USRF Awards 19 Student Athletes with 2024-2025 Collegiate Scholarships
The US Rugby Foundation is thrilled to announce our 19 exceptional student-athletes selected for collegiate scholarships in the 2024-2025 academic year.
Congratulations to these outstanding recipients! Their dedication both on and off the field represents the finest traditions of rugby - integrity, passion, and commitment to excellence. The selection committee noted how these recipients embody the spirit of our sport in everything they do.
Each recipient will receive a minimum of $1,000 in financial support for educational expenses including tuition, materials, and academic fees.
By investing in these promising young athletes, the US Rugby Foundation continues its mission to foster the growth of rugby while supporting educational advancement. We invite our entire rugby community to join us in celebrating these remarkable individuals as they pursue excellence in both their studies and athletic endeavors.
College Scholarship Recipients
Kevin Higgins College Scholarship
Renee Blazer
Finding her athletic identity through multiple sports, Renee Blazer discovered her true passion when her uncle introduced her to rugby, a sport she had never heard of but that immediately resonated with her physical nature. Beginning with Cincinnati Rookie Rugby in middle school, Blazer progressed to play 15s with Walnut Hills High School as a freshman and added fall 7s in her sophomore year. Despite her smaller stature, she developed into a formidable front row player with exceptional tackling ability, becoming known for her perfect form and passion for contact. During her high school career, Blazer helped her team reach the state championship three consecutive years, while balancing her athletic pursuits with academic excellence, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA and graduating Summa Cum Laude with honors. Beyond rugby, she participated in multiple sports throughout her life, including soccer, gymnastics, and diving, while also finding time for art club and working multiple jobs to save for college. Blazer continues her rugby journey at Bowling Green State University, where she plans to play all four years while working toward her bachelor's degree and eventually pursuing a master's, with the goal of making a lasting impact on the rugby community by donating her time, money, and resources to develop future players.
Mia Blazer
Finding her athletic calling in rugby after leaving behind soccer and track, Mia Blocher's seventh-grade decision to try a practice with the Warsaw Area Middle School Girls Rugby Team transformed her life's trajectory. Blocher's rugby journey began with immediate success, winning her grade-level state championship and earning team MVP honors. At Warsaw Community High School, she became a standout player across multiple positions, starting on varsity as a freshman and being elected team captain for her junior and senior years. Blocher's leadership helped her team place second in state championships twice before finally claiming the title in her senior year, when she earned both the Girls High School DI MVP and High School Girls Player of the Year awards from Rugby Indiana. Her exceptional talents extended to elite levels where she joined the All-Midwest High School Girls Thunderbirds U18 player pool, touring nationally and internationally, including competitions in New Zealand. While maintaining a remarkable 4.26 GPA and graduating Suma Cum Laude with academic and technical honors diplomas, Blocher balanced her athletic pursuits with extensive community involvement and leadership roles in organizations including National Honors Society, yearbook, and Bridge to Employment. Blocher continues her academic and rugby journey at Saint Mary's College, where she plays for the University of Notre Dame Women's Rugby team while pursuing her education.
Emerson Callegari
Drawing from her early passion for rugby that began in third grade, Emerson Callegari has emerged as a standout figure in women's rugby with exceptional game intelligence and leadership. Callegari's versatility shines through her mastery of multiple positions including fly half, inside and outside center, and fullback. Her superior rugby IQ and strategic understanding of the game have earned her numerous accolades, including selection to the U18 USA team for international competition in Wales and being named MVP for three consecutive years (2021-2023). Alongside her athletic achievements, Callegari demonstrates dedication to community service through her work with Montgomery County Food Bank and Meals on Wheels. After captaining multiple teams, including her high school squad for three years, Callegari will continue her academic and athletic journey at Life University in Marietta, Georgia, pursuing a degree in exercise science while playing for one of the nation's premier D1 Elite women's rugby programs.
