Player Spotlights
Periodically throughout the year, we recognize individual players from our team for their accomplishments both on and off of the pitch. We hope you enjoy learning more about what makes our team so unique!
Tristan Peronard, September 2016
Today marks the beginning of rugby season and the first day of practice at Tulane! In honor of the occasion we will begin highlighting a new athlete every week throughout the year. To kick us off right, we will begin with our Club President, Tristan! Enjoy and welcome back everyone!
"My name is Tristan Peronard, most of the girls call me Tris. I am a junior majoring in Neuroscience and Cognitive Studies with a minor in Psychology. I’m from Littleton, Colorado, which is just outside Denver. This is my eighth year playing rugby. I starting playing when I was 13 and I haven’t looked back since! I got started because both my parents played and I was sick of playing soccer. Actually my mom played her last rugby game when she was two months pregnant with me. So really I’ve been playing rugby since before I was born. I keep my schedule pretty packed between going to class, working, researching and volunteering but most of the free time I do have, I spend running, at the gym and hiking when I’m back home. I love playing rugby for so many reasons, but main one is because of the people. Rugby fosters a culture of camaraderie, acceptance and friendship. My rugby teammates both past and present have become part of my family. We sweat together, we work together, we cry together, and we celebrate together. Every time I step onto the pitch I do so surrounded by 14 of my closest friends, and there is no place I would rather be."
Gwen Leifer, September 11th 2016
Our player of the week made a place for herself as soon as she stepped on the pitch last year showing such sass and gritty competitiveness that she even argued about the rules before she knew the rules ;) By the end of her first year she was a force to be reckoned with in the centers. In the National Championship Spring Final, she intercepted a pass to score a try that gave her team the last bit of momentum to close out the season with a win. Enjoy our week 2 Spotlight on team Secretary, Gwen Leifer!
"I am a sophomore at Tulane this year, studying physics and math. After growing up playing soccer in Boulder, CO, I decided to try something new in college, and started showing up to rugby practices. Before long I realized that I like rugby even better than soccer, because as anyone that has ever played with me can tell you, I am *slightly* competitive and *slightly* aggressive. My favorite thing about the game is how far sheer determination and grit can take you, and how vital communication and respect between teammates is. Playing rugby creates a bond in a group that few other things can. I would encourage anyone interested to come out and play with us; we are a diverse group of women who love our sport and each other. Roll wave!"
Tristan Peronard, September 2016
Today marks the beginning of rugby season and the first day of practice at Tulane! In honor of the occasion we will begin highlighting a new athlete every week throughout the year. To kick us off right, we will begin with our Club President, Tristan! Enjoy and welcome back everyone!
"My name is Tristan Peronard, most of the girls call me Tris. I am a junior majoring in Neuroscience and Cognitive Studies with a minor in Psychology. I’m from Littleton, Colorado, which is just outside Denver. This is my eighth year playing rugby. I starting playing when I was 13 and I haven’t looked back since! I got started because both my parents played and I was sick of playing soccer. Actually my mom played her last rugby game when she was two months pregnant with me. So really I’ve been playing rugby since before I was born. I keep my schedule pretty packed between going to class, working, researching and volunteering but most of the free time I do have, I spend running, at the gym and hiking when I’m back home. I love playing rugby for so many reasons, but main one is because of the people. Rugby fosters a culture of camaraderie, acceptance and friendship. My rugby teammates both past and present have become part of my family. We sweat together, we work together, we cry together, and we celebrate together. Every time I step onto the pitch I do so surrounded by 14 of my closest friends, and there is no place I would rather be."
Tristan Peronard, September 2016
Today marks the beginning of rugby season and the first day of practice at Tulane! In honor of the occasion we will begin highlighting a new athlete every week throughout the year. To kick us off right, we will begin with our Club President, Tristan! Enjoy and welcome back everyone!
