Women’s Elite Rugby Announces 2026 Head Coaches

November 18, 2025

Pittsford, Vermont – November 13, 2025 – Women’s Elite Rugby (WER), the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, today announced the head coaches for the 2026 season which will kickoff in May 2026. 


WER will retain head coaches in five of the six inaugural markets and will bring Kristin Zdanczewicz onboard in a full-time capacity after she served as the acting head coach for a portion of the 2025 season. 


“We are really excited to be bringing the head coaching team from Season 1 back for Season 2. An inaugural season is always a learning experience for everyone. So, I am excited to see how those lessons learned and successes achieved are actioned on in this second year”, said WER Director of Rugby Jamie Burke. “While the teams in the league compete against each other on the pitch, I am really proud of the way the head coaches have supported each other and collaborated with each other to ensure the ongoing success of the league and we look forward to more of that as we gear up for our second season."


“Our coaches were the cornerstone of Women’s Elite Rugby’s on field success in Season 1,” said WER President, Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf. “Their commitment to player development, teamwork, and culture helped set the foundation for an exciting rugby experience, not only for our players, but also our fans. As we move into Season 2, this group will continue to shepherd our league forward — leading with integrity, vision, and the passion that defines our game.”


Player declarations for the 2026 season will begin on December 1. Information will be available in the coming weeks on www.womenseliterugby.us 


Head Coach Bios

Bay Breakers
Head Coach: Hannah Stolba
Stolba most recently served as the head coach of the Berkeley All Blues Women’s Rugby of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Stolba has over a decade of coaching experience across all levels of the game and as a player was on two World Cup squads (2010 and 2014). Stolba helped lead the All Blues to a WPL Championship in 2022 and runners up in 2023 and 2024. 



Boston Banshees
Head Coach: Kittery Ruiz
Ruiz’s rugby coaching experience spans collegiate, WPL, and USA U20 Women’s National teams. Ruiz most recently has served as both head and assistant coach of the WPL’s Beantown Rugby in Boston and currently serves as an assistant coach with Brown University and an assistant coach with the USA U20 women’s national team. Ruiz represented USA Rugby as a player in the 2010 and 2014 Rugby World Cups, as a part of the 7s pool in 2009. Ruiz was most recently recognized by the WRCRA with the Kathy Flores’ Lifetime Achievement Award. 


Chicago Tempest
Head Coach: Kristin Zdanczewicz
Zdanczewicz served as acting head coach for the Chicago Tempest during part of the 2025 season and now returns to lead the team in her first full year as head coach. In addition to her work with the Tempest, she holds a hybrid role at Bowdoin College, where she mentors student-athletes in the weight room and assists the coaching staff with on-field technical development. She also serves as the Lead Physical Performance Coach for USA Rugby’s Women’s High Performance Pathway, creating and implementing performance plans for the U18, U20, and U23 Women’s National Teams. A member of the USA Women’s National Team from 2000–2018, Zdanczewicz represented the U.S. at the 2006 and 2010 Rugby World Cups and captained the team in 2007 and 2009.


Denver Onyx
Head Coach: Sarah Chobot
Chobot, a former USA women's national team player, currently serves as the defense coach for the USA Women’s Eagles. Chobot has held various coaching positions at a multitude of levels since transitioning to coaching in 2018. Chobot, a Michigan native who honed her craft in Minnesota, notably was named the head coach of the American Raptors in 2023 and was the first female head coach in the Super Rugby Americas. Chobot also previously served as the Defense and Forwards Coach with the Raptors. She led the Onyx to the WER Legacy Cup in 2025. 


New York Exiles
Head Coach: Diego Maquieira
Prior to his role with the WER, Maquieira served as the head coach for the WPL’s New York Rugby Club, as well as served as the Forward Coach at Columbia University for the Men’s Rugby Football Club and Assistant Coach for the Old Blue Women and U23 Men’s 7s. In his first season with NYRC women, he guided the team to a national semifinal. As a former college football player, Maquieira found rugby later in life, and developed a strong passion for training and developing crossover athletes. Despite his later start in the sport, Diego was skilled enough to play for multiple MLR franchises. 


