WER Roster Press Releases
Bay Breakers Announce 2025 Athlete Roster
Written by Ro Lane, WER
Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) team, the Bay Breakers, today announced its team roster for the WER inaugural season. The Breakers roster is composed of 30 players – 17 forwards and 13 backs. The team, coached by Hannah Stolba, will make its debut in March. WER is the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, and is building up to an exciting and inspiring initial season.
When asked about the potential for this team, head coach Stolba said, “I can’t wait for this year and for folks to see this Breakers team. I’m excited for them to bring fun, fast, aggressive rugby to the Bay Area fans.” The team features 26 players with experience in the Women’s Premier League, with 19 of those athletes having played with the local ALl Blues Rugby club. The roster also includes 4 players with USA National Team experience.
2025 Bay Breakers Roster
Forwards: Dana Alimena, Isabela Gonzalez Berazueta Burgos, Hope Cooper, Elena Edwards, Paris Hart, Ari Jurkowski, Sophia Lamphier, Celine Liulamaga, Monica Marquez, Roz Okapara, Roxelle Thomas, Cassandra Tong, Kathryn Treder, Mona Lisa Tupou, Sierra Watkins, Tonya Wessman, Abby Vogel
Backs: Olivia Bernadel-Huey, Naomi Carrillo, Kathryn Clark, Evan Hoese, Leyla Alev Kelter, Shelby Lin, Miriama Marawa, Bulou Mataitoga, Jade McGrath, Aly Namosimalua, Aimee Ramos, Kristen Siano, Taina Tukuafu
Earlier this month, the Breakers announced their Foundational Five (F5) players, who are recognized leaders and trailblazers for the team. These players, Olivia “OBH” Bernadel-Huey, Elena “E” Edwards, Celine Liulamaga, Jade McGrath and Roxelle “Rox” Thomas, are joined by the rest of this powerful roster to create a dynamic and relentless team that is ready to take on the inaugural WER season.
Ahead of the franchise’s season opener, the Breakers begin preseason conditioning and practice this week, after all players are cleared as ready-to-play. As one of WER’s flagship franchises, alongside teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York and Twin Cities, the Bay Breakers are competing for the 2025 WER Legacy Cup. The 2024 Legacy Cup, the first WER championship, was won by the WPL’s Gray Wolves against the All Blues. As the first season of the WER takes place, fans can keep up with the Bay Breakers via the Breakers website, womenseliterugby.us/bay-breakers, and Instagram, @wer_breakers.
About Bay Breakers
The Bay Breakers are one of six flagship franchises of women’s professional rugby in the United States, formed by Women’s Elite Rugby (WER). Coached by Hannah Stolba, who has competed and coached at the elite level, the Breakers aim to embody its namesake, harnessing the power and unpredictability of the Pacific Ocean. With a top-notch roster of 30 select players, the Breakers are set to kick off their season this March. For more information, visit the team’s website, womenseliterugby.us/bay-breakers, and follow the team on Instagram @wer_breakers.
About WER
After the 2022 “Ignite the Change” campaign which sought to professionalize women’s rugby in the United States from the former player run and operated amateur league (WPL), Women’s Elite Rugby was founded and formed. The league announced their official launch in 2024 with the inaugural season starting in March 2025. The season will center six teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, San Francisco Bay Area, and Twin Cities and feature 180 athletes.
For more information, please contact:
Women’s Elite Rugby
Boston Banshees Announce 2025 Athlete Roster
Written by Ro Lane, WER
Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) team, the Boston Banshees, today announced its team roster for the WER inaugural season. The Banshees roster is composed of 27 players – 15 forwards and 12 backs. The team, coached by Kittery Ruiz, will make its debut appearance this March. WER is the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, and is building up to an exciting and inspiring initial season.
The Banshees roster comprises a healthy mix of experience, with 21 athletes having experience with the Boston-based Beantown RFC amateur club of the Women’s Premier League, and 4 capped USA National team players. “Building the Banshees isn't just about creating a team - it's about creating a legacy. When our players step onto the field, they carry more than just our gameplan. They carry the spirit of every woman+ who ever dreamed of playing professional rugby but never had the chance. Being part of the first-ever women's+ professional rugby league in America isn't just an honor, it's a revolution. We're not just playing games, we're breaking barriers. Our trailblazing athletes are rewriting what's possible in American rugby. Like the banshee of legend, our presence will be felt, our impact will be unmistakable, and our voice in this sport will echo far beyond Boston,” said head coach Kittery Ruiz of the impact of her team.
