US Universities with Women’s Rugby Scholarships
Learn About American Universities Well-Known for Women’s Rugby
Women’s rugby has seen remarkable growth in the United States, particularly in university sports. This has led to an increase in scholarships for female players. Many universities across the U.S. offer women’s rugby scholarships, including both large institutions and smaller colleges in various locations and sporting divisions. These universities provide opportunities for players to develop both academically and athletically, with some programmes in NCAA I, II, and III to ensure there’s a fit for every player level and ambition.
This article highlights some of the most well-known U.S. universities for women’s rugby, recognised for their strong teams, success in national leagues, and alumni who have gone on to play at the professional level!
Why Play University Rugby in the USA?
Why should you, as a UK rugby player, consider a U.S. university with a women’s rugby programme? The answer is simple: it’s a chance to grow as a player while earning a degree in the USA!
In America, you’ll find top educational institutions where the university sports system offers everything you need to grow as both a student and an athlete. With dedicated rugby coaches focused on your development and financial support through available rugby scholarships, the opportunities for student-athletes in the USA are hard to beat!
Rugby scholarships in the USA are available to both male and female players. These scholarships can be full or partial, with some providing up to $40,000 in financial aid. The funds help cover expenses such as tuition, housing, books, insurance, travel, and other rugby-related costs. Alongside financial support, you’ll benefit from top-tier coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to compete at a high level, including occasions to showcase your talent to potential teams and scouts.
If you’re looking to develop your rugby skills while earning a degree, U.S. university rugby could be the perfect fit! Let’s explore some universities with women’s rugby scholarships, well-known for their strong teams and successful alumni.
Well-Known Universities with Women’s Rugby Scholarships
Women’s rugby is growing in the U.S., with universities across the country offering rugby programmes for female players. Here are five well-known universities known for their outstanding teams and notable alumni who are representing national teams and playing at the highest level today:
- Life University (Georgia)
Life University in Marietta is home to one of the most successful women’s rugby programmes in the U.S. The team has won multiple Division I National Championships, including a recent title in 2023. Life University offers both academic and athletic scholarships, attracting talented players worldwide. Notable alumni include Alev Kelter, who represented the U.S. at the 2016 Rio Olympics. - University of Colorado Boulder (Colorado)
CU Boulder’s women’s rugby team stands out in collegiate rugby, with impressive performances in national competitions. The university offers rugby scholarships to talented players from around the world. Alumni like Kaitlyn Klemmer, who went on to join the U.S. Women’s National Sevens Team, are a testament to the programme’s success in developing professional players. - Central Washington University (Washington)
Located in Ellensburg, Washington, CWU provides athletic scholarships for women’s rugby players. The team has achieved great success, including a runner-up finish in the 2021 championship. Alumni like Bailey Melnick have gone on to play professional rugby, proving the programme’s strength in developing players. - Penn State University (Pennsylvania)
Penn State’s women’s rugby programme has a strong history of success, with several championships under its belt. The team consistently reaches NCAA finals and has produced top players like Megan Kinsley. During her time at Penn State, Kinsley was a key player, helping the team win numerous titles and earning All-American honours. Her performances in university rugby paved the way for her selection to the U.S. Women’s National Rugby Team, where she went on to compete in the Rugby World Cup. - University of California, Berkeley (California)
UC Berkeley’s women’s rugby team is a powerhouse in U.S. university rugby, consistently dominating at the national level. The programme has won several national championships, with its most recent victory in 2019. UC Berkeley’s commitment to excellence is reflected not only in its championships but also in the players it develops. Naya Tapper, a standout from the programme, went on to represent the U.S. Women’s National Sevens Team at the Rugby World Cup and the Olympics. The university offers both full and partial athletic scholarships to women’s rugby players.
Connect with U.S. Universities Offering Women's Rugby Scholarships
If you’re serious about rugby and dreaming of studying in the USA, Keystone Sports can help. We specialise in connecting talented players from the UK with American universities offering women’s rugby scholarships. Our team will guide you through the recruitment process, helping you stand out to coaches and find the perfect fit.
Let us help you take your rugby career to the next level in America!
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Paulina Romo
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