Women’s Under 18 Sevens Summer Camp got underway in Chula Vista, California at USA Rugby Sevens’ high performance HQ for an assessment and skill development camp.
29 of the top USA pathway players were selected for camp through invitation from the USA Rugby Pathway scouting efforts at various domestic competitions throughout the year and the 2026 Pathway Talent ID Days and Regional Development Days. Of the group, 24 athletes were new players joining the pathway.
The camp brings athletes together for one week of rugby fitness, skills and molding playing IQ towards an aligned USA Rugby style. Players capped off the week with a sevens tournament style simulation with three internal matches serving as an assessment selection event for upcoming U18 competitions, XVs Winter Camps, and 2027 Pathway Competitions
Head Coach, Irene Gardner commented;
“We are excited to welcome 29 U18 athletes to the CVEATC, the majority will be attending their first Pathway 7s camp. Many have attended an U18 XV camp this summer, and only 5 of the 29 have previously attended a 7s camp. The camp will give us an opportunity to introduce them to a high performance training environment and see them play in the Sevens context.”
“We are grateful to have Pathway events for our U18 age group which reward the efforts of not only the athlete but also the community coaches and clubs that support them throughout the year. We are honored to work with this age group as they start their journey in the USA Rugby Pathway aimed at supporting their development toward National Team integration in the years to come.”
Following on from this camp coaches will work with players to create an individual development plan which is a collaborative effort between the athlete and the coaching staff. The plan aims to support their development in several key areas of rugby and serves as a tool to guide their on-going development with their home clubs.
| Name | Current Team |
|---|---|
| Luisa Moala | Nova Girls Rugby |
| Avery Russer | Summit Girls Rugby |
| Sofie Ferri | Hudson Rugby Club |
| Lavinia Lomu | United Girls Rugby |
| Luisa Taai | United Rugby |
| Apikaila Fa’apouli | Belmont Shore |
| Sophia Johnson | Majestics |
| Chloe Gandy | Chuckanut Bay Rugby |
| Leah Cipollo | Doylestown |
| Tamika Katavake | Sacramento Harlequins |
| Isabel Uyema | United Girls Rugby |
| Abbey McGettigan | Downingtown |
| Leilani Teaupa | SacAir Amazons |
| Margo Grebinoski | Green Bay Bamshees |
| Ella Moynihan | Tsunami Tacoma |
| Rebekah Jenks | Rocky Mountain High School |
| Adelina Jackson | North Bay Rugby |
| Mackenzie Aluise* | Doylestown Rugby Club |
| Morgan Roth | Iowa Hawkettes |
| Eseta Moala | Nova Girls Rugby |
| Paige Thomason | TOA, Rocky Mountain High School |
| Sabrina Jutronich | Tucson Thunderbirds |
| Madison Englin* | Waverly-Shell Rock |
| Zoe Zumbro* | Belmont Shore |
| Hailey Russer* | Summit Girls Rugby |
| Emily Katavake | Lindenwood University |
| Maria Depner | Moon Area High School |
| Ulalei Pulu* | Maui Wahine / Belmont Shore |
| Maya Wilson | Belmont Shore |
Irene Gardner | Women's 7 Pathway Head Coach
Kelly Griffin | Women's 7s Pathway Assistant Coach
Jackie Rodriguez | Women's 7 Pathway Head Athletic Trainer
Ashley Morataya | Women's 7 Assistant Performance Coach
Aiyana Gilliard | Team Services Manager
Kristin Zdanczewicz | Women's Pathways Performance Coach
Martha Daines | Head of Women's Player Systems & Development