Inaugural 2025 Boston Banshees Roster
Forwards: Eliza Altobelli, Catie Benson, Salma Bezzat, Yeja Dunn, Lauren Ferridge, Jenny Kronish, Nickky Nguyen, Q Okine, Angie Owen, Genevieve Quirion, Kaitlyn Sosa, Paige Stathopoulos, Shelby Vance, Caitlin Weigel, Oliver Wright
Backs: Natalie Armatage, Cassidy Bargell, Ashley Cowdrey, Morgan Cunningham, Rachael Harkavy, Emily Henrich, Jenni Laferriere, Katie Lohaus, Alexandra Pipkin, Emma Santosuosso, Abbey Savin, Amanda Schweitzer
Earlier this month, the Banshees announced their Foundational Five (F5) players, who are recognized leaders and trailblazers for the team. These players, Cassidy “Cass” Bargell, Yejadai “Yeja” Dunn, Emily “Em” Henrich, Q Okine and Paige Stathopoulos, are joined by the rest of this exciting roster to create the Banshees robust and otherworldly team that is ready to take on WER’s inaugural season.
Ahead of the franchise’s season opener, the Banshees begin preseason conditioning and practice this week, after all players are cleared as ready-to-play. As one of WER’s flagship franchises, alongside teams in Chicago, Denver, New York, San Francisco Bay Area and Twin Cities, the Boston Banshees are competing for the WER Legacy Cup with the established franchise teams. The 2024 Legacy Cup, the first WER championship, was won by the WPL’s Gray Wolves against the All Blues. As the premier full season of the WER takes place, fans can keep up with the Boston Banshees via the Banshees website, womenseliterugby.us/boston-banshees and Instagram, @wer_banshees.
About Boston Banshees
The Boston Banshees are one of six flagship franchises of women’s professional rugby in the United States, formed by Women’s Elite Rugby (WER). Coached by Kittery Ruiz, who has competed and coached at the elite level, the Banshees aim to embody its namesake as harbingers of doom to their opponents. With a top-notch roster of 27 select players, the Banshees are set to kick off their season this March. For more information, visit the team’s website, womenseliterugby.us/boston-banshees and follow the team on Instagram @wer_banshees.
About WER
After the 2022 “Ignite the Change” campaign which sought to professionalize women’s rugby in the United States from the former player run and operated amateur league (WPL), Women’s Elite Rugby was founded and formed. The league announced their official launch in 2024 with the inaugural season starting in March 2025. The season will center six teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, San Francisco Bay Area, and Twin Cities and feature 180 athletes.
For more information, please contact:
Women’s Elite Rugby
Chicago Tempest Announce 2025 Athlete Roster
Written by Ro Lane, WER
Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) team, the Chicago Tempest, today announced its team roster for the WER inaugural season. The Tempest roster is composed of 30 players – 17 forwards and 13 backs. The team, coached by Bryan Colbridge, will make its debut appearance this March. WER is the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, and is building up an exciting and inspiring initial season.
“With a huge amount of talent declaring for the WER, I am thrilled with the squad that we have assembled for Chicago Tempest, with players from around the US and beyond that fit the style of rugby we're building towards. We have selected players with a rich blend of cultures, backgrounds and experiences, exciting young players recently out of college and a handful of leaders with a large number of rugby years under their belt. With a focus on attacking flair and fluidity and relentless defensive commitment, all players bring a superstrength to the table, offering a range of complementary skills and the ability to gel quickly as a group,” said Colbridge of the dynamic group. The Tempest roster boasts 18 Women’s Premier League alums, 14 of whom played with the local Chicago North Shore club. The athletes also bring experience at the international and professional level.
