Penn State has always been known for its sports, but not every great team at Penn State has varsity status.

Meet Penn State’s women’s rugby team. These athletes practice four times a week, lift twice, and compete in games on the weekends. Despite not being a varsity program, they’ve won 12 national championships, claimed many tournament titles, and consistently compete against Division I teams.

Even without being able to offer athletic scholarships, the program still attracts top talent.

“I played in high school and was recruited afterward,” said sophomore captain Riley Eberhart. “I chose Penn State because of the program’s history; they had won national championships many times. There’s a big name that comes with Penn State, and I was excited to be a part of it.”

Along with recruited players, the team also relies on walk-ons to build up its roster.

“I had never played rugby until tryouts,” said sophomore Gabrielle Keough. “It wasn’t too hard to pick up, but learning all the rules of the game was challenging, at least for me. The actual skills came more easily because it’s such a team sport, and the coaches and players do a great job of teaching walk-ons. That’s how we keep up with other teams, since we’re only allowed to recruit a few girls each year.”

Penn State’s women’s rugby is titled as a ‘Team Sport’, so they receive more support from the university than the club sports, but less than the Division I varsity status teams.

“We have great coaches, an athletic trainer, facilities, and our travel paid for,” said Eberhart. “But we don’t have nutritional support, we don’t have access to the Morgan Academic Center, also priority scheduling can be an issue, and there are other differences as well.”

“We’re very lucky that we get a lot of these things. But the things that could bring us to the next level, like access to nutritional help and access to those extra athletic buildings. Also, some girls can’t make our lift times because they have class, other sports teams here don’t have to worry about that. I feel like with that extra help it would make it easier for us to succeed more,” Keough explained.

The team’s schedule and travel demands look like many of the varsity programs. Players compete in both 15’s in the fall and 7’s in the spring, travel to tournaments around the US, and spend long weekends together on the road. Those trips often become some of the team’s favorite memories and help strengthen their bond on and off the field.

“My favorite memory was going to South Carolina last year. It was our first big away trip and the first win of the season too,” Eberhart said. The athletes also have many team meals together, movie nights, and many other activities outside of rugby that build their bonds.

For the things that Penn State doesn’t fund, its alumni donor organization helps out.

“We have a really big alumni organization. That’s how we fund everything that Penn State doesn’t fund for us. They’re so important to us; without them, we wouldn’t be able to be playing at the level we’re at. They fund us having assistant coaches, our second trainer, and stuff like that,” Keough said.

Every semester, they hold an alumni game to keep in contact with past players and teammates.

The women’s rugby team is also paired with the men’s rugby team as a THON organization, spending time together raising money through dare thermometers, bake sales, and friendly competitions like betting on players’ tackles. This year, they were given a THON family.

Despite Penn State women’s rugby’s past success, having fans show up can still be a challenge. Most crowds consist of close friends, family members, and alumni. The players say many students on campus are still unaware of the program and its accomplishments. They play their home games on the west IM Fields, making it an easy spot for fans to come.

For rugby players considering Penn State, Eberhart encourages them to reach out and take the first step. “If you play rugby and you’re thinking about coming to Penn State, don’t be scared to reach out. Give it a try, come down and visit. We want to have you guys come! If you need help with anything, we’re here to help you.”

Keough shared similar advice for students interested in trying out for the team, “If you’re looking to find your best friends, and you’re willing to stay active, then this is the perfect thing for you. Originally, I joined it because it was an opportunity to make more friends and more connections. I ended up finding the people I will live with next year and my lifelong best friends, while I’ve also gotten healthier.”

The women’s rugby team’s spring season is starting. To keep up with them, check out their Instagram.