"My name is Tristan Peronard, most of the girls call me Tris. I am a junior majoring in Neuroscience and Cognitive Studies with a minor in Psychology. I’m from Littleton, Colorado, which is just outside Denver. This is my eighth year playing rugby. I starting playing when I was 13 and I haven’t looked back since! I got started because both my parents played and I was sick of playing soccer. Actually my mom played her last rugby game when she was two months pregnant with me. So really I’ve been playing rugby since before I was born. I keep my schedule pretty packed between going to class, working, researching and volunteering but most of the free time I do have, I spend running, at the gym and hiking when I’m back home. I love playing rugby for so many reasons, but main one is because of the people. Rugby fosters a culture of camaraderie, acceptance and friendship. My rugby teammates both past and present have become part of my family. We sweat together, we work together, we cry together, and we celebrate together. Every time I step onto the pitch I do so surrounded by 14 of my closest friends, and there is no place I would rather be."
Alexandra Clarke, September 25 2016
Our next Player of the Week has held some prestigious roles within the team and continues to be an integral member in facilitating the growth of the Club. Holding her own just as easily in the centers as she does at Prop, she can be a terror on the field wielding her favorite stiff arm and literally bouncing her way (you better tackle her to ground or she WILL remove you from her person) to the try line. The first person in the pool for recovery sessions and the very very very last in the ice bath, meet Alexandra Clarke!
"mememememe meee! Alex "OG" "El Presidente" Clarke is a super-super-Junior Loose-head prop studying Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Chinese Language. Coming in at 22 years old of age, 5'6, 180 lbs, a 4.85/5 star Uber rating, and an average of 3 super Tinder likes a week, the Illinoisian veteran front row player and her stiff arm are clearly a force to be reckoned with. Quoted as a "mobile" fast front row who "is very comfortable in open space", Alex is also very comfortable in a hot bath with a cold beer and a warm welcome from the Netflix start-up page. Off the pitch, Alex acts as the current president of the Society of Women Engineers and the Vice-President of the Biomedical Engineering Society. Through the bookshelves in the library, she was quoted saying, "I tend to overcommit." However, she explained that rugby is the only thing that keeps her going: "Who needs therapy when you have a team and community full of women who love you and accept you for who you are, whilst also being perfectly okay with you beating the crap out of them?""
Alexandra Clarke, September 25 2016
Our next Player of the Week has held some prestigious roles within the team and continues to be an integral member in facilitating the growth of the Club. Holding her own just as easily in the centers as she does at Prop, she can be a terror on the field wielding her favorite stiff arm and literally bouncing her way (you better tackle her to ground or she WILL remove you from her person) to the try line. The first person in the pool for recovery sessions and the very very very last in the ice bath, meet Alexandra Clarke!
"mememememe meee! Alex "OG" "El Presidente" Clarke is a super-super-Junior Loose-head prop studying Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Chinese Language. Coming in at 22 years old of age, 5'6, 180 lbs, a 4.85/5 star Uber rating, and an average of 3 super Tinder likes a week, the Illinoisian veteran front row player and her stiff arm are clearly a force to be reckoned with. Quoted as a "mobile" fast front row who "is very comfortable in open space", Alex is also very comfortable in a hot bath with a cold beer and a warm welcome from the Netflix start-up page. Off the pitch, Alex acts as the current president of the Society of Women Engineers and the Vice-President of the Biomedical Engineering Society. Through the bookshelves in the library, she was quoted saying, "I tend to overcommit." However, she explained that rugby is the only thing that keeps her going: "Who needs therapy when you have a team and community full of women who love you and accept you for who you are, whilst also being perfectly okay with you beating the crap out of them?""
Brittany Dykes, October 2nd 2016
If ever there was a teammate who embodied the team spirit in human form, our next player of the week would be it! Always a leader on and off the field as well as one of our experienced veteran players, she has the challenging job of keeping all 15 people organized and moving forward together using a combination of relentless "can-do"attitude, intent in everything, and fiery playing style. "Though she be but little she is fierce" couldn't ring more true.
