The CCIG Sevens Womens Rugby Team (with most of its players, coaches, and sponsors from Oakland and the San Francisco Bay Area) went to the National Development Academy or “NDA 7s” last month and made short work of the matter. (CCIG is California Capital & Investment Group of Oakland, California and where its managing partner Phil Tagami is the sponsor representative to the team.)
The NDA 7s Tournament had 105 athletes, on seven teams, and according to The Rugby Breakdown, “invites to the Rugby World Cup 7s camp as well as future resident contracts were on offer.”
The team coached by CCIG Sevens Womens Rugby head coach Adrian Ferris and Assistant Coach Morgan Roberts won the NDA 7s Tournament 6-0. The CCIG Sevens roster consisted of Sarah Buonopane, Bitsy Cairns, Devon Gold, Mata Higano, Nikki Kenyon, Cameo Motley, Amy Naber, Danielle Ordway, Nene Persinger, Morgan Rovetti, Jenn Sever, Nicole Strasko, Christina Swift, Catie Benson, and Madison Porter.
On the CCIG Sevens success, Coach Ferris said “The difference at elite level team sport is culture. With the support of Phil Tagami & CCIG, we have been able to build a positive “team first” culture where the players are focused on giving more of themselves than they are prepared to receive in return. As a coach, I am appreciative for each and every person who were part of our group. We had a common goal and every member of the group did what they needed to do. Especially when put under pressure. Collectively the players responded well. We continue to learn, grow and develop as athletes and individuals because of it.”
And Coach Roberts added “The team had a core group that carried over from (another team in Las) Vegas, but also a handful of new athletes. Despite the roster change, the group meshed very well. We had a wide spectrum of skills and strengths and I think that worked to our advantage while facing different teams over the weekend. I can also attest to the positive team culture that I was able to observe Age, the players and the team staff facilitating throughout the weekend. It was a great experience for me, personally, as I was able to pick Age’s brain about line ups, warm ups content, game strategy and just general coaching knowledge. I really look forward to working with the program again.”
Visit The Rugby Breakdown for a more detailed presentation of CCIG Sevens win.
Support Women for Rugby Charity – Zennie62Media Note
Women for Rugby was established in June of 2018 to provide a funding source to support the full spectrum of Women’s rugby programs in the US. Knowing we have to hatch before we can soar we are building a team of volunteers and supporters to attract others who want to see the sport we love grow here in the US. Our focus is to get as much funding directly to the game as possible. Seeing very few efforts dedicated to growing the game for women, co-founders Nicole Strasko and Morgan Roberts wanted to support the US Women’s 7s program, but also attract funding to support the development side of the game at each level. With a keen eye for transparency and operational compliance, www.womenforrugby.com is building a board of directors and advisory board looking to begin its work with our kick off event on July 18, 2018. Visit the website for more information.
Stay tuned.