Kate Welzel ‘20, Kaitlyn Foley ‘20, Brenna Murphy ‘20, and Caitlin Wood ‘22 are ecstatic to be recognized as First Team and Second Team selections for the Tri-State Rugby Conference DII All-Conference team.
Four Fairfield women’s rugby student-athletes were recently selected for the Tri-State Rugby Conference DII All-Conference First and Second teams. Kate Welzel ‘20, Kaitlyn Foley ‘20, Brenna Murphy ‘20, and Caitlin Wood ‘22 were chosen for their consistent demonstration of excellence and leadership both on and off the field. Welzel and Wood represent the First Team, and Foley and Murphy represent the Second Team. The Tri-State Conference promotes college rugby throughout Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. These prestigious recognitions were determined by individual performances, nominations, and University coaches’ votes.
Recent graduate Kate Welzel, was a four-year rugger and is noted as one of the highest scoring players in team history. She served in leadership roles as team secretary and club president, in addition to her position as a flyhalf. Her hard work and dedication allowed Fairfield to reach back-to-back USA Rugby national tournaments.
Caitlin Wood, a rising junior from Cohoes, N.Y., played her first full year of rugby during the 2019-20 academic year as an inside center. She became known for her impressive speed, scoring 24 tries in only nine games. Wood is a team player who strives for personal and team success; Fairfield women’s rugby is excited for future seasons with her.
Representing the Second Team, recently graduated Kaitlyn Foley was another four-year player. She was one of the best lineout jumpers in the conference and the nation, and she also showed tremendous growth throughout her college rugby career. Foley served as a dependable teammate as well as a role model to the younger players.
Fellow member of the Class of 2020 and Second Team selectee, Brenna Murphy was one of the most important contributors to Fairfield’s national success. She found ways each year to contribute to the team on and off the field, radiating positivity throughout. Her efforts over the past four years have helped to expand the women’s rugby team from a roster of 22, to more than 50 members.
Women’s Rugby Head Coach Jack Wallace and the Fairfield University community are incredibly proud of the hard word and achievements of these student-athletes. For more information about Fairfield rugby, please visit fairfield.edu/rugby.
