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Youth & Development

College Scholarships

Our program is designed to provide financial assistance to deserving student-athletes who demonstrate a strong commitment to academic achievement and rugby excellence. This year's scholarship application period will run through August 31st.

Eligible scholarship applicants must be graduating high school in June 2023 and attending college and playing rugby for that college in the Fall of 2023. 

US Rugby Foundation Scholarships

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The Meg Votta Memorial Scholarship Program

The Meg Votta Memorial Scholarship Program was created in 2010 to honor the memory of Margaret “Meg” Votta, who passed away in November 2009 after a valiant battle with ovarian cancer...

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The Meg Votta Memorial Scholarship Program was created in 2010 to honor the memory of Margaret “Meg” Votta, who passed away in November 2009 after a valiant battle with ovarian cancer. The fund was established to provide scholarships to deserving members of the rugby community who have been active players in their local high school programs and to be used for continuing education. Each year, the US Rugby Foundation intends to award the Meg Votta Memorial Scholarship to one deserving male and female rugby player. Each Meg Votta Memorial Scholarship will be in the amount of $1,250. Meg graduated from Hamilton College, but her rugby career began as a player for Cornell Women’s Rugby Football Club, which became the Gotham City Women’s RFC and ultimately New York Women’s Rugby (NYRC). She is perhaps the only woman to wear all three jerseys.

Who is Eligible?

The Meg Votta Scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale, demonstrate financial need, plan on attending an accredited four-year college or university with a recognized rugby program, and plan on joining said rugby program in the Fall of 2023. Scholarships are awarded to the male and female who each best express what the game of rugby has meant to them and their plans for furthering their education. This scholarship may be used for tuition, books or fees.

Education Level
High School Senior
Amount
$1,250
Minimum HS GPA
2.5/4.0
Scholarships Awarded
2
Deadline
August 31, 2023
Date has passed
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Kaler Family Rugby Scholarships

The Kaler Family Rugby Scholarship was founded in 2016 by Paul & Sarah Kaler with the mission of helping athletes transition into college rugby...

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The Kaler Family Rugby Scholarship was founded in 2016 by Paul & Sarah Kaler with the mission of helping athletes transition into college rugby. Paul began his rugby career in 1990 with River City RFC (Mason City, IA) and through several work promotions his journey took him to the Eastside Banshees (Minneapolis, MN), Wausau Area Rugby (Wausau, WI) and now with the St. Louis Royal Ramblers. Sarah began playing college rugby in 1996 at Wartburg University (Waverly, IA) and was a former club rugby player for Wausau Area Rugby Women (Wausau, WI). Both are avid rugby tourists that travel across the globe to compete at different levels as well as traveling the country to watch their children play. The two have devoted much of their lives promoting youth and amateur rugby across the US and use private donors as well as personal funding to support their scholarships in an effort to give back to a sport they both deeply love. Each year, the US Rugby Foundation intends to award Kaler Family Rugby Scholarships to one deserving male and female rugby player. Each Kaler Family Rugby Scholarship will be in the amount of $1,500. Kaler Family Scholarships was established to provide assistance for deserving members of the rugby community who have been active players in high school programs and to be used for continuing education.

Who is Eligible?

Kaler Family Scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale, demonstrate financial need, plan on attending an accredited four-year college or university with a recognized rugby program, and plan on joining said rugby program in the Fall of 2023. Scholarships are awarded to the male and female who best express what the game of rugby has meant to them and their plans for furthering their education. This scholarship may be used for tuition, books or fees.

Education Level
High School Senior
Amount
$1,500
Minimum HS GPA
2.5/4.0
Scholarships Awarded
2
Deadline
August 31, 2023
Date has passed
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William V. Campbell Memorial Scholarship

Named after US Rugby Hall of Famer, the late William “Bill” Campbell, the William V. Campbell Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to the college freshman who demonstrates a prowess on the rugby field and in the...