"Hi! I'm Brittany Dykes! I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I grew up playing soccer, running track, and playing basketball. I never imagined rugby making that list until I went to USC for my freshman year of college. After my first practice with the USC women’s rugby team, I was sold, rugby is the best sport in the world. It has the pace of a soccer game, but the hard hitting of a football game (with no pads of course). Rugby is definitely a sport that I find that I can leave everything out on the pitch, which is something I really needed in life. When I was looking to transfer my number one requirement was that the college had to have a rugby team and I was pumped to find out Tulane met that qualification. This will be my 5th year playing rugby and I couldn’t be happier."
Rohen Turner, October 12th 2016
While our player of the week hasn't been on the field since March, due to an injury, you would never know it, making her one of the best examples of what being an athlete and a part of this Tulane rugby family is all about. She is at practices, supporting her teammates, teaching core skills, being a friend and leader among her teammates, practicing one-legged jiu jitsu at cross training sessions, pushing herself on fitness, and, maybe most importantly, bringing heart and determination with her always. As a rising star in the pack, she posed quite a challenge to opposition in the front row proving time and time again that being a freshman meant very little when it came down to technical skill and work rate. While outwardly quiet and never one to show off, she easily earned her starting shirt as well as her nickname "21" and we have no doubt that she will step back on the pitch with us in the spring as an even greater threat than she was before! Meet Rohen Turner!
"Hi, my name is Rohen and I’m a sophomore majoring in Public Health. I grew up in Houston, TX and went to high school right outside of Boston, where I started playing rugby. Both of my parents played rugby and I definitely grew up around a rugby culture that I loved. Although I was continuously encouraged to play, it wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I finally accepted that my first love, soccer, was no longer a passion of mine so I tried out rugby. I’m so glad that I decided to play rugby, and still kick myself for not playing earlier! Both in high school and college I’ve met my best friends through rugby and genuinely don’t know where I’d be today without the sport. I can’t think of any other place that I’d rather spend my Saturdays than on the pitch."
Hannah Hoover, October 20th 2016
This week we are showcasing one of our 11 veterans that are overseas studying abroad. While preparing for our first foray into match play this season her absence as one of the figureheads of the team can certainly be felt but even from a distance she makes sure she is involved and voice/opinion is heard! She is as renowned for her unreal tanning abilities and southern phrases as she is for her on-point passing, quarterback quality decision-making skills, and questionable yet effective use of her head during tackles. Her role on the team as a take-charge leader that leads by example ( and occasionally dragging people along with her sheer determination) was critical in taking last years backline performance to technical surgical precision, slicing through their competition. Our player of the week, Hannah Hoover, proves just how far "using your head" can take you.
"I'm a junior studying anthropology and classical studies with an interest in archaeology and dirt. While I'd prefer to be called the young Indiana Jones, I am often referred to as Hoover and more rarely, KC (Kidney Crusher). I started playing rugby my freshman year of college and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made! Rugby has taught me how to step outside of my comfort zone and the importance of grit and resilience. I've met some of my best friends and am proud to say that I am a member of a pretty awesome rugby community. Other activities I am involved with include the Anthro club (TAC), GWA, srat life, and HATT, an organization that deals with housing inequality, food insecurity, and the homeless. In my free time, I love to hike, eno, make puns, and take long walks in the wilderness. I have a special affinity for office supplies and podcasts, and I'm currently training for a marathon."
Ashley Prusak, October 26th 2016
This player of the week has somehow channeled Marie Laveau, the famous New Orleans Voodoo Queen, who was known for magically managing to be in more than one place at a time. There is no other explanation for how she is able to juggle between jobs, school, rugby, horses, and the million other things she does. Never one to leave anything outstanding her never ending energy and enthusiasm keeps everyone on their toes on and off the pitch with one of the highest work rates on the team. If she were to own a business, she would adeptly and successfully be the CEO, boardmembers, financial advisors, managers, and staffers...all at once. So intense is her drive for success that one National Championship run just wasn't enough, making it to Nationals with rugby as well as Hunt Seat Equitation (fancy horse things) in the Spring. Due to an intense dislike for being tackled, she has developed one of the meanest stiff arms in the region, deftly helping show people to the ground if they dare get too close to her! Meet our Treasurer and Center extraordinaire, Ashley!