Learn more about Emerson Callegari
Harvey Goodwin
Finding his rugby passion in fourth grade with the Arlington Stallions, Harvey Goodwin has developed into a formidable forward and leader on the pitch. Following in the footsteps of his father and brother, Goodwin immediately fell in love with the sport and played nine years with the Stallions before combining with New Trier Rugby in his senior year to win the Illinois State Championship. Despite facing health challenges from a condition called sclerosing polycystic adenosis that required multiple surgeries throughout his academic career, Goodwin persevered both in the classroom and on the field. His skills and leadership earned him captaincy for two years with the Stallions, selection to the Illinois All-State Team as starting eight man, and a spot on the Midwest Thunderbirds/Chicago Hounds U18 Academy. Beyond rugby, Goodwin maintained a 3.76 GPA, captained his football team, participated in track, and contributed to his school's Robot Rumble competition. Goodwin will continue his academic and athletic journey at the University of Kentucky, pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering while playing for the University of Kentucky Rugby Football Club, which won the D1-AA National Championship last year.
Learn more about Harvey Goodwin
Charlie Green
From an early introduction to rugby at age five, Charlie Green has cultivated a lifelong passion for the sport that continues to shape his character and future aspirations. Green began his rugby journey with the Encinitas Coastal Dragons U8 team, playing both 15's and 7's formats through U16s. At Carlsbad High School, he served as B-side captain his first year before being selected as Varsity Captain, where he excelled as the starting scrum-half/fly-half and conversion kicker. His leadership helped his team place second in the SoCal multi-school championship in 2023 and 2024, and win the Pacific Coast championship in 2024. Green's skill and dedication earned him selection to the SD Legion Development Squad during his junior and senior years, and he was one of the youngest members chosen to play for the Encinitas RFC men's 7's team. Beyond rugby, Green maintained a 3.7 GPA while pursuing diverse interests including soccer, karate, skateboarding, surfing, golf, and music. Green will continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Colorado Boulder, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Statistics and Data Science while playing for the Colorado Buffaloes Men's Rugby team under head coach Chris Hanson.
Learn more about Charlie Green
Eric Ishekwene
From an unexpected introduction to rugby by his high school government teacher to becoming team captain, Eric Ishekwene's journey in the sport reflects his exceptional leadership and dedication. Born in South Africa and having moved to Maryland in 2021, Ishekwene overcame initial reluctance to play rugby, drawing on childhood YouTube highlights of Quade Cooper and Brian O'Driscoll to develop his skills as a scrumhalf. His natural talent and determination led to him becoming captain of the Maryland Exiles after just one year, leading the team to their first state title in three years while maintaining an unbeaten record and earning a man-of-the-match performance in the State Finals. He also helped guide his sevens team to a second-place finish at the National CRC sevens competition. Beyond rugby, Ishekwene excelled academically with a 3.57 GPA despite challenges with credit transfers from South Africa, served as president of both his school's debate team and Black Student Union, and earned induction into the National, English, and Math Honor Societies. Now attending The Ohio State University studying computer science, Ishekwene aims to earn a spot on the Big 10 All-conference team while nurturing dreams of representing the USA Eagles and using his dual citizenship to help develop rugby in Nigeria.
Learn more about Eric Ishekwene
Lucas Miners
Born into a rugby family, Lucas Miners began his rugby journey at 14 years old with the Little Rock Junior Stormers. Despite being younger than his competition, Miners never hesitated to compete, and following his first year, he dedicated himself to recruiting new players to build a competitive side while balancing his academic pursuits. During his high school career, Miners played primarily as scrum half but demonstrated versatility by also playing fly half, full back, and wing positions. He served as co-captain during his junior and senior years and actively helped grow the sport by recruiting other students during lunch hours and after school. Beyond the Junior Stormers, Miners competed with the Arkansas Junior Gryphons and the Arkansas Select Side combined team. While excelling in rugby, he maintained a remarkable 4.52 GPA at Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School, graduating eighth in his class of 284 students and earning Outstanding Scholarship Awards in English, Computer Science, and Engineering. Miners' active involvement extended to numerous activities including 4-H, livestock exhibitions, auto restoration, and basketball. Now playing for the University of Arkansas men's team, Miners made an immediate impact his freshman year, earning starts at multiple positions while majoring in Mechanical Engineering with plans to work in automotive or agricultural equipment development.