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Named after US Rugby Hall of Famer, the late William “Bill” Campbell, the William V. Campbell Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to the college freshman who demonstrates a prowess on the rugby field and in the classroom. Bill Campbell is a Columbia University grad who was well versed in football and was eventually recruited to the rugby pitch. He co-founded the Columbia University RFC (in 1961) because he understood the impact rugby could make in a community. With the help of other Columbia graduates, Campbell also helped found the renowned Old Blue RFC in New York City in 1963. His vision for Old Blue was to connect Columbia alumni athletes with a combination of championship caliber rugby and camaraderie. He captained and served as president of Old Blue, leading the club to numerous 15s and 7s championships over many years. His impact on Old Blue and U.S.A. rugby extends far beyond the pitch. Campbell was a passionate philanthropist within the rugby community, funding resources for Old Blue, Columbia, and U.S.A. Rugby. Campbell is remembered and celebrated for both his brawn and brains; a dynamic rugger and a highly regarded Silicon Valley executive.

Who is Eligible?

The William V. Campbell Memorial Scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors. Applicants must have a minimum 3.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale, plan on attending an accredited four-year college or university with a recognized rugby program, and plan on joining said rugby program in the Fall of 2023. The applicant’s character, recommendations, community work, school extracurricular activity, rugby potential and personal statement will also be considered in the selection process. This $2,500 scholarship may be used for tuition, books or fees.

Education Level
High School Senior
Amount
$2,500
Minimum HS GPA
3.75/4.0
Scholarships Awarded
1
Deadline
August 31, 2023
Date has passed
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Terry O'Reilly Memorial Scholarship Program

Terry O’Reilly was a passionate rugby player and supporter throughout his life...

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Terry O’Reilly was a passionate rugby player and supporter throughout his life. Born in Farnborough, England, he played for St. Anselm’s College in Birkenhead before he emigrated to America when he was 16. Growing up in Los Angeles, he continued to play rugby for Loyola Marymount. Spurning a career in television to continue his on-field play, he chose a legal career through a stint at Boalt Law School at Berkeley, where he played rugby for Cal. Following law school, he continued to play for several club teams, including the Bay Area Touring Side (“BATS”), the Old Blues of Berkeley, and the San Jose Silverhawks. Following his 25 years of active play, Terry was extremely active in supporting the Northern California Rugby Football Union and Cal rugby. He was a Trustee of the U.S. Rugby Foundation from 1993 to his death in 2015. He was dedicated to making rugby as popular a sport in the United States as it is in most of the world.

Who is Eligible?

The Terry O’Reilly Memorial Scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, demonstrate financial need, plan on attending an accredited four-year college or university with a recognized rugby program, and plan on joining said rugby program in the Fall of 2023. The applicant’s character, recommendations, community work, school extracurricular activity, rugby potential and personal statement will also be considered in the selection process. This scholarship may be used for tuition, books or fees.

Education Level
High School Senior
Amount
$2,500
Minimum HS GPA
3.0/4.0
Scholarships Awarded
1
Deadline
August 31, 2023
Date has passed
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Richard A. Donelli Memorial Scholarship

The Richard A. Donelli Memorial Scholarship was created to honor one of the most dominating players...

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The Richard A. Donelli Memorial Scholarship was created to honor one of the most dominating players. A former starting quarterback for Columbia University, Dick Donelli co-founded the Old Blue Rugby Football Club in 1961. A physically dominating scrumhalf, Donelli was legendary for his athleticism, technical passing skills and competitive nature. In 1972, Donelli captained the Met New York All-Stars against the New Zealand All-Blacks in a 40-10 defeat. Dick later coached the Old Blue RFC to four final four appearances from 1979-1986. Each year, the United States Rugby Foundation awards a scholarship to a collegiate player, male or female, within reasonable proximity to the New York Metropolitan area before or after graduation. The scholarship is in the amount of $2,500 and is awarded at the Old Blue Annual Hall of Fame Dinner.

Who is Eligible?

A Richard A. Donelli Memorial Scholarship could also be open to a graduating high school senior if there is not a qualified applicant from the junior & senior collegiate level. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, demonstrate financial need, and attend an accredited four-year college or university with a recognized rugby program. The applicant’s character, recommendations, community work, school extracurricular activity, rugby potential and personal statement will also be considered in the selection process. This scholarship may be used for tuition, books or fees.

