries are VERY real, and sometimes playing smarter is better than playing harder.
And let’s just say athletic tape has become one of my closest friends. 😂
🌊 THE OTHER HALF OF THE CRAZY IDEA
9. How did the idea of creating a women’s rugby club in Muscatine first come about?
After the 2025 season, Jenny and I were both dealing with some unfortunate injuries and had decided we were done playing. One day, we were just sitting around shooting the s**t, and somehow the conversation turned into, “What if we started our own team?”
What started as a random conversation between two best friends turned into something neither of us could have fully imagined. And here we are!
10. What made you say, “We’re actually going to do this,” instead of letting it remain just an idea?
Our conversation with Cody and Steve. Once we realized we had their support and the opportunity to build a women’s team as an extension of the Muscatine Rugby Club, everything started feeling real. It went from being a crazy idea to something we could actually make happen.
11. What did you envision the River Maidens becoming when you first started planning?
I wanted to create a place where women could come together, learn something new, challenge themselves, and hopefully fall in love with the same sport that Jenny and I love so much. More than anything, I wanted women to have a place where they felt like they belonged, regardless of their experience, background, or athletic ability.
12. What was your biggest fear about leaving an established rugby club and helping create something completely new?
Definitely failing.
There were so many hoops to jump through and obstacles we had to overcome just to get this team off the ground. The thought of putting all that time, effort, and energy into something and having it not work out was scary. But looking back, I’m glad we didn’t let that fear stop us.
14. What’s something about running this club that has surprised you?
Honestly? How naturally so much of it has come together!
Between creating content, managing our social media, recruiting, and getting the word out, I expected things to be a lot more difficult. I think we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have such a supportive community and so many women interested in giving rugby a try. We’ve also had amazing support from people like Cody, Steve, Alma, Nora, our players, our sponsors, and so many others who continue to help us grow.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of work that happens behind the scenes, but we’ve had an incredibly successful first year, and I don’t take any of that support for granted.
15. Was there a moment when you thought, “Holy s**t, we really built this”?
Our first 15s match of the fall season against the Rockford Ravens. We traveled HEAVY! We had 13 players take the field, plus other players and supporters who made the trip just to cheer us on.
After the game, watching our girls experience not just their first real 15s match but also the social side of rugby that Jenny and I have loved for years was such a full-circle moment. It reminded me of when we were the rookies experiencing all of that for the first time.
I remember looking around and thinking, “We really did this. We actually built a rugby team.”
16. What’s been the most challenging part of being a co-founder so far?
I think the biggest challenges came before we ever stepped onto the field. There were a lot of obstacles to overcome to get this team started. At this point, I feel like we’ve climbed those mountains and found our rhythm. That doesn’t mean new challenges won’t come, but I’m confident in our ability to handle whatever comes next.
17. What’s been your proudest moment since the River Maidens became official?
Watching our roster continue to grow! Every time another woman reaches out asking about practice or wanting to give rugby a try, it reminds me why we started this in the first place. Knowing that we’re creating opportunities for women who may have never even considered playing rugby is something I’m incredibly proud of.
18. What does being a co-founder mean to you personally, beyond simply having that title?
It means being part of something bigger than myself.
There’s something incredibly special about knowing that years from now, my name will be part of the history of the first women’s rugby team in Muscatine.
But even more than that, it means knowing Jenny and I helped create something that can continue growing long after we’re done coaching or playing.
We didn’t just start a team. We’re building something that I hope will be here for generations.
🏉 COACH MAYA HAS ENTERED THE CHAT
19. What’s been the biggest difference between being a player and being responsible for helping other women learn the sport?
I WANT ALL THE SMOKE!😂
Seriously, I want to jump into every drill, take every contact rep, and do everything right alongside the girls. Learning to step back, explain things, demonstrate when needed, and let them figure it out has probably been one of my biggest adjustments. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I’m there to coach, not sneak my way into every drill. 😂
21. What’s your favorite skill or concept to teach at practice?
Offense! Especially taking the ball into contact. There’s something so satisfying about watching a player learn how to carry the ball confidently and make contact instead of shying away from it.
22. What’s something you catch yourself saying or yelling ALL THE TIME?
“Yup, just like that!”
“Perfect!”
23. What has been your biggest “proud coach” moment so far?
Watching everyone’s confidence grow.
We have women who showed up to their first practice nervous, unsure of themselves, and afraid to make mistakes. Now they step onto that practice field ready to try new things, ask questions, and mess up without being embarrassed. Watching them become comfortable enough to make mistakes and learn from them is one of my favorite things about coaching.
24. What’s one thing you’ve watched a player accomplish that made you realize how much she’s grown?
Cassie and her rucking!
During our last game with the Irish, I watched her consistently get to the ruck, get herself into a good position, and hold it. Knowing where she started compared to where she is now made me so proud. Those are the moments that remind me all the work we’re putting in at practice is paying off.