"My name is Ashley Prusak. I'm a senior majoring in Marketing and Legal Studies with minors in Spanish and Latin American Studies. I enjoy seeing how much time I can possibly spend taking classes, playing rugby, riding horses, and working 3 jobs without going insane. This is my fourth year playing rugby, and I started because my friend gave me her old cleats and forced me to show up to her roommate's practice. I love playing because there's nothing better than working out with your best friends."
Clare Sullivan, November 1st 2016
This year has been inspirational and probably just a smidgen stressful for this player of the week. Having taken on the incredible challenge of managing, facilitating, and running interference on scheduling chaos as tournament coordinator/match secretary for the Halloween Tournament last week, she stepped up to the proverbial free throw line and made sure it was all net! When she isn't managing successful rugby events she can be seen ( you might have to look up quite a ways) perfecting her signature one armed alley oop into contact and locking out all the competition, often to the detriment of her ankles. As a freshman last year she accelerated quickly in skill, easily translating years of sports skill into a rugby style that makes her a standout tight five player and a bear to bring down. By April, she was getting nationally scouted and ultimately selected to attend, along with three other Tulane players, the All-American Stars and Stripes Development Camp! Not one to let a little high level exposure give her an ego, she is often one of the hardest working players at practice always striving to get a little lower, hit a little harder, and carry a little further. That hard work translated into a well deserved first try during Tulane's first match of the season and we have no doubt there are more in her future. Meet Clare!
"Hey all, my name is Clare Sullivan and I am a sophomore at Tulane. I am part of the business school and my major is management. I want to go into sports management and work with athletes. I’m from Chicago, Illinois. The actual city too, not the suburbs. I’ve played very competitive sports my whole life, mainly basketball, but I didn’t start playing rugby until I came to Tulane last fall. I grew up knowing about rugby because my dad played it in college and loved it, but I never really had any interest in the sport. And then, I sort of fell into rugby headfirst and immediately fell in love. My favorite thing about rugby is how accepting the sport is for everyone who plays. Anyone who tries rugby can be successful, as long as they’re willing to put in the work. Rugby honestly has changed my life, and made me a better person for it. It allows me to be my truest self, and I wouldn’t have it any other way."
Laynie Kuhlmann, January 20th 2017
We have taken a bit of a hiatus but Tulane WRFC is back to training this week and with training comes a new Player of the Week! With arguably one of the biggest most generous hearts this player of the week has been sorely missed this year as she continues her studies abroad. In true rugby form, her adopted team has embraced her fully and we love to see her continuing to be a part of rugby even when away! As a self admitted "non-sports" person she continues to prove that she most certainly IS a sports person after all! As a teammate who never fails to be selfless in thinking about others, gives it her all, and somehow ALWAYS manages to shock everyone with some new detail about herself when it is least expected she brings a beautiful balance to the team. We cannot wait for her to come home but, until then, we love the updates and the care packages! From all the way in Ireland, our fish-fearing grilled cheese Queen, Meet Alayna "Laynie" Kuhlmann!
"I am a currently a Junior majoring in English and Psychology. I grew up in Highland Park, IL, just north of Chicago. Besides rugby, I am an avid reader, have been an editor on multiple school literary magazines, and enjoy creative writing. This year I am studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland and hopefully continuing to expand my list of interests. I got into rugby the second semester of my Freshman year at college, due to the encouragement of my friend and roommate Bella Renner. After hearing from her about the comradery of the team and having too much time on my hands, I was easily convinced to come and try at least one practice. I have never viewed myself as particularly athletic and was extremely nervous that first day, but the team was so welcoming, friendly and fun that I quickly started to fall in love with the game. I love the exhilaration of the game and the knowledge that the team is there to support one another both on and off the pitch. I love that my teammates and coach always push me to believe in myself even when I don’t. And finally, I love that rugby makes me feel like a stronger person both physically and emotionally, due to the game itself and the amazing people I have been able to meet through participating.