Rocco Pool
Born into a rugby family with New Zealand heritage, Rocco Pool began his rugby journey at just four years old with the San Diego Mustangs. His father, who grew up playing rugby in New Zealand, introduced him to the sport that would become his passion. Pool's natural talent and dedication to improvement have made him a versatile player, excelling primarily at flyhalf and fullback positions. His rugby accomplishments include captaining the San Diego Mustangs U18 team to the National Championship and leading them to a fourth-place finish in his senior year, winning the California State Championship with Torrey Pines High School in his junior year, and training with the San Diego Legion Academy. Described by coaches as having exceptional skills, tactical awareness, and decision-making abilities, Pool has developed into a respected leader both on and off the field. While maintaining a 3.78 weighted GPA at Torrey Pines High School, he also played recreational soccer with friends during rugby's off-season. Pool has committed to Saint Mary's College, where he plans to pursue a degree in Accounting/Finance while continuing his rugby career with the nationally recognized Gaels program, with aspirations to become a U.S. Eagle and compete professionally in the MLR or beyond.
Dante Rivera
Discovering rugby late in his high school journey, Dante Rivera quickly transformed his natural athleticism and work ethic into rugby excellence. Rivera began playing during his junior year at Redwood High School after seeing the success of the Marin Highlanders and hearing about the sport from friends. Despite his late start, Rivera's dedication led him to earn a starting spot midway through his first season playing lock for the Highlanders' varsity squad, culminating in the Marin Highlanders Rookie of the Year honors. During his senior year, Rivera transitioned to tighthead prop and was recognized as Forward's Man of the Match against national powerhouse De La Salle, named captain of the forwards for the final game against the Danville Oaks, and awarded the prestigious Highlander of the Year honor for demonstrating leadership, character, work ethic, and embodying rugby's ethos. While maintaining a 3.78 GPA at Redwood High School, Rivera also played football for three years, ultimately earning second team all-league honors and selection to the Tri-County All-Star Game. Coming from a single-parent household, Rivera will continue his rugby career at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, pursuing a degree in business administration while playing for the Cal Poly Mustangs.
James Rose
Born into a rugby family, James Rose began his journey in the sport practically from birth, following in his father's footsteps. Starting with flag rugby through Green Bay youth rugby, Rose quickly fell in love with the game, progressing to middle school tackle and eventually captaining his high school team, the Leprechauns, for two years. Under his leadership, the team reached the state tournament for four consecutive years. Rose's exceptional skills led to numerous select-side opportunities, including captaining the Wisconsin Badger selects, competing with the Rebels in 7s tournaments where they won NAIs and Blood Fest, and representing Eagle Impact Rugby Academy (EIRA) in Spain for two consecutive years. His most notable achievement came when he was selected to represent the USA in the U18 Global Youth 7s tournament in New Zealand. Beyond rugby, Rose achieved a 3.89 GPA at Bayport High School, wrestled for over eight years, winning team state championships, and engaged in community service through coaching flag rugby since 8th grade. Rose has now taken his talents to Life University in Marietta, Georgia, where he plays for the Running Eagles while pursuing a degree in exercise science.
