FSUWRFC History

Florida State Women's Rugby Football Club has been in existence since 1975. The club was started as a ploy to meet girls by the FSU Men's Rugby Club, but has attracted some of FSU's finest female athletes and become a long standing club in FSU's Recreation Council.

Original FSU Rugger Kathy Chappell writes:
"I played on the first FSU Women's Rugby team in the spring of 1975. I helped organize the very first practice at the school and I recruited Suzie Rosen later that year. She was my housemate and long time family friend. That team was coached by members of the FSU Men's Rugby Club. My boyfriend at the time played. I remember being recruited. I had just seen a rugby game for the first time. A FSU player (coach) came up to me asking what I thought of the game. I said it was the most violent, chaotic sport I had ever seen. He said, "we are starting a women's team, wanta play?" My response... "Absolutely!" This was the first organized team sport I had joined. The first game we played was against University of Florida. I played hooker at the time. We won by several points. I scored twice in that game and was hooked for life."
- Kathy is now in her 5th year coaching girls rugby and her daughter plays for a college team!

From 1979 to 1994, FSU never finished below fourth place in the US Women's Rugby National Club Competition. The team won the national championship four times ('79, '80, '84, '85), and placed 2nd six times. Many of our alumni have been selected as US Eagles (the United States National Team) and its earlier version - the US Representative Side, including: Kathy Flores, Candi Orsini, Patty Jervey, Claire Godwin, Robin Pace, Clare Sup, BB Alley, Jackie Watts, and Vicki Bowlin, Val Sullivan and Colleen Fahey.

In 1995, the team became a collegiate team and went to Collegiate Nationals in 1996 and 1997. The team had 2 Collegiate All-Americans, Milca Fils-Aime ('96, '97, '98) and Tiffany Romero ('96,'97). Milca was selected to the Under-23 National Team and represented the US at the All Star Championships and on a tour of England. In 2005, hooker Katie Delcontivo was selected as a Collegiate All-American (2nd team) and has represented Florida at the U23 championships.

This year's club is young and enthusiastic with a large group of rookies. We are extremely lucky to have such a rich tradition and we wish to continue building a great program.