SWFL Lady Hammerheads Foster Community Through Rugby
The Southwest Florida Lady Hammerheads stand as a testament to the power of community in sports, enriching the Florida Women’s Rugby Union with fresh energy. This newly formed team has quickly become a beacon for women in the region who aspire to reconnect with the sport or explore it for the very first time.
A Vision Born from Passion
“We wanted to become that sixth team bridging the gap between Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, as there are women who long to embrace rugby, whether they’ve played before or are looking to start anew,” reflected Nicole Compres, the visionary Founder and President of the SWFL Lady Hammerheads.
Inspired after attending a men’s rugby tournament last August, Compres was struck by the camaraderie and the thrill of competition. “We gathered a group of women who had experience in rugby but hadn’t played together, and we performed surprisingly well,” she shared. The passion for the game reignited within her, highlighting the absence of recreational rugby opportunities for women in the area.
Building Bonds on the Field
With a spirited rallying cry, Compres brought together seasoned players and enthusiastic rookies. Now, a dedicated team of nine meets twice a week, practicing scrums and drills while weaving strong connections. “It’s an amazing opportunity for women to engage with a sport they might not have tried yet, and to build friendships across the community,” Compres expressed.
Team captain Jackie Kaziuk, who has dipped her toes into nearly every sport imaginable, emphasizes the camaraderie unique to rugby. “I can’t think of many other sports where teams meet up after games, regardless of the outcome, to share a meal and enjoy each other’s company,” she said, a smile in her voice as she reminisced about post-match gatherings.
Growing the Team
As the Lady Hammerheads look to expand their ranks to 30 players, they remain hopeful and enthusiastic about the future. Their upcoming match against Orlando at Estero Community Park on February 8 promises to be a thrilling encounter.
For women interested in joining this budding community, more details can be found at www.ladyhammerheads.com. Everyone deserves a place in the game, whether they are seasoned athletes or newcomers. As rugby fosters a unique bond built on teamwork and shared experiences, the SWFL Lady Hammerheads embrace this spirit wholeheartedly.
Interestingly, rugby has been gaining traction in the United States, perhaps fueled by the growth of women’s sports and the visibility of dazzling athletes competing on the international stage. Such developments contribute not just to the sport itself, but also to the community that rallies around it.
In reflecting upon their journey, the Lady Hammerheads not only aim to grow as players but as a family, united by the love of the game and the thrill of the match.
