Danita Knox
2025
Inductee
Danita Knox's rugby journey began in 1985 at Clemson University. Born March 23, 1963, in the United States, Danita played rugby for 24 years, retiring in 2005 at age 42. Her club career was highlighted by her decade with the Atlanta Harlequins Women's Rugby Football Club (1995-2005), where she helped build the team into a national powerhouse. Under her leadership, the Harlequins consistently ranked among the top eight teams in the nation and broke into the top four on multiple occasions.
While her playing accomplishments were notable, it is Danita's administrative leadership that has left an indelible mark on American rugby. In 2005, working with then-USA Women's National Team coach Kathy Flores, Danita founded the US Women's Rugby Foundation (USWRF). Starting as a small fundraising organization for the women's national team, the USWRF has grown under her steady leadership to become the leading advocate for girls' and women's rugby in the United States. She continues to serve as its President and Board Chair, expanding the organization's mission to provide support and advocacy for women in every level of rugby.
Danita's rugby administration experience spans multiple organizations. She served on the USA Rugby Board of Directors from 2004 to 2013, where she led the TU/LAU Committee that developed the current Geographic Union structure. She was President and Executive Board Member of the Georgia Rugby Union from 2002 to 2012. From 1999 to 2013, she served as Women's Director and Vice President of USA Rugby South, creating the first women's U23 all-star competition. Additionally, she was an officer with the Atlanta Harlequins Women's Rugby Club from 1996 to 2006.
In 2017, Danita was instrumental in establishing the Women's Rugby Coaches and Referees Association (WRCRA), where she continues to serve as an Advisor. This organization provides a professional home for coaches, referees, players, administrators, journalists, and fans of women's rugby. The WRCRA hosts an annual national conference with technical and administrative tracks that has become the premier professional development event for women in US rugby.
Since 2019, Danita has served on the Atlanta Youth Rugby Advisory Board, focusing on rugby development for younger players. She has created numerous community organizations through rugby camps, clinics, and school programs, helping to nurture the next generation of rugby players.
Danita's contributions were recognized at the 2021 Women's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, where she represented Kathy Flores's family, friends, and the USWRF to accept Kathy's induction into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. The USWRF honors Kathy's legacy through the "Kathy Flores Coaching Resource Library" and the "Kathy Flores Lifetime Achievement Award."
Beyond rugby, Danita is a Global Product Specialist for Hitachi Energy, managing the Transformer Preventive Services and Commissioning service portfolio. She holds degrees in engineering and international business.
Throughout her 40+ years in rugby, Danita's underlying passion has been to support and advance women's game. Described by colleagues as fair, compassionate, patient, and collaborative, she exemplifies the core values of rugby in her leadership style. Her ability to build relationships across organizations, develop younger leaders, and consistently pursue growth opportunities for women and girls in rugby has transformed the landscape of American women's rugby, creating pathways for future generations to enjoy the sport.