Nighthawk’s Rugby Starts the Spring Season Strong

Rugby is back in a big way at NOVA! Monday, February 17th was the first practice of the Spring Season and with it, came a lot to be excited about.

Rugby is the fastest growing sport in the United States and the D.C. region is a hotbed for high level rugby. Northern Virginia Community College jumped on that bandwagon in the Fall of 2019 and is seeing rapid growth and success even in it’s early stages as a program. In mid-August, the team had a roster of about 6 students. After only a few weeks, that number grew to 28 and as of the first Spring practice of 2020, they boast a team of 35 hardworking and enthusiastic female athletes! The players bring their unique selves to the program and a very diverse sports background which include: rugby, soccer, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, boxing as well as track and field.

Nighthawk’s Rugby is not only seeing a ballooning roster size but also one of the largest coaching staff’s of any university program in the area. The staff includes Head Coach, Michael McMillon and Assistant Coach, Lance Connolly. Together they have a combined experience of about 30 year’s coaching rugby and include both select sides as well as regional and national championships. Joining the staff this Spring, the team has recruited two strength and conditioning coaches, Mckenna Smet and Josi Pinheiro who co-own Elite Wellness, Fitness & Recovery in Ashburn, VA. Rounding out the staff is a chiropractor, Dr. Mike Brower who will be working with the athletes in both preventative and post-game care.

The team practices every Monday and Wednesday from 4-6pm at the Loudoun Campus and is open to all female students to participate, regardless of experience.

If you would like to attend a game this season to cheer on your Nighthawks, you’re invited.  Come on out!

Date Time Location Opponent
3/22 1PM LO Campus University of Richmond
3/29 11AM LO Campus Washington D.C. Revolution
4/4 1PM St. Mary’s St. Mary’s College of Maryland
4/18 All Day D.C. Ruggerfest Tournament
4/19 All Day D.C. Ruggerfest Tournament
4/26 Noon LO Campus Northern Virginia Piranha’s

For more information you can visit the team’s web page at https://www.nvcc.edu/student-life/rugby/index.html or email Michael McMillon at mmcmillon@nvcc.edu