USA Rugby has launched a Women’s Under 18 Sevens Summer Camp at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center (CVEATC) in California. The program hosted 29 elite pathway players for a week of intensive skills training and internal tournament simulations. According to USA Rugby, the roster was selected through domestic scouting efforts and regional talent identification days, with 24 of the 29 athletes participating in their first pathway-specific sevens camp.
Pathway Integration and Skill Development
The Chula Vista camp serves as an assessment event for the organization’s player development pipeline. Athletes participate in a structured environment designed to align individual talent with the standardized USA Rugby style of play. Women’s 7s Pathway Head Coach Irene Gardner noted that while many participants gained experience in U18 XVs camps earlier this summer, only five of the 29 rostered players had previously attended a 7s camp.
The week-long curriculum emphasizes fitness, technical rugby skills, and the development of “playing IQ.” These internal matches act as a selection filter for future U18 competitions, upcoming XVs winter camps, and the 2027 Pathway Competitions. Coaches are currently working with each athlete to build individualized development plans, which serve as collaborative roadmaps for growth within their home clubs.
Pro Tip: Development isn’t just about the week at camp. The USA Rugby staff uses these sessions to create individualized plans that players carry back to their local clubs, ensuring consistent progress throughout the year.
2026 U18s Camp Roster
The group represents a broad cross-section of domestic rugby talent. The following players participated in the summer session:
- Nova Girls Rugby: Luisa Moala, Eseta Moala
- Summit Girls Rugby: Avery Russer, Hailey Russer*
- Belmont Shore: Apikaila Fa’apouli, Zoe Zumbro*, Maya Wilson, Ulalei Pulu*
- Doylestown Rugby Club: Leah Cipollo, Mackenzie Aluise*
- United Girls Rugby: Lavinia Lomu, Isabel Uyema
- Other participants: Sofie Ferri (Hudson Rugby Club), Luisa Taai (United Rugby), Sophia Johnson (Majestics), Chloe Gandy (Chuckanut Bay Rugby), Tamika Katavake (Sacramento Harlequins), 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), Morgan Roth (Iowa Hawkettes), Paige Thomason (TOA/Rocky Mountain High School), Sabrina Jutronich (Tucson Thunderbirds), Madison Englin* (Waverly-Shell Rock), Emily Katavake (Lindenwood University), Maria Depner (Moon Area High School).
*Denotes previous 7s camp experience.
Future Trends in USA Rugby Pathways
The number of first-time pathway attendees highlights the role of Regional Development Days and 2026 Pathway Talent ID Days in identifying talent. Coach Gardner emphasized that these events are designed to reward the efforts of community coaches and local clubs who support these athletes during their formative years.
The move toward a unified “USA Rugby style” indicates a push for continuity between the U18 level and eventual National Team integration. By standardizing training at the CVEATC, staff members like Martha Daines are ensuring that the transition from youth rugby to senior competition remains supported.
Did you know? The Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center serves as the high performance HQ for USA Rugby Sevens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are players selected for the U18 Sevens Camp?
Players are selected through USA Rugby Pathway scouting efforts at domestic competitions, as well as specific 2026 Pathway Talent ID Days and Regional Development Days.
What happens after the camp ends?
Coaches work with each athlete to create an individual development plan. This document guides the player’s training and skill progression with their home club.
Is this camp only for sevens rugby?
While this specific session focuses on sevens, the camp serves as an assessment for various opportunities, including XVs Winter Camps and 2027 Pathway Competitions.
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