Inaugural 2025 Chicago Tempest Roster
Forwards: Ubaida Ahmed, Abby Albrecht, Sarah (Esther) Anderson, Ilene Andrade, Kit Buzby, Sarah Curvin, Anabel Diaz, Tito Harrison, Christen Jackson, Narcisse Jordan, Katie Lamont, Amaryha McGowan, Ashley Mencke, Olga Niyibizi, Ellie Reiter, Kadie Sanford, Jayla Twitty
Backs: Isla Alejandro, MarCaya Bailous, Hali Deters, Jess Dombrowski, Erika Farias, Emma Farnan, Nicole Fisch, Lauren Kuffel, Betty Nguyen, Indigo Niznik-Darden, Adriana Mendoza Silva, Brooke Walklate, Taylor White
Earlier this month, the Tempest announced their Foundational Five (F5) players, who are recognized leaders and trailblazers for the team. Unfortunately, Cienna Jordan, who was previously announced as an F5 athlete, sustained an injury outside of WER competition and has been moved to the Injured Reserve list. The remaining F5 athletes — Anabel Diaz, Emma Farnan, Betty Nguyen, and Kadie Sanford — are joined by the rest of this fierce roster of players to create the Tempest’s unyielding and powerful team that is ready to take on WER’s inaugural season.
Ahead of the franchise’s season opener, the Tempest begin preseason conditioning and practice this week, after all players are cleared as ready-to-play. As one of WER’s flagship franchises, alongside teams in Boston, Denver, New York, San Francisco Bay Area and Twin Cities, the Chicago Tempest are competing for the WER Legacy Cup with the established franchise teams. The 2024 Legacy Cup, the first WER championship, was won by the WPL’s Gray Wolves against the All Blues. As the premier full season of the WER takes place, fans can keep up with the Chicago Tempest via the Tempest’s website, womenseliterugby.us/chicago-tempest and Instagram, @wer_tempest.
About Chicago Tempest
The Chicago Tempest are one of six flagship franchises of women’s professional rugby in the United States, formed by Women’s Elite Rugby (WER). Coached by Bryan Colbridge, who has competed and coached at the elite level, the Tempest aim to embody its namesake as a relentless, destructive storm on the field. With a top-notch roster of 30 select players, the Tempest are set to kick off their season this March. For more information, visit the team’s website, womenseliterugby.us/chicago-tempest and follow the team on Instagram @wer_tempest.
About WER
After the 2022 “Ignite the Change” campaign which sought to professionalize women’s rugby in the United States from the former player run and operated amateur league (WPL), Women’s Elite Rugby was founded and formed. The league announced their official launch in 2024 with the inaugural season starting in March 2025. The season will center six teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, San Francisco Bay Area, and Twin Cities and feature 180 athletes.
For more information, please contact:
Women’s Elite Rugby
Denver Onyx Announce 2025 Athlete Roster
Written by Ro Lane, WER
Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) team, the Denver Onyx, today announced its team roster for the WER inaugural season. The Onyx roster is composed of 29 players – 16 forwards and 13 backs. The team, coached by Sarah Chobot, will make its debut appearance this March. WER is the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, and is building up an exciting and inspiring initial season.
When asked what the Onyx will bring to the inaugural season, head coach Chobot said, “I am very excited to push this team to play a fun brand of rugby. Top to bottom, they’re good rugby players, and tremendous humans! This team is spicy, so bring the milk and get ready to be entertained!” The Onyx have a strong fleet of Women’s Premier League alumni, with 26 of 29 players having played in the amateur league previously. Chobot’s team also brings a wealth of international experience, with 8 capped USA National Team athletes on the roster.
Inaugural 2025 Denver Onyx Roster
Forwards: Kapoina Bailey, Jeanna Beard, Tahlia Brody, Sheila Decker, Rachel Ehrecke, Saher Hamdan, Carson Hann, Rachel Johnson, Laura LaVigne, Maya Learned, Hannah Long, Evie Oglesby, Gabby Rivera, Gianna Solomon, Amy Spafford, Hallie Taufoou
Backs: Alessandra Bender Cruz, Kristin Bitter, KB Slaughter, Monique Coffey, Erica Coulibaly, Denali Graham, McKenzie Hawkins, Kianna Lally, Kelsie O'Brien, Justine Perl, Julie Tordonato, Carly Waters, Tahna Wilfley
Earlier this month the Onyx announced their Foundational Five (F5) players, who are recognized leaders and trailblazers for the team. These players, Erica “Rica” Coulibaly, Rachel Ehrecke, McKenzie Hawkins, Maya Learned and Tahna “T” Wilfley, are joined by the rest of this exciting roster of players to create the Onyx’s resilient and unbreakable team that is ready to take on WER’s inaugural season.