Education Level
High School Senior
Amount
$2,500
Minimum HS GPA
3.0/4.0
Scholarships Awarded
1
Deadline
August 31, 2023
Date has passed
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The Kevin Higgins College Scholarship Program

To honor one of the most prolific players to ever pull on a United States Eagles jersey, the US Rugby Foundation is pleased to announce the Kevin Higgins College Scholarship Program...

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To honor one of the most prolific players to ever pull on a United States Eagles jersey, the US Rugby Foundation is pleased to announce the Kevin Higgins College Scholarship Program. A dashing number 13 who could play a rugged 12 and also outpace most on the wing. Kevin “Higgy” Higgins was a three-time Collegiate All-American at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. Kevin was still a student when he made the first of 28 test match appearances against Japan in 1985. He represented the United States at the first two Rugby World Cups, in 1987 (Australia) and 1991 (England), and captained the team three times, a testament to his overall skill and leadership. Kevin also earned 16 ‘caps’ with the USA 7s team, making three trips to the prestigious Hong Kong Sevens Tournament. The US Rugby Foundation will award up to 10, $1,000 Kevin Higgins College Scholarships to deserving high school seniors who go on to play rugby in college. These independent scholarships are open to all graduating high school rugby players in the U.S. who will be pursuing their rugby careers while continuing their education at the collegiate level.

Who is Eligible?

The Kevin Higgins College Scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale, plan on attending an accredited four-year college or university with a recognized rugby program, and plan on joining said rugby program in the Fall of 2023. The applicant’s character, recommendations, community work, school extracurricular activity, rugby potential and personal statement will also be considered in the selection process. This scholarship may be used for tuition, books or fees.

Education Level
High School Senior
Amount
$1,000
Minimum HS GPA
2.5/4.0
Scholarships Awarded
Up to 10
Deadline
August 31, 2023
Date has passed

Western Washington University Scholarships

The students submitting the following scholarship applications must be attending Western Washington University.

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Paul Horne Out of State Resident Scholarship

Paul is an alumni and former player of Western Washington University. He has enjoyed extensive coaching in British Columbia including Canadian National Men’s team. Paul was inducted in the British Columbia...

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Paul is an alumni and former player of Western Washington University. He has enjoyed extensive coaching in British Columbia including Canadian National Men’s team. Paul was inducted in the British Columbia Hall of Fame in 2015. Currently the Director of Rugby at WWU.

Who is Eligible?

One international or out of state student with an elite background in rugby will be awarded this scholarship annually. The student must be attending Western Washington University.

Education Level
High School Senior
Amount
Up to $7,500
Minimum HS GPA
2.7/4.0
Scholarships Awarded
1
Deadline
August 31, 2023
Date has passed
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The Jeff Lombard Eagle Scholarship

Jeff is an alumni and former player of Western Washington University. He played for the USA Eagles National team, and managed the 1987 USA World Cup team. Jeff was inducted in the US Rugby Foundation Hall of Fame...

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Jeff is an alumni and former player of Western Washington University. He played for the USA Eagles National team, and managed the 1987 USA World Cup team. Jeff was inducted in the US Rugby Foundation Hall of Fame in 2015. He is a founding member of the WWU Rugby Alumni Association.

Who is Eligible?

One international or out of state student with an elite background in rugby will be awarded this scholarship annually. The student must be attending Western Washington University.

Education Level
High School Senior
Amount
Up to $7,500
Minimum HS GPA
2.7/4.0
Scholarships Awarded
1
Deadline
August 31, 2023
Date has passed
Closed
Closed

Don Burgess International Scholarship

Don Burgess’ lifetime career in rugby on Vancouver Island showcased his skills as a stunning player and brilliant coach. His rugby magic brought success to the teams he played with or coached, and earned him headlines...

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Don Burgess’ lifetime career in rugby on Vancouver Island showcased his skills as a stunning player and brilliant coach. His rugby magic brought success to the teams he played with or coached, and earned him headlines in the British press, such as “Burgess Superb” and “Brilliant Burgess.”

Don came to Western Washington State College in 1957 on a track scholarship. He held the mile record for many years and was instrumental in getting the game of rugby on campus. He became a lifelong supporter of rugby at WWU until his passing in 2018 at the age of 85.

Who is Eligible?

