On Monday, USA Rugby revealed the lineup for the 2024 U.S. Women’s Olympic Rugby Sevens Team that will compete at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games from July 28-30, 2024.
Leading the team as co-captains are Lauren Doyle and Naya Tapper in their quest for the USA Women’s Rugby Sevens’ first Olympic medal, a century after the USA’s last Olympic gold in rugby. The team placed fifth in Rio 2016 and sixth in Tokyo 2020.
The team comprises 12 starting athletes and two traveling reserves, including a mix of new and veteran Olympians. Alev Kelter and Lauren Doyle will make their third Olympic appearances, while Kayla Canett, Kristi Kirshe, Ilona Maher, Ariana Ramsey, and Naya Tapper will be attending their second Olympic Games. Alena Olsen, Spiff Sedrick, Sammy Sullivan, Sarah Levy, and Steph Rovetti will be making their Olympic debut. Traveling reserves and 2020 Olympians Kris Thomas and Nicole Heavirland will also be part of the team in Paris.
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Hailing from Whitefish, Heavirland was also a traveling reserve during the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Head Coach Emilie Bydwell and the high-performance staff made the selection for the team.
The team will depart on July 14 for a pre-Olympic training camp in Tours, France, before heading to the Olympic Village in Paris. The competition will commence on July 28, live on Peacock and the NBC networks. The pools will be unveiled by World Rugby on June 23.
Bydwell mentioned in the announcement, “We are thrilled about this team, as we have a great combination of speed, power, work ethic, skill, and creativity that we believe will showcase our style of rugby. The players complement each other wonderfully, allowing individuals to demonstrate their strengths while also enhancing the team’s collective abilities.”
“Throughout the year, we have maintained a competitive training environment with 23 dedicated players. This has fostered a high level of competition and pressure, crucial in preparing the team and finalizing our selection of the 14 athletes who will represent our program in July. We not only congratulate those chosen but also extend our gratitude to the Highwomen who have contributed to the team’s current position.”
Heavirland trains with the team at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California, holding 39 caps with the national team. She has also participated in three Rugby World Cups (2017, 2018, and 2022) along with the Tokyo Olympics.
Bydwell added, “As we approach the final stages of preparation, our focus is on refining all aspects of our game, particularly emphasizing mental flexibility and resilience, knowing these qualities will be vital in Paris. Our aim is not just to participate but to elevate the jersey, leaving a legacy for future athletes and delivering a performance that will inspire American fans.”