Denver Onyx

Boston Banshees

Chicago Tempest

New York Exiles

Twin Cities (TC) Gemini

Bay Breakers

Denver Onyx Boston Banshees Chicago Tempest New York Exiles Twin Cities (TC) Gemini Bay Breakers

WER Team LogoS Announced

Women’s Elite Rugby is excited to announce our six team names and logos.

Bay Breakers

Boston Banshees

Chicago Tempest

Denver Onyx

New York Exiles

Twin Cities (TC) Gemini

“Our vision was to connect the teams’ crests to each city and have eye catching colors, but at the same time, reach further into our storytelling,” said WER Co-Founder and Vice-President Katherine Aversano.

“The multiple connections of each team identity is important because it is emblematic of the variety of people who love rugby.

Rugby, its athletes, and fans are not one thing - each is multifaceted and may discover the game in a different way. Our six team identities resonate with that modern complexity but are visually rooted in the bold American sports landscape.”

Bay Breakers

In a tie to the coastline of the bay, the Bay Area is represented by crashing and relentless waves demonstrating the might and force of nature of the sea. Harnessing the power and unpredictability of ocean waves, the Breakers team will look to break tackles, the spirit of their opponents, records on the pitch, and barriers as women in the game of rugby.

The team crest features a wave, broken by a trident to represent the team wielding the power of the sea. The crest is also backed by the depiction of the California sun with Sunset Purple as well as dueling colors of Pacific and Deep Sea Blue.

Boston Banshees

In keeping with the rich history of rebellion in the city of Boston and the New England area, WER elevates boundary breaking women with the Banshees.

A banshee is a female spirit of Irish/Celtic folklore whose shriek signals impending doom. As New England is known for its ties to witches/folk-lore and also a strong Irish community presence, the Banshee is a seamless fit for the city.

The team crest holds a wailing Banshee in the center signaling the unstoppable force the team will place upon their opponent; a team that will not be silenced, immersed in the colors of Moonlight White, Ghostly Gray, Blood-Moon Red and Midnight.

Chicago Tempest

In a tie to the extreme weather of the windy city, the Chicago Tempest plan to bring destruction, power, and unyielding challenge on the pitch and to their opponents. Whether rain, lightning, snow, or whipping waves off Lake Michigan, Chicago endures and hardens the best.

As the winters test the spirit of Chicagoeans but never break their will, the team reflects a thunderous storm and reckoning force. The crest features a storm above the iconic Willis Tower (locals still refer to it lovingly as the Sears Tower) in its momentum tied together with Lightning Yellow and Tempest Gray colors.

Denver Onyx

As Denver has a rich history of mining for rare gems and metals, the team takes its name from  the Colorado rose onyx, a gem featured in the foundation of the Colorado state capitol building and known for its colors that reflect a Colorado sunset.

The black onyx—also mined in the state—represents strength, courage and determination symbolising the sheer grit and resilience of these athletes. The logo features gemstones in these contrasting black and bright pink colors. Like these tones, the team will exude toughness, sharp cuts, hits, and angles reinforcing strength that only intensifies and grows stronger with time.

New York Exiles

Referencing the Emma Lazarus poem, “The New Colossus,” the statue of Liberty is known as the Mother of Exiles and as the landmark for opportunity, the team name and crest reflect this nod to Lady Liberty. The city of New York requires grit, determination, and resilience, and through their performance on the field, the Exiles will reflect that culture and community.

The team crest holds three, hooded heroes representing not only Ellis Island’s impact on the city, the journey to a new life, but also the boldness to step out in a sport that is often seen exiled in mainstream sport culture. Additionally, these figures within the crest give a nod to the superhero typography associated with New York.

The crest also utilizes the torch to tie in the city’s symbolism for liberty and illumination. The team colors of Night Navy, Liberty and Shadow Teal, and Torch Orange mirror and unite with the teal-based color palette of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) New York Liberty, Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) New York Sirens, and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), New York Gotham. The New York teal palette unifies women’s professional sports fans and we are happy to enhance this city-wide vision.

TC Gemini

In representing the Twin Cities, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, the metropolitan area with individual distinction but a common community thread and culture, the team name is the Gemini. Gemini refers to the zodiac sign of the twins and is represented by intertwined snakes, mimicking the way that the Mississippi River winds through Minnesota.