TC Gemini
Head Coach: Sylvia Braaten
Braaten has over 15 years of professional experience in coaching and performance training. Braaten was also the Lead Physical Performance Coach with the USA Women’s national team from 2020 to 2024. In Braaten’s five seasons coaching with Harvard Rugby, she won three NIRA National Championships (2019, 2023, 2024) and one USA 7’s National Championship (2024). Braaten played in the WPL for ten years with the Twin Cities Amazons and has over 15 years of playing experience, with eight years at the international level. Braaten represented USA Rugby in the HSBC 7’s World Series and as a player in the 2014 and 2017 Rugby World Cups. Braaten also completed her Graduate Certificate in Organizational Behavior from Harvard.


About Women’s Elite Rugby
Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is a pioneering professional league dedicated to elevating women’s rugby in the United States. Launched in 2025, WER brings together world-class athletes, coaches, and communities to advance the game and expand opportunities for women in sport. With six inaugural teams across major markets, WER is building a competitive, sustainable pathway that inspires the next generation of players and fans. Through tenacity, equity, and innovation, WER is shaping the future of women’s rugby — on and off the field. Learn more at womenseliterugby.us. For the latest news and updates surrounding the league, follow WER on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 


Media Contact:
Jessica Poole
Acting Director of Communications
Jessica.Poole@womenseliterugby.com
www.womenseliterugby.us

Breast Cancer Awareness Month with WER

October 29, 2025
Knowledge is Power: Breast Cancer Awareness Month with WER

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with WER

By Samantha Ward • October 14, 2025
Where pride meets play: honoring Hispanic Heritage Month across WER

Women’s Rugby Is Breaking Through—And Women’s Elite Rugby Is Leading the Way

By Samantha Ward • September 30, 2025
Our Moment is Now

Denver Onyx WIn Legacy Cup

By Samantha Ward • July 8, 2025
Denver Onyx defeat New York Exiles 53-13 in 2025 Legacy Cup 

Rugby 101

By Samantha Ward • June 27, 2025
Rugby 101 As we gear up for the Legacy Cup, we want to make sure you’re fully prepared, so we’ve put together a quick Rugby 101 guide to help you get started!

Denver Onyx are headed to the Legacy Cup!

By Hallie Martin • May 27, 2025
Denver Onyx are headed to the Legacy Cup! Denver Onyx have secured their spot in the Legacy Cup on Saturday, June 29 at 2PM CT in Eagan, Minnesota . Get your tickets now to watch the Onyx compete live!

Statement Regarding WER Broadcast and Partnership with DAZN

May 16, 2025
Our broadcast partnership with DAZN is being paused, with both sides aligned on the need to reassess the broadcast strategy moving forward. We appreciate DAZN’s early commitment, however challenges have meant we are pausing all broadcasts while we evaluate how to deliver the fan experience we promised. We are actively pursuing an alternative with the intention of being back on air as soon as possible for the remainder of the regular season and Legacy Cup. We will share updates as they become available.
Logo for the legacy cup is overlaid on an image of TCO Stadium

WER’s Legacy Cup Set for June 29 at TCO Stadium

May 8, 2025
Women’s Elite Rugby’s national championship will be held in Eagan, MN WHAT: The 2025 Legacy Cup , the national championship for Women’s Elite Rugby , is set for Sunday, June 29 at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota. The two title contenders will be determined at the conclusion of WER’s regular season and will then play for the Legacy Cup. The start time of the Legacy Cup will be announced at a later date. Ticket presale will open to WER insiders on Monday, May 12th . Early access ticket sales will open to the general public on Monday, May 19th . Fans can sign up for the newsletter at www.womenseliterugby.us/newsletter for access to the presale. Legacy Cup visual assets for media are here . “We are proud to bring Women’s Elite Rugby to the heart of the Midwest where the passion for the sport runs deep. The 2025 Legacy Cup will be a celebration of how far the league has come in our inaugural season and a powerful platform for the growth of the game,” said Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf, WER President . WHERE: TCO Stadium in Eagan, MN 2685 Vikings Cir Eagan, MN 55121 *Attached to the Minnesota Vikings headquarters and training facility WHEN: Sunday, June 29 Time TBA For media members interested in attending the Legacy Cup, please fill out the credential form HERE and your request will be vetted in a timely manner. If you are interested in speaking to a WER representative about the Legacy Cup, please contact Sam Pell at wer@lindarothpr.com . For the latest news and updates surrounding the league, follow WER on Facebook , Instagram , X and LinkedIn . About WER Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is the first American professional women’s rugby league. The mission of the WER is to be the defining standard of rugby in the United States. WER is structured on the stable foundation of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), a national, amateur pay-to-play model, high level rugby competition established in 2009. With the creation of Women’s Elite Rugby, world-class women’s rugby will be ushered into the next stage of its evolution and will take women’s rugby in the United States to new heights.
Dazn and WER logos