Ahead of the franchise’s season opener, the Onyx begin preseason conditioning and practice this week, after all players are cleared as ready-to-play. As one of WER’s flagship franchises, alongside teams in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco Bay Area and Twin Cities, the Denver Onyx are competing for the WER Legacy Cup with the established franchise teams. The 2024 Legacy Cup, the first WER championship, was won by the WPL’s Denver Gray Wolves against the All Blues. As the premier full season of the WER takes place, fans can keep up with the Denver Onyx schedule, kicking off in March, via the Onyx’s website, womenseliterugby.us/denver-onyx, and Instagram, @wer_denver.
About Denver Onyx
The Denver Onyx are one of six flagship franchises of women’s professional rugby in the United States, formed by Women’s Elite Rugby (WER). Coached by Sarah Chobot, who has competed and coached at the elite level, the Onyx aim to embody its namesake as a rare, resilient and relentless team. With a top-notch roster of 29 select players, the Onyx are set to kick off their season this March. For more information, visit the team’s website, womenseliterugby.us/denver-onyx and follow the team on Instagram @wer_denver.
About WER
After the 2022 “Ignite the Change” campaign which sought to professionalize women’s rugby in the United States from the former player run and operated amateur league (WPL), Women’s Elite Rugby was founded and formed. The league announced their official launch in 2024 with the inaugural season starting in March 2025. The season will center six teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, San Francisco Bay Area, and Twin Cities and feature 180 athletes.
For more information, please contact:
Women’s Elite Rugby
New York Exiles Announce 2025 Athlete Roster
Written by Ro Lane, WER
Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) team, the New York Exiles, today announced its team roster for the WER inaugural season. The Exiles roster is composed of 30 players – 15 forwards and 15 backs. The team, coached by Diego Maquieira, will make its debut appearance this March. WER is the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, and is building up an exciting and inspiring initial season.
Maquieira has strategically assembled a powerhouse team, blending homegrown talent and years of experience. “This roster is loaded with a mix of upcoming stars and grizzled vets who are looking to establish an exciting brand of rugby that will make the city proud. We’re looking forward to putting on a show for our fans and stamping our place amongst the storied professional sports franchises that call New York home,” said head coach Maquieira. The Exiles roster comprises 27 Women’s Premier League alumni, 23 of whom played for the local New York Rugby Club, and 4 athletes with international experience representing their countries.
Inaugural 2025 New York Exiles Roster
Forwards: Kristin Aliberto, Emily Brower, Nic Carroll, Adriana Castillo, Gio Cruz, Justina DeBruzzi, Misha Green-Yotts, Kayla Hunkin-Clark, Corina Kaiser, Faith Morley, Cam Osses, Caoimhe O'Sullivan Roche, Jessie Ruiz, Cari Pick, Daisy Titus
Backs: Liz Berridge, Scout Cheeks, Chloe Correia, Tess Feury, Sophie Frick, Jade Greenfield, Matilda Kocaj, Jordyn Marlin, Sarah Minahan, Congetta "Jetta" Owens, Gabrielle Pennino, Nikki Richardson, Shamira Robles, Jenn Salomon-Clayton, Denisse Zambon Regalado
Earlier this month, the Exiles announced their Foundational Five (F5) players, who are recognized leaders and trailblazers for the team. These players, Adriana Castillo, Jenn Salomon-Clayton, Matilda Kocaj, Congetta “Jetta” Owens and Misha “Mish” Green-Yotts, are joined by the rest of this exciting roster of players to create the Exiles’ determined and gritty team that is ready to take on WER’s inaugural season.
Ahead of the franchise’s season opener, the Exiles begin preseason conditioning and practice this week, after all players are cleared as ready-to-play. As one of WER’s flagship franchises, alongside teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco Bay Area and Twin Cities, the New York Exiles are competing for the WER Legacy Cup with the established franchise teams. The 2024 Legacy Cup, the first WER championship, was won by the WPL’s Denver Gray Wolves against the All Blues. As the premier full season of the WER takes place, fans can keep up with the New York Exiles via the Exiles’ website, womenseliterugby.us/new-york-exiles, and Instagram, @wer_exiles.
About New York Exiles
The New York Exiles are one of six flagship franchises of women’s professional rugby in the United States, formed by Women’s Elite Rugby (WER). Coached by Diego Maquieira, who has competed and coached at the elite level, the Exiles aim to embody its namesake as a team that defines itself with its grit and opportunity. With a top-notch roster of 30 select players, the Exiles are set to kick off their season this March. For more information, visit the team’s website, womenseliterugby.us/new-york-exiles and follow the team on Instagram @wer_exiles.
