2 March—National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) released the names of the Women’s All American award winners for the Fall 2021 season. 

The NCR Women’s All American program recognizes student-athletes who have earned this distinct honor for being top performers in the Fall of 2021. Recognition as an NCR All American is a special honor that is reserved for the “best of the best.”

Both Division I and Small College clubs show strong representation from 12 conferences. Life has the most selected players in Division I with four players, followed by Notre Dame College and Marquette with three players each. The list of Division I clubs is diverse, representing the anchor players that drive the success of each club listed. The list of 23 student-athletes may see a lot of turn over next year since there are so many seniors named this year, including freshmen flyhalf Nina Mason of Life, who was named the National Championship MVP for her dominant performance. Division I Commissioner Angela Smarto says, “The Division I competition is full of quality players.”

The Small College All American list includes players from 13 universities across the nation. National Champions Wayne State College leads the pack with five selections including repeat All American senior Izzy Robinson, who was also named the National Championship Most Valuable Player, and to the All Star 7s All Tournament Team. Trixie Jo Schlechter, the other repeat name, is a prolific try scorer for the University of South Dakota who led her team in tries this fall. With mostly upperclassmen recognized, the Small College All Americans will likely be dynamic in the coming years.

Small College Commissioner Jessie Blitz says, “These players’ passion and tenacity are what is bringing women’s rugby to the forefront.  I have the utmost respect for these talented women and am excited for what is to come from each of them.”  Smarto continues, “This list is a representation of the exceptional talent we have in our competition. These players have elevated the play of their teams through their individual efforts and deserve to be recognized. Congratulations to all players listed; we can’t wait to see what you do next.”