One international student with an elite background in rugby, residing outside the US will be awarded this scholarship annually. The student must be attending Western Washington University.

Education Level
High School Senior
Amount
$15,930
Minimum HS GPA
2.7/4.0
Scholarships Awarded
1
Deadline
August 31, 2023
Date has passed
Our Impact

Scholarship Recipients

Brad Kissinger
2022
Caden Crist
2022
Erik Rosenmeier
2022
Gibbs Kell
2022
James Sullivan
2022
Judd Berman
2022
Mason Walker
2022
Seth Catchpole
2022
Zachary Herrington
2022
Zachary Smith
2022
Alyssa Cunningham
2021
Amelia Dellamano
2021
Austin Felt
2021
Brett Krenke
2021
Devon Roosna
2021
Elijah Palmer
2021
Israel Martinez
2021
Jakai Bailey
2021
Micky O’Leary
2021
Philip Tracey
2021
Andrew Whiteman
2020
Angelina Niu
2020
Anthony Richardson
2020
Brett Dowgiewicz
2020
Danielle McFall
2020
Jake Broselle
2020
Jayla Hampton
2020
Joshua Vargas
2020
Lyric Greenhill-Casados
2020
Zoë DeMassa
2020
Audra Fabrizio
2019
Avalua Lafitaga
2019
Collin Willsey
2019
David Starnes
2019
Haley Andreasen
2019
Jack Marchant
2019
Jackson Zabierek
2019
King Matu
2019
Max Schumacher
2019
PJ O’Reilly
2019
Adrionna Duncan
2018
Autumn LoCicero
2018
Braeden Looper
2018
Cassidy Bargell
2018
Ethan McVeigh
2018
Jack Tessier
2018
Jacob Jenkins
2018
Julia Smith
2018
Kobie Tuckson
2018
Michael Nettleton
2018
Charity Tenney
2017
Denecia Fernandes
2017
Emma Conrad
2017
Jonathon Hackett
2017
Labikoi Larbi
2017
Loren Lewis
2017
Nicholas Snyder
2017
Patrick Madden
2017
Vicente Rivas
2017
Andrew Baldado
2016
Becca Jane Rosko
2016
Christopher Costa
2016
Dante Lopresti
2016
Hannah Beagley
2016
Kyle Patmore
2016
Malik Hearon
2016
Martin Keuchkerian
2016
Megan Rose
2016
Ryan Maxfield
2016
Aaron Earlywine
2015
Brandon Holmes
2015
Grace Jacobsen
2015
Griffin Moesner
2015
Hannah Sample
2015
Ian Crilly
2015
Nick Yostel
2015
Owen Skonecki
2015
Sam Ciancutti
2015
Steve Branham
2015
Amy Plambeck
2014
Brandon Puccini
2014
Brendan Murphy
2014
Courtney Bridges
2014
Domonique Bellinger
2014
Elona Williams
2014
Liam Wynne
2014
Olivia Fiatoa
2014
Reed Heynen
2014
Tanner Pope
2014
Azjah Long
2013
Ceara Sammon
2013
Connor Kissler
2013
Corinne Heavner
2013
Danica Alley
2013
Daniel Hardiman
2013
Dawit Workie
2013
Eileen Lieb
2013
Lindsey Wise
2013
Matt Long
2013
Mitch Olney
2013
Cormac Saint
2022
Luke Malanga
2021
Ava Denner
2020
Joshua Lesley
2019
Jacob Jenkins
2018
Justin Petersen
2017
Owen Duvall
2016
Kaylen Thomas
2022
Manuel Guzman
2022
Kalisi Po’oi
2021
Luke Misleh
2021
Anna Bender
2020
Dylan Lewis
2020
Megan Reed
2019
Nick Lapponese
2019
Aiden Pavlek
2022
Emmet “Ash” Mallach
2021
Kobie Tuckson
2020
Mark Blum
2019
Sean Lumkong
2017
Tom St. Pierre
2016
Katherine Ramage
2015
Denise Zambon Ragalado
2014
Thomas Byrnes
2022
Thomas Curran
2021
Katana Provost
2022
Sosaia Pongi
2022
Ellie Villnow
2021
Erron Hubbard
2021