Kaler Family Rugby Scholarship
Renee Blazer
Finding her athletic identity through multiple sports, Renee Blazer discovered her true passion when her uncle introduced her to rugby, a sport she had never heard of but that immediately resonated with her physical nature. Beginning with Cincinnati Rookie Rugby in middle school, Blazer progressed to play 15s with Walnut Hills High School as a freshman and added fall 7s in her sophomore year. Despite her smaller stature, she developed into a formidable front row player with exceptional tackling ability, becoming known for her perfect form and passion for contact. During her high school career, Blazer helped her team reach the state championship three consecutive years, while balancing her athletic pursuits with academic excellence, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA and graduating Summa Cum Laude with honors. Beyond rugby, she participated in multiple sports throughout her life, including soccer, gymnastics, and diving, while also finding time for art club and working multiple jobs to save for college. Blazer continues her rugby journey at Bowling Green State University, where she plans to play all four years while working toward her bachelor's degree and eventually pursuing a master's, with the goal of making a lasting impact on the rugby community by donating her time, money, and resources to develop future players.
Parker Conley
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With a rugby ball in his hands before he ever held an American football, Parker Conley's passion for the sport began at age nine and has grown into a defining aspect of his identity. Introduced to the game by his father, who played at a competitive level during and after college, Conley has developed into a versatile back, excelling primarily at outside center and flyhalf. His rugby journey includes playing for LA Youth Rugby, Santa Monica Youth Rugby, and his high school team at Mira Costa, where he served as co-captain during his senior year. Conley's talents have earned him selection to the Southern California LA Allstar High School Team for two consecutive years and opportunities to play internationally in Spain and Italy. Beyond rugby, he has demonstrated his commitment to service through the LA Jr. Guards program, where he earned the Jr. Guard Cadet position and helped save five children from rip currents on his first day. Conley will continue his academic and athletic journey at Santa Barbara City College, playing for UCSB while pursuing studies in Fire Sciences and Construction Management.
Learn more about Parker Conley
Terry O'Reilly Memorial Scholarship
Mia Blocher
Finding her athletic calling in rugby after leaving behind soccer and track, Mia Blocher's seventh-grade decision to try a practice with the Warsaw Area Middle School Girls Rugby Team transformed her life's trajectory. Blocher's rugby journey began with immediate success, winning her grade-level state championship and earning team MVP honors. At Warsaw Community High School, she became a standout player across multiple positions, starting on varsity as a freshman and being elected team captain for her junior and senior years. Blocher's leadership helped her team place second in state championships twice before finally claiming the title in her senior year, when she earned both the Girls High School DI MVP and High School Girls Player of the Year awards from Rugby Indiana. Her exceptional talents extended to elite levels where she joined the All-Midwest High School Girls Thunderbirds U18 player pool, touring nationally and internationally, including competitions in New Zealand. While maintaining a remarkable 4.26 GPA and graduating Suma Cum Laude with academic and technical honors diplomas, Blocher balanced her athletic pursuits with extensive community involvement and leadership roles in organizations including National Honors Society, yearbook, and Bridge to Employment. Blocher continues her academic and rugby journey at Saint Mary's College, where she plays for the University of Notre Dame Women's Rugby team while pursuing her education.
Dick Poulson Scholarship
Brody Johnson
Introduced to rugby at age 5 through his Irish mother, Brody Johnson's lifelong passion for the sport has taken him from the Alexandria Rugby Club to national prominence with Gonzaga College High School. Beginning as a scrumhalf for nearly a decade, Johnson played two varsity seasons with Fort Hunt Club Rugby Team before transferring to Gonzaga for his junior year, where he helped secure back-to-back national championships while scoring twice in each championship game. His versatility saw him excel at multiple positions including scrumhalf, inside center, outside center, and wing. Johnson's rugby achievements include selection to the U18 USA team to tour Argentina and Uruguay, participation in EIRA's Ireland tour, and recognition as Man of the Match in the 2023 national championship game. Beyond rugby, he enriches his community through service at the Father McKenna Center and enjoys playing guitar and piano. With guidance from his mentor Mick Galway and cherished memories of attending international matches with family, Johnson will continue his rugby journey at the University of Arizona while pursuing a degree in astronomy, bringing his leadership qualities, calm under pressure, and passion for the sport to the Wildcats' program.