About WER
After the 2022 “Ignite the Change” campaign which sought to professionalize women’s rugby in the United States from the former player run and operated amateur league (WPL), Women’s Elite Rugby was founded and formed. The league announced their official launch in 2024 with the inaugural season starting in March 2025. The season will center six teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, San Francisco Bay Area, and Twin Cities and feature 180 athletes.
For more information, please contact:
Women’s Elite Rugby
Twin Cities (TC) Gemini Announce 2025 Athlete Roster
Written by Ro Lane, WER
Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) team, the Twin Cities (TC) Gemini, today announced its team roster for the WER inaugural season. The Gemini roster is composed of 29 players – 17 forwards and 12 backs. The team, coached by Sylvia Braaten, will make its debut appearance this March. WER is the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, and is building up an exciting and inspiring initial season.
“We couldn't be more excited about our team and the upcoming inaugural WER season. Our players are hungry and have proven they are ready to put in the work and build this pre-season. Some of the key factors we were looking for when selecting our team was work rate, ability to beat defenders and dominate collisions. We're excited to showcase that tenacity and aggression on both sides of the ball this season. We've brought in several players from outside our market to join with our local talent pool so we are putting a lot of focus into building cohesion and connection on and off the pitch. When we get that right, we'll have the ability to turn heads this season,” said head coach Sylvia Braaten, looking to build on a strong coalition of rugby in the Twin Cities. The Gemini roster includes 19 athletes who played in the Women’s Premier League, 12 of whom have been part of the local Twin Cities Amazons club. Braaten’s list also includes 3 athletes with USA National Team experience.
Inaugural 2025 Twin Cities Gemini Roster
Forwards: Emerson Allen, Sam Brackett, Brooke Doerscher, Ali Gillberg, Marisa Hall, Abbey Jacobs, Emilee Jalosuo, Emily Juhl, Alivia Leatherman, Lucy Leatherman, Emily Mack, Katrina Nunes, Antonina O'Neill, Hannah Pfersch, Josie Rogers, Tara Viken, Mikey Williams
Backs: Sam Black, Ciara Clawson, Isabelle Currie, Bianca Curtis, Kailynn Hampton, Maggie Kleyer, Kayla Lawson, Desiree Leaupepe, Serena Liu, Joana Marrese, Tatyana Reed, Trinity Todd
Earlier this month, the Gemini announced their Foundational Five (F5) players, who are recognized leaders and trailblazers for the team. These players, Emerson Allen, Abbey Jacobs, Marisa “Ris” Hall, Katrina “Trina” Nunes, and Tatyana Reed, are joined by this exciting roster of players to create the Gemini’s tenacious and unstoppable force team that is ready to take on WER’s inaugural season.
Ahead of the franchise’s season opener, the Gemini begin preseason conditioning and practice this week, after all players are cleared as ready-to-play. As one of WER’s flagship franchises, alongside teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York and San Francisco Bay Area, the TC Gemini are competing for the WER Legacy Cup with the established franchise teams. The 2024 Legacy Cup, the first WER championship, was won by the WPL’s Denver Gray Wolves against the All Blues. As the premier full season of the WER takes place, fans can keep up with the TC Gemini via the Gemini’s website, womenseliterugby.us/tc-gemini, and Instagram, @wer_gemini.
About Twin Cities Gemini
The Twin Cities (TC) Gemini are one of six flagship franchises of women’s professional rugby in the United States, formed by Women’s Elite Rugby (WER). Coached by Sylvia Braaten, who has competed and coached at the elite level, the Gemini aim to embody its namesake as a team that is united in strength and unyielding in battle. With a top-notch roster of 29 select players, the Gemini are set to kick off their season this March. For more information, visit the team’s website, womenseliterugby.us/tc-gemini and follow the team on Instagram @wer_gemini.
About WER
After the 2022 “Ignite the Change” campaign which sought to professionalize women’s rugby in the United States from the former player run and operated amateur league (WPL), Women’s Elite Rugby was founded and formed. The league announced their official launch in 2024 with the inaugural season starting in March 2025. The season will center six teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, San Francisco Bay Area, and Twin Cities and feature 180 athletes.
For more information, please contact:
Women’s Elite Rugby