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to play rugby abroad this year while I studied. The experience has only proved to me the welcoming nature of the rugby community. I have meet so many supportive and encouraging girls on the Trinity College Dublin team and have had "good craic" with them."
Brae Hunter, February 13th 2017
There are moments when someone really truly surprises you with a gentle ( but usually quite aggressive) display of just how far they have come along in their development as a rugby player. One such instance happened tonight as a player single handedly held off three others, guaranteeing success for her team. The result was electrifying for both the athlete and her teammates who erupted into cheers.Those players are what make up the soul and heartbeat of the team. They are the ones who remind us that growth and development is an individual practice that garners team results. They are the ones that remind us that improvement beyond our own expectations is dependent on the desire, hard work, and will to achieve. They remind us that for success at anything in life, a strong passionate unflagging positive spirit is required. Our player of the week has certainly been working hard the past two years and, if the cheers are any indication, she is getting incredible results in ways that are surprising even herself! When you tie in her work ethic to her beautiful humorous personality, it quickly becomes apparent that she is loved by her team ( and coach ;) ) so it makes perfect sense that she be honored this week. Here's to our bucket hat wearing ruck smashing Keebler elf, Brae Hunter!
"An Environmental Studies/ Political Science/ Sociology major from Pacifica, CA (home of Danny Barrett, Olympic rugby player – there must be something in the water), I had never seen a game of rugby until the match against Springhill in February 2016, about a week before I played in my first game against Alabama. Since then, I’ve learned a lot (including what a knock-on is exactly) thanks to the team and Jess. Although I spend a lot of time having fun with my friends in Phi Mu Fraternity, my true passion is fighting for environmental, economic, and social justice. As a member of the Women in Politics club, I’ve been able to find plenty of people who share those passions. Hannah, Lily, and Hayley, three fellow Phi Mu rugby players, suggested I join the team, and giving into peer pressure has never had a better outcome! I love the camaraderie both within and between teams, and truly have never felt more at home at Tulane than when I am with my team both on the pitch and off it. Tulane Women’s Rugby has given me another passion I hope to carry with me beyond college!"
Hayley Alexander, March 4th 2017
There are people that, by mere existence, make your life better. Those people often have the magical skill of being many different roles to many different people ranging from mom-status, dear annoying sister, dependable friend, your favorite boss, advisor, mentor, therapist, the secretary that never misses ANYTHING, the one you ask to write letters because their handwriting is just that perfect or that are the last stop before crazy town when things are hitting the fan. This player of the week certainly fits the bill and we missed her greatly while she was studying abroad last semester in Thailand (For some hilarious insight into her international rugby adventures http://internationalfallchampion.blogspot.com/ ).
When she isn't being everyone's person, she can be found smashing it up on the pitch and leading the charge from the very very front of the scrum. While she may be "fun-size" that deters her not in the least from taking on the biggest and baddest the opposition has to offer, sanity questionable. Not one to bet against in a line-out throwing contest ( you will lose, FYI), the winner for most epic captured on camera example of how to get properly stiff-armed, and our TU rugby representative at the Maccabi games this summer in Israel; Meet Hayley Alexander!
Name: Hayley Alexander, VP of TUWRFC
Height/Weight: Fun Sized
Position: Hooker
Nickname: Bellevue
Hometown: Bellevue, WA
Majors: Public Health and Political Science
Year: Junior
Hello, I’m Hayley Alexander and I am a hooker ;)
I grew up in Bellevue, Washington an avid hiker, snowboarder, and runner. My first experience tackling was playing snow football with my brother and his friends. It was such a thrill tackling large guys, I should have known that rugby was in my future! I joined the Tulane team the second week of my freshman year. I thought it would be a fun way to meet people, be active, be aggressive, and be part of something larger than myself. Little did I know what this team would have in store for me. Rugby is addicting. Each line hit, tackle, scrum, and ruck leave you begging for more. The combination of raw aggression and calculated tact makes rugby unlike any other. The community surrounding the sport is tight knit, quirky, fun, and the most caring people I have met. Rugby has made New Orleans a home for me. Rugby has also introduced me to the 25 most driven and empowering girls: my teammates and coach. Outside of rugby, I enjoy animal costumes, dancing, traveling, cooking, and eating of course (forward life).