As serpents are unpredictable and possess a dangerous force ready to strike, the Gemini will bring these same qualities to the pitch to dismantle their opponent. Additionally, snakes feature prominently in many indigenous cultures, many who originate and/or reside in Minnesota. Cultural meaning varies by tribal association, with some connections to new life, healing, and often a mix of fear and reverence.

The colors and design of the crest utilize colors of Deep Venom, and Serpent Green, along with Ice Blue that are often found with the appearance of the aurora borealis in the northern Minnesota skies, while tapping into the twin representation with the entangled snakes. 

WER FIT

WER TOUGH

WER EVOLVED

WER STRONG

WER BOLD

WER SPIRITED

WER FIT WER TOUGH WER EVOLVED WER STRONG WER BOLD WER SPIRITED

Professional Women’s Rugby

March 2025 In the u.S.

WER Names Inaugural Head Coaches

WER is has announced the head coaches for the inaugural 2025 season, showcasing a seasoned group of individuals determined to lead the charge as a new chapter of women’s rugby begins in the United States this Spring.

“We are ecstatic to announce our roster of experienced head coaches who are committed to bringing professional women’s rugby teams to new heights in the United States,” said WER Co-Founder and President Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf.

“After an extensive candidate search, we identified these individuals because of their excellence in leadership and decades of experience with the sport. By assembling this group of highly skilled coaches we are committed to fostering an environment where athletes can pursue their dreams, maximize their potential, and make an investment in the future of the sport.”

WER Head Coaches

  • Kittery Ruiz

    Head Coach WER Boston Banshees

  • Hannah Stolba

    Head Coach WER Bay Breakers

  • Bryan Colbridge

    Head Coach WER Chicago Tempest

  • Sarah Chobot

    Head Coach WER Denver Onyx

  • Diego Maquieira

    Head Coach WER New York Exiles

  • Sylvia Braaten

    Head Coach WER Twin Cities (TC) Gemini

2024 Legacy CUp Champions

Leadership & Honors

  • World Rugby Coach Educator

  • Premiership Scholar

  • Founder, Blackyardigans

  • WPL All-Star

  • Referee

  • WPL Athlete, Beantown Rugby

  • Commissioner, Northeast D1

  • Vice Commissioner, Rugby Northeast

  • Clinics Coordinator, Beantown Rugby

  • 7s Program Director, Beantown Rugby

  • Tournament Coordinator, Beantown Rugby

  • Senior Club Council Committee Member

  • Head Coach, Brandeis University Women’s

  • Assistant Coach, Free Jacks Academy

  • President, CRAA Women’s Div 1 and 2

  • Secretary, ACRA

  • Head Coach, St. Mary’s High School Girls

Kathy flores Heart of the wpl awardee

OLIVIA BENZAN-DANIEL

Olivia Benzan-Daniel “OBD” exemplifies what it means to support and grow women’s rugby in the US. She is an inspiring leader who pushes those around her to grow and strive to be the best they can be every single day. Her exemplary work benefits all levels of the rugby community from WPL to Youth and High School.

OBD is always growing her knowledge of the sport and constantly encouraging others to do the same. She is a force on and off the field, and an asset to any organization that she is a part of.

The U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation, WER, and her WPL colleagues are proud to honor Olivia Benzan-Daniel for her many contributions to the sport of rugby.


About Kathy Flores

Kathy Flores was a true pioneer in women's rugby.  Kathy's journey spanned an impressive 45 years, during which she shattered glass ceilings, inspired countless individuals, and left an indelible mark on the sport we all love. Her legacy is not just one of personal achievement, but of opening doors and paving the way for generations of women in rugby.

 Kathy truly made history; she was a woman of many firsts:

  • First woman to coach a national rugby team

  • First woman of color to coach a national team

  • First woman to coach a Rugby World Cup team

  • First captain of the USA Women's Rugby Team

Kathy's impact on the sport has been recognized at the highest levels. She has been posthumously awarded the Kathy Flores Coaching Chair at Brown University - the first and only coaching chair established for women's rugby. This honor ensures that her legacy will continue to shape the future of the sport for years to come. Kathy was induction into the World Rugby Hall of Fame cemented her status as a true icon of the game.

USWRF helps girls and women develop access, voice, and agency to leverage the benefits of rugby and be part of a healthy community on and off the pitch and is committed to the growth of girls’ and women’s rugby through the advancement of coaches, referees, and administrators.

USWRF is honored to continue the work Kathy started, through the Kathy Flores Memorial Fund, where people can donate in her honor, and that these funds are available for aspiring coaches.

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