Thirty athletes from a wide range of backgrounds have gathered in Chula Vista for the USA U23 Women’s rugby Verification Camp. The camp is an essential stage within the Women’s National Team (WNT) pathways program, which aims to spot and develop players who show promise for high-level performance. This event is part of a broader strategy to groom talent for the Women’s Eagles.
The camp’s main goals include establishing a foundation for each athlete, providing targeted skills training, and helping players understand the standards and style expected by the national team. According to head coach Orlando Pulou, the selection process for this group was multi-faceted. It considered performance footage from recent seasons, evaluations during TID and RDD events, and results from the U23 All Star tournament. Some athletes were also chosen based on how they performed in previous Pathway camps.
Player Roster and Backgrounds
The 30-player group is a blend of top performers from college programs, standout players in domestic competitions, and athletes returning from past Pathway experiences. Names like Olivia Baptiste from Brown University and Isabel Henderson from Notre Dame illustrate the combination of proven talent and new potential in the group.
Several players, such as Kayla Saikaly from Columbus Squirrels and SaTya Miller from American International College, bring club-level experience to the camp. The roster also includes international exposure, as seen with Maddie Hughes, who is studying at Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales. Each player adds a different dimension to the team and its development goals.
Coach’s Objectives and Pathways
Coach Pulou explained that one of the camp’s purposes is to determine which athletes should be included in the Pathways program moving forward. The event also aims to give each player clarity on how to advance in their careers and access the necessary support to reach those goals. A key part of this is familiarizing players with the WNT XV style of play and the values that drive the team.
The Verification Camp serves as an important step in building a strong pipeline toward international competitions. Through focused training in position-specific skills and exposure to the WNT model, the camp is preparing athletes to meet the demands of elite rugby. It also ensures that players are working toward a unified style and set of standards.
This event is more than just a showcase for talent; it is a foundation for the future of women’s rugby in the U.S. By creating a clear progression system, USA Rugby is ensuring that the best players have opportunities to develop and contribute to the Women’s Eagles on the world stage.