Lily Wissinger, April 9th 2017
Coming off of an incredible weekend of rugby, it seems appropriate to kick off this week with a player of the week!
This player has accused me of lacking brevity and waxing poetic a bit too much so in honor I will keep this short. In the words of USA Rugby, she is the "real deal".
For those of you that know her, please add a concise one word description of her in comments below! Please meet our Spring President and killer on the field, Miss Lily Wissinger!
"My name is Lily Wissinger and I am a junior at Tulane with a double major in Marketing and Legal Studies. I'm from a suburb of San Francisco, California, and the town actually has a really good rugby program. However, I hadn't even considered playing rugby until the second semester of my freshman year at Tulane. I played basketball pretty competitively in high school, and after a few months without it I found myself missing the competitive atmosphere of a sport and the comradery of a team. So when I met two girls in my sorority-- Hannah and Hayley-- who were also on the rugby team, I figured I might as well give it a shot. As it turned out, I freaking love it. It is just as intense and competitive as it seems, and the bond that our team has is unlike the bond of any other team I've ever been on. From the first day of practice, rugby has opened my eyes to all kinds of people and experiences I had never imagined being involved with before. The team is a family, and my teammates have pushed me to be a better athlete, student, and friend than I was just a couple years ago. I've only been playing rugby for a little over a year, but now I can't imagine my life without it."
Kayla Alexis, May 1st 2017
As we roll into exam week bringing another incredible season to a close, it is a great time to reflect on the growth and development of our team and, in particular, the outstanding college career and National level performance by our senior player of the week!
Never one to lack enthusiasm for anything ( and I do mean literally anything), she threw herself into rugby with all the sass and chutzpah of a crazed honey badger. Eager to get on the field and show off her spin moves and epic ball stripping skills on her opponents, she jumped ankle first into the action( RIP Ankles) and made up for lack of knowledge and zero regard for an offsides line with the same joyful abandonment of a puppy causing chaos around the pitch. As the years have gone by, she developed into a powerful force to be reckoned with, bringing an energy to the field that no other player can generate among her teammates. In the face of so many obstacles to her ability to play, she finished her college rugby career starting in this years Spring National Championship, giving away zero penalties, and keeping our defenses strong. She IS the teams rally cry and it will be tough to lose the fire she brought to every match. While the progression of her skill sets is a testament to her athletic skill and determination, it is her journey there that is perhaps even more inspiring and, hopefully, will be a reminder to her teammates in the future to never give up, no matter what roadblocks stand in your way. To our inspring, fiesty, ball stripping, ruck hovering, dog loving Queen - We will miss your energy, the smiles, the questionable jokes, and your spark that lit the fire to keep the team rolling forward. Please meet our Player of the Week, Kayla Alexis!
"My name is Kayla and I’m a senior psychology major. I’ve technically been playing rugby for about a year, but an injury left me out of last year’s season for about 4 months. You’d think with all the annoying obstacles I would learn my lesson, throw up my hands and say, “OKAY Universe, you got me. I’ll stop playing rugby.” But if you think this is possible, you obviously haven’t tried the sport. Rugby is so much more than tossing an oversized football backwards while simultaneously trying not to get trampled. It is the most accepting and loving community I have ever been a part of. Your teammates truly become your family and the bonds you form with them, through all of the cuts and bruises, lasts for life. The rugby community is one like no other. Despite the competitiveness, as soon as you step on the pitch, everyone only wants to ensure the well-being and safety of your teammates and your competitors. Most importantly, rugby is a sport for everyone! My first time, and many of my teammates’ first times, touching a rugby ball was last September, and we went on to win a (Spring) national championship! It’s never too late to start playing!"