Learn more about Brody Johnson
Miguel Solorzano
Finding his rugby passion during the summer before freshman year, Miguel Solorzano quickly evolved from a scrawny soccer player hesitant about contact to a versatile athlete and team captain playing scrumhalf for the Bethesda Roosters. His rugby journey has yielded several Maryland state championships in both 7s and 15s, while tournaments like Tropical 7's, New York 7's, and Cape Fear have helped him develop skills against diverse competition. Initially inspired by a cousin who secured admission to Dartmouth's rugby program with a strong financial package, Solorzano has complemented his rugby development with freshman-year varsity wrestling and Muay Thai training, both enhancing his physical confidence and mental discipline. His community engagement includes serving as an assistant coach for rugby camps, participating in middle school rugby "takeovers," and securing a position as a leading coach for a summer camp focused on Latina girls. After taking an unconventional educational path—homeschooling after freshman year and earning his GED—Solorzano is now committed to Nazareth University's varsity rugby program while pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing, with aspirations to continue to medical school and become an anesthesiologist.
Learn more about Miguel Solorzano
Don Burgess International Scholarship
George Pritchard
Transitioning from a lifelong soccer background to rugby in tenth grade, George Pritchard quickly discovered his athletic calling on the pitch. Encouraged by his high school PE teacher, Mr. Jamison, Pritchard embraced rugby's inclusivity and camaraderie, developing a passion that now drives his sporting ambitions. His versatile playing style has allowed him to excel in multiple positions, though he particularly thrives in the center where he can combine physicality with technical skill. Pritchard's talents have earned him selection to Team BC every year since he began playing, attendance at Rugby Canada's U18 camp, and the opportunity to tour New Zealand with BC Elite Sevens. Now representing Western Washington University, the White Rock, British Columbia native balances his academic pursuits in engineering with his athletic commitments through disciplined time management. Beyond the playing field, Pritchard has contributed to his community by volunteering with junior rugby programs, helping younger students develop their own passion for the sport. With short-term goals focused on team success at Western Washington and long-term aspirations of wearing the red jersey for Canada on the international stage, Pritchard remains dedicated to his development both as an athlete and future engineer.
Learn more about George Pritchard
The Jeff Lombard Eagle Scholarship .
Brady McHugh
Finding respect and camaraderie in rugby's unique culture, Brady McHugh discovered his true athletic calling after transitioning from a decade-long football career at age 14. McHugh excelled in the front row as a hooker and also as a blindside flanker, embracing the gritty, physical demands of these positions with passion. His leadership qualities were recognized when he was selected to captain the U19 Loggers squad against British Columbia, and he helped lead his team to a Rugby WA state championship during his senior year of high school. Beyond rugby, McHugh is an accomplished pianist of 15 years who co-runs a band with teammates, demonstrating how the sport has expanded his horizons and built lasting friendships. Though medical retirement due to brain injuries has concluded his playing career, McHugh's final match at the CRAA National 7s tournament marks a transition rather than an end to his rugby journey. He will continue his academic pursuits at Western Washington University, studying Recreation Management and Leadership with a Tourism concentration while working toward his OUPV Captain's License to pursue a career running fishing charters.
Paul Horne Out of State Resident Scholarship
Oliver Kelleher
Finding his way back to rugby after a brief introduction in fourth grade, Oliver Kelleher rediscovered the sport through a high school friend who patiently explained the game during recess sessions. Transitioning from a lifelong soccer background where he eventually captained his Walpole High School team, Kelleher embraced rugby's camaraderie and creative freedom, first with the Wrentham Barbarians and now with Western Washington University and Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club. His versatility on the pitch spans multiple positions in both 7s and 15s rugby, with particular success at outside center where he leverages his athletic abilities in both attack and defense. Kelleher's rugby highlight came when Western won the National 7s Tournament hosted in Bellingham, celebrated with both family and teammates. Balancing his Environmental Science studies with rugby commitments, Kelleher maintains a packed schedule that allows time for academics, athletics, and personal interests. With short-term goals focused on capturing the 15s National Championship in 2025 and securing revenge against University of San Diego, and long-term aspirations of continuing competitive men's rugby while pursuing a career in marine research, Kelleher represents a player whose family ties to the sport—particularly through his UK-raised mother—have helped shape both his athletic development and life direction.