25. What’s something you wish the players understood about how Jenny and you see them?
I wish they could see themselves through our eyes sometimes. We remember the women who showed up to their very first practice, nervous and unsure of what they were doing. And now we get to watch those same women make tackles, get into rucks, communicate, and play with confidence. Sometimes I don’t think they realize just how far they’ve come because they’re so focused on what they still need to learn.
But we see it. Every single practice.
26. When you see a new player struggling or doubting herself, what do you want her to understand?
That she’s capable of so much more than she gives herself credit for. I wish they would stop second-guessing themselves and trust their bodies and what they’re learning. You don’t have to be perfect to be good at something, and you definitely don’t have to know everything to belong here.
27. What’s something coaching these women has taught YOU about leadership?
That everyone learns differently. Something that makes perfect sense to me might not make sense to someone else when I explain it the same way. I’ve learned that sometimes I need to slow down, break things into smaller pieces, demonstrate differently, or find another way to explain something.
Being a good coach isn’t just about knowing the sport. It’s about learning how to reach the people you’re teaching.
🥹 MORE THAN JUST RUGBY
29. What has surprised you most about the women who have joined the River Maidens?
THE AGGRESSION! 😂
These women are some of the sweetest, most supportive people you’ll ever meet off the field. But put them on a rugby pitch, and suddenly I’m looking at some of them thinking, “Yeah…I’m glad I’m coaching and not playing against you.” 💀😂
30. What’s your favorite part of watching women who didn’t know each other become friends and teammates?
Watching those bonds grow into genuine friendships. Jenny and I became best friends, and eventually sisters, because of rugby. So watching these women experience that same kind of connection through the sport makes my heart incredibly full. I know firsthand that some of the relationships they’re building now could last a lifetime.
31. What’s something this team has given you personally that you didn’t realize you needed?
A second family.
I think that’s one of the most beautiful things about rugby. You show up thinking you’re joining a sports team, and somewhere along the way, you find people who become so much more than teammates.
32. What kind of environment do you want every woman to experience when she joins the River Maidens?
A place where she feels like she belongs. I want every woman who walks onto our pitch to feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged, regardless of where she’s starting. I want them to find community, build confidence, and hopefully find a second family. Because that’s exactly what we are.
33. What do you hope the women on this team remember about their time here, even if they eventually stop playing?
I hope they remember that they were part of something new, something that started with a crazy idea and grew into a real team. But more than anything, I hope they remember the people they met, the friendships they built, and the memories they made along the way. The rugby is great, but the people are what stay with you.
34. If someone asked you what makes the River Maidens different, what would you tell them?
We genuinely have such a good group of women. They’re coachable, eager to learn, willing to put in the work, and incredibly supportive of one another. And one thing I appreciate so much is that we don’t have the unnecessary drama. These women genuinely enjoy being around each other and want to see each other succeed.
That’s not something I take for granted.
36. When you think about the future of the River Maidens, what’s the BIG dream?
Longevity.
I want rugby to have a permanent home in Muscatine. I want this team to still be around long after Jenny and I are done playing and coaching. I want us to become the old girls who show up on the sidelines, cheering on women who weren’t even around when we started this thing. To watch generations of women play for a club we helped create would be the ultimate dream.
💜 MAYA WITHOUT THE RUGBY BOOTS
37. What could you talk about for HOURS that has absolutely nothing to do with rugby?
True crime! But also…can I still say rugby? 😅😂
38. What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a published poet!
39. What’s something you’re really proud of outside of rugby?
My son, Arion. Without a doubt. 💜
40. When you’re not working, coaching, or doing something for the team, what do you actually enjoy doing?
Baking, writing, reading, and crafting. I love anything that lets me be creative!
42. What’s your ultimate comfort food?
Pot roast. Every single time.
43. What’s something you’re ridiculously competitive about that has nothing to do with rugby?
Open mic nights! 😂
I’m not just getting up there to participate. I’m trying to get the BEST reaction out of the crowd. If I’m going to do it, I’m going to make it memorable!
44. If money, time, and responsibilities weren’t an issue, where would you be going or what would you be doing?
Traveling EVERYWHERE!
I’d visit every place I’ve ever wanted to see and spend as much time as possible on a beach somewhere with absolutely no responsibilities.
45. What’s a random talent, weird habit, or fun fact about you?
I can do the splits! 💅🏽
46. What’s something on your bucket list you haven’t done yet?
Skydiving! 🪂
💭 FINISH THE SENTENCE
Rugby found me at a time when…
“I needed more family. I didn’t know it then, but this sport would bring some of the most important people in my life into it.”
The younger version of me would never believe…
“That I play rugby! Let alone that I’d be coaching and helping run a team someday.”
Starting the River Maidens taught me…
“That anything is possible when you have a good support system and people who believe in what you’re trying to build.”
The hardest part about being a leader is…
“NOT PLAYING! 😂 Sometimes I just want to put my boots on and get out there with the girls.”
Coaching these women has made me realize…
“Just how much I truly love rugby and how much joy I get from introducing other women to the sport.”
The thing I’m most proud of Jenny and myself for is…
“Overcoming every obstacle that stood in our way and refusing to let those challenges stop us from getting to where we are today.”
