The women’s rugby club has made headlines at N.C. State since it came into existence almost 20 years ago. Along with being named last year’s Club Sport of the Year, the team is making itself known in other ways, on and off the pitch.

Sara Lundy, a senior in zoology, started presiding over the team last semester. Though there are many new players on the team, she said the ones who have stuck around are truly committed to making the team even stronger.

“There are about 20 girls on the team. It’s a walk-on team,” Lundy said. “And usually the people who can make it through the practices are the ones who stay.”

Junior Kate Townson is the vice president of the club. The business administration major has been playing for N.C. State’s rugby team for three years and also played an additional four years in Canada. Townson’s main goal for the team’s growth is to equip the girls with new skills and emphasize that experience is not necessary to become a great player.

“We don’t expect girls to be experienced, and we’re quite surprised when they are,” Townson said.

Lack of experience has not been an issue that has shown up on the field for the Pack, as the team defeated UNC-Charlotte 50-0 last weekend. Though they seem to be off to an auspicious beginning, Lundy said there is room for more team members.

“We accept all kinds of players, no experience necessary at all,” Lundy said. “We teach [girls] everything they need to know.”

The team practices on the Lower Miller Fields from 5:30-7:30 every Tuesday and Thursday, and new players are always welcome.

Not only is the team looking to grow in terms of size, but also as a team, through humanitarian efforts. The women’s rugby team prides itself on contributing to community service projects, mostly through the University.

“We helped with Shack-a-Thon, and usually do Toys for Tots,” Lundy said. “We also volunteered at RecFest, freshman move-in and Friday Fest. Last year we sent a care package [to troops in Iraq].”

The team is looking to further its community outreach outside of N.C. State as well. They are hoping to volunteer with the Boys’ and Girls’ Club and participate in Habitat for Humanity work days. Townson said she believes this will benefit the team as well as the community.

“A lot of our girls are really interested in [community service], and it’s not only for team bonding. We really enjoy getting together to help other people,” Townson said. “In a lot of [events we participate in] we get to see the final product, and that encourages us to find new ventures to volunteer with.”

The women’s club rugby team is an organization that prides itself in commitment to the sport, to each other and to the community. As it continues to grow in size and talent, only good things can be expected.