Women’s Elite Rugby Announces Partnership with DAZN for Global Broadcast Rights

March 28, 2025
Fans will be able to watch all WER games live and on-demand for free only on DAZN UNITED STATES (March 20, 2025) – Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) , the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, is proud to announce a groundbreaking media partnership with DAZN, the leading global sports entertainment platform, to bring all the action from the inaugural 2025 season to fans across the country and around the world. With this partnership, DAZN’s platform becomes the only place for fans to enjoy all Women’s Elite Rugby games live and on-demand for free, alongside an exclusive, new mid-week highlights program. Women’s Elite Rugby joins DAZN’s extensive offering of women’s sport content, enjoyed by fans worldwide. DAZN holds the largest portfolio of women’s football rights in the world including the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Liga F, Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga, Arkema Première Ligue and Serie A Femminile. DAZN also broadcasts top-tier women’s basketball, tennis and volleyball competitions in select markets. “We are thrilled to enter into this media partnership with DAZN,” said Jessica Hammond-Graf, President of Women’s Elite Rugby . “This collaboration marks a major milestone for Women’s Elite Rugby as we continue to grow the sport and provide a platform for our talented athletes headed into our inaugural season. With the combined reach of DAZN, we are excited to deliver top-tier women’s rugby to a global audience and bring the game to new fans around the world.” The first game of the WER season is Saturday, March 22 with the New York Exiles hosting the Boston Banshees at Memorial Stadium in Mt. Vernon at 3pm (EST). The regular season will run March 22 through June 14 with matches being played on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. To see the full schedule and purchase tickets, please visit the WER website: https://www.womenseliterugby.us/2025-schedule . "DAZN’s partnership with Women’s Elite Rugby means that fans around the world eager to watch the inaugural season of this exciting competition can do so for free, alongside other premium women’s sports,” said Esmeralda Negron, Co-CEO of Women’s Sports at DAZN . “DAZN is committed to growing the reach and popularity of women’s rugby, having already set the standard for sports entertainment and the global broadcasting of premium women’s football." DAZN’s unrivalled scale, global footprint, and significant women’s sport audience is uniquely positioned to help build an engaged fanbase for Women’s Elite Rugby, with both DAZN and the league committed to growing the product through collaborative marketing efforts.  For members of the media interested in speaking to a WER representative about the broadcast rights deals and any other topics regarding the league, please contact Sam Pell at wer@lindarothpr.com . For the latest news and update, follow WER on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and LinkedIn . About WER Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is the first American professional women’s rugby league. The league announced their official launch in 2024 with their inaugural season starting in March 2025 centering six teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, Bay Area, and Twin Cities featuring 180 athletes. The mission of the WER is to be the defining standard of rugby in the United States. WER is structured on the stable foundation of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), a national, amateur pay-to-play model, high level rugby competition established in 2009. With the creation of Women’s Elite Rugby, world-class women’s rugby will be ushered into the next stage of its evolution and will take women’s rugby in the United States to new heights. For further information visit: https://www.womenseliterugby.us/ . About DAZN As a world-leading sports entertainment platform, DAZN streams over 90,000 live events annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide. DAZN is the global home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, as well as the NFL internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, LALIGA, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more, including FIFA Club World Cup 2025. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN. DAZN is a global, privately-owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 3,000 employees. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit www.dazngroup.com .
USA Rugby and WER logos

USA Rugby and Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) Formalize Sanctioning Agreement Ahead of Historic Inaugural Season

March 28, 2025
Partnership Elevates Women's 15s Rugby to New Heights, Aligning with World Rugby Standards  UNITED STATES — USA Rugby and Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) are excited to announce the formalization of a historic sanctioning agreement ahead of WER’s inaugural 2025 season, marking a major milestone in the development of women’s 15s rugby in the United States. This official sanctioning confirms that WER will operate in alignment with World Rugby’s highest standards and regulations on the professional level, paving the way for a new era in professional women’s rugby. The partnership between USA Rugby and WER underscores both organizations' commitment and collaborations on long-term success for professional women’s rugby in the U.S. WER’s season also marks an thrilling start to a benchmark year for women’s rugby as new and veteran USA Eagles take the field in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup in 2025.