I hope every woman who wears our jersey knows…
“That she belongs. That she deserves to take up space, be loud, be proud, and never apologize for what her body is capable of. You don’t have to shrink yourself to fit into this world. There’s room for you here exactly as you are.”
Five years from now, I hope we’re…
“Still growing! But I also hope Jenny and I are starting to take a back seat as new leaders emerge and begin taking ownership of the club. I want this team to be bigger than the two of us and to continue thriving long after we’ve stepped away.”
😂 COACH MAYA’S SUPERLATIVES — TIME TO EXPOSE THE TEAM
48. Most likely to make you lose your train of thought while explaining something:
Gracie. FOR SURE. 😂
49. Most likely to surprise everyone with a skill she didn’t even know she had:
Eli!
50. Most likely to talk trash and then immediately back it up:
LUCI. No hesitation. 😂
51. Most likely to become a team captain someday:
Britt!
52. Most likely to turn a simple team outing into an entire adventure:
Gabi. You already know. 😂
53. Most likely to ask, “Wait, are we allowed to do that?” AFTER already doing it:
Ash! 💀
54. Most likely to make you laugh when you’re trying to be serious:
Gracie. Again. 😂
55. Most likely to take a tackle personally and come back with a vengeance:
Luci. WITHOUT QUESTION.
56. Most likely to be the first one to help a teammate who’s struggling:
Everyone. 😩💜 I know I’m supposed to pick one, but I genuinely can’t. These women are always looking out for one another.
57. Most likely to become a future coach:
Britt!
58. Most likely to be the reason the whole team ends up doing extra conditioning: 😂
GRACIE AGAIN! 🤣 At this point, she’s collecting superlatives.
59. Which Maiden has surprised you the MOST since joining the team, and why?
Eli!
She literally pulled up in the middle of practice one day and asked what we were doing. 😂 She had been watching us practice for a few weeks, had absolutely no idea what rugby was, but decided she wanted to be part of whatever we had going on. And now here we are! She shows up to every practice, gives it everything she has, and continues to surprise us. I love that she took a chance on something completely unfamiliar and just went for it.
60. If you had to choose ONE Maiden to have your back in an actual fight, who are you picking? 💀😂
LUCI. FOR SURE.
IYKYK. 💀😂
👀 LET’S TALK ABOUT JENNY
61. Describe Jenny as a co-founder and coach in three words.
Supportive. Understanding. The yin to my yang. 💜
62. What’s something Jenny does for this team that you don’t think the players fully realize or appreciate?
Jenny spends a lot of time behind the scenes researching drills, studying rugby laws and changes, and putting together our practice plans. She really puts thought into what we’re teaching and how we’re helping the girls develop. A lot of the preparation happens long before anyone steps onto the practice field, and I don’t think people always realize just how much time she dedicates to that.
63. What’s your favorite memory of the two of you building the River Maidens together?
Our first fall match in Rockford. Watching our girls take the field for their first 15s match, seeing everyone who traveled to support us, and then getting to experience the rugby social afterward was such a full-circle moment. We went from being two women talking about starting a team to standing there watching the team we created actually play.
That’s a memory I’ll never forget.
65. What’s something you’ve learned about yourself through working alongside Jenny?
That things don’t always have to be difficult when you have the right person beside you. When you have someone who follows through, trusts you to handle your responsibilities, and takes care of theirs, things just work. Jenny and I have a really good balance. We trust each other, we communicate, and we know we can depend on one another.
I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better partner in crime to build this with.
66. Which one of you is more likely to come up with a crazy idea, and which one figures out how to actually make it happen? 😂
Honestly, BOTH of us come up with crazy ideas. 😂
I might be a little more likely to figure out the logistics of actually making them happen, but we both have plenty of ideas. And apparently, neither one of us is very good at saying, “Maybe we shouldn’t.” 💀
67. What’s one thing you’re genuinely proud of Jenny for since you started this journey together?
I’m proud of her for not letting her injuries take her away from a sport she loves so much. Instead, she’s found another way to stay involved, give back, and share her knowledge with other women. And I’m especially proud of her for being smarter about when she decides to play.
Although, when she DOES get on the field, I’m usually watching through my fingers with my hands over my eyes. 😂
🏉💜 ONE LAST QUESTION
69. There’s a woman reading this who has been watching our team from a distance. Maybe she’s never played a sport, doesn’t feel confident in her body, is worried she won’t fit in, or has forgotten what it’s like to do something just for herself. What would you tell her?
I’d tell her to just show up.
Seriously. That’s it. Just show up.
You don’t have to be in shape. You don’t have to know the rules. You don’t have to have played a sport before, and you definitely don’t have to look a certain way.
Rugby is for EVERYONE.
We have a judgment-free team full of women who will encourage you, teach you everything you need to know, and celebrate every little accomplishment along the way.
You don’t have to be good at rugby to come to practice. That’s literally what practice is for.
And who knows? You might show up thinking you’re just trying something new and end up finding a whole second family.
That’s exactly what happened to me. 💜🏉