Learn more about Oliver Kelleher
Preston Worth Scholarship
Lyndon Bailey
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Discovering rugby at age 8 through his father's influence, Lyndon Bailey found freedom on the pitch that contrasted with his role as a football lineman, allowing him to showcase his natural speed with ball in hand. While beginning as a fly-half, Bailey grew into a lock forward where his physique proved ideal, developing particular expertise in lineout jumping. His rugby career has progressed through the Los Gatos Lions, San Mateo Wolverines, California Grizzlies, USA Junior National Team, and currently Western Washington University. Bailey's rugby achievements include captaining his state team and earning selection to represent his country internationally. Beyond rugby, he contributed to his high school football team's success as Division 2 state runners-up in California. Bailey balances his academic studies in business at Western with his athletic commitments through disciplined time management, while maintaining dual goals of elevating Western's rugby program to D1A success and representing the United States in the 2031 Rugby World Cup. Family support, particularly from parents who drove him over an hour to practices multiple times weekly and a brother who "paved the way" athletically, has been fundamental to his journey as he continues developing skills that will serve him in both his sporting and professional future.
Learn more about Lyndon Bailey
Marc Jackson
Finding rugby at age 15 during his sophomore year of high school, Marc Jackson joined a newly established team at the encouragement of a good friend, eager to explore a sport he had always wanted to try but couldn't due to COVID disruptions. Despite initial nervousness about the padless contact and unfamiliar rules, Jackson quickly embraced the game alongside his closest friends, experiencing a sense of fulfillment in their collective growth and improvement. His rugby journey took him from Camas Boys Rugby to multiple select-side teams including Oregon Redhawks, PNW Loggers, BC Advantage, and Western Futures before joining Western Washington University. Jackson's versatility saw him evolve from lock to flanker and number eight, and finally to loosehead prop before an injury sidelined him, with flanker and eight-man remaining his preferred positions as they complement his unique combination of size and speed. His competitive achievements include three consecutive state championship appearances with his high school club, securing the title in his junior year. Now focused on playing for a men's club team while preparing for a career in emergency medical services through an upcoming EMT course, Jackson remains dedicated to the sport that taught him discipline and resilience through challenges including championship losses and serious injuries including a broken ankle and separated AC joint. With strong family support—his father even became president of his high school club team—and a commitment to mentoring younger players from his hometown, Jackson exemplifies how rugby builds not just athletes but well-rounded individuals with a passion for giving back to the community.
Sam Schuver
Drawn to rugby in eighth grade through the enthusiasm of his close friend and current teammate Charlie Hepp, Sam Schuver has developed into a creative back who thrives at flyhalf and fullback positions. Beginning with Eastside Tsunami in Portland, Oregon before joining Western Washington University's program, Schuver appreciates the creative elements of his preferred positions and particularly enjoys the kicking aspects of the game. Beyond rugby, Schuver found success on the football field, winning two 6A State championships and earning all-conference honors as a punter during his senior year. His rugby journey hasn't been without challenges, including a fractured collarbone during his junior year of high school that sidelined him for the remainder of the season, though he returned to help lead his team to a state championship the following year. Currently majoring in Communication Studies while pursuing his ultimate goal of becoming a structural firefighter, Schuver balances his academic responsibilities by scheduling earlier classes to allow ample time for homework before practice. With strong family support—including parents and siblings who attend nearly every game regardless of distance or weather conditions—and one sister who takes photos for the entire team, Schuver remains focused on his short-term goal of winning national championships in both 15s and 7s while contributing to his long-term vision of helping Western Washington progress to D1A status.
