Photo by: Rob Rasmussen / P8Photos.com
Quinnipiac Rugby Announces First Round of Incoming 2024 Class
5/1/2024 12:00:00 PM | Women's Rugby
HAMDEN, Conn. – The Quinnipiac Women's Rugby program has announced the addition of six student-athletes heading into the 2024 season, as revealed on May 1 by Head Coach Becky Carlson.
Layla Cox (Hampstead, Maryland), Alexa Kirschner (Charlotte, North Carolina), McKenzie Kroeger (Rescue, California), Melanie Sanchez (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), Jennie Weiner (Shelton, Connecticut) and Anna Wright (Single Springs, California) will all join the Bobcats ahead of the fall 2024 campaign.
"The 2024 class is one of our largest with a second set of signees on the horizon," Becky Carlson said. "We are thrilled to welcome each of our incoming Bobcats who all bring unique and intentionally-targeted skill sets to the squad, yet share commonality in their work rate and commitment to excellence in bringing home hardware on their resumes."
Layla Cox (Hampstead, Maryland)
Cox played rugby for the West Carroll Girls Middle & High School Marauders prior to joining the Bobcats. She was also selected to participate in the USA Rugby Women's U18 East Camp at Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland back in July of 2023.
"I chose Quinnipiac because of the coaches and how much I could see that they wanted me, not just for my talent but for me as a person," Cox said. "Once I visited campus I could see how much of a family the team was and that's what I care about most."
Cox intends to study Communications at Quinnipiac.
Alexa Kirschner (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Kirschner captained the Charlotte Cardinals Rugby Club this past season prior. She also traveled to Germany in the summer of 2023 with the North American Lions.
"I chose QU because of the support and genuine kindness that both the team and administration have shown during my visits," Kirschner said. "I felt at home as soon as I stepped onto the pitch. The comradery of the team was very inviting and the connection the players had with Coach Carlson ultimately made me choose Quinnipiac."
"I'm so excited to be a part of this team," Kirschner continued, "and to try new things and grow as a person!"
She intends to study Health Sciences at Quinnipiac.
McKenzie Kroeger (Rescue, California)
Kroeger plays club rugby for the Land Park Harlequins alongside fellow incoming Bobcat Anna Wright. She intends to major in Business at Quinnipiac.
Melanie Sanchez (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Sanchez has helped lead Devine Savior Holy Angels rugby to two State Championships, two Midwest Championships, and a pair of National Championships prior to joining the Bobcats.
"I chose Quinnipiac because of the amazing opportunities offered to me not only through high-level athletics, but also because of the strong academics," Sanchez said. "I am extremely thankful to pursue my passion of playing rugby, while also pursuing my nursing degree in an incredible environment. I am beyond excited to start my college journey and to be a part of the QU community!"
She will pursue a major in Nursing at Quinnipiac with the intention of becoming a Nurse Anesthetist in the future.
Jennie Weiner (Shelton, Connecticut)
Weiner was selected for the USA U18 National Rugby Team that competed in Wales. She is also a two-time EIRA U18 Team Tour selection (team competed in Ireland), and she has twice been selected for the EGRL Select Team in Florida.
The Shelton, Connecticut-native was awarded Team MVP for the Aspetuck Girls Rugby Club in 2020 and 2023. She was selected to serve as team captain in both 2023 and 2024. She also captained the Connecticut All-State rugby team, leading the program to a victory over the Pennsylvania All-State team.
"I chose Quinnipiac because of the team's competitive atmosphere and dedication to the game," Weiner said. "It feels like the best place for me to grow as a person, athlete, and a student. I'm excited to start this next chapter of my life and to challenge myself athletically at the next level!"
Weiner plans to major in Business Management at Quinnipiac. She has aspirations to go into sales and/or marketing.
Anna Wright (Single Springs, California)
Wright plays club rugby for the Land Park Harlequins alongside fellow incoming Bobcat McKenzie Kroeger. One of her biggest accomplishments to date is helping guide the program to a second-place finish at NorCal 2023.
"I chose Quinnipiac for their great Health Science Studies program, as well as the high level of rugby that they have to offer," Wright said. "The team and coaching staff are very welcoming and driven to success, something that is very admirable. I am looking forward to continuing my education and beginning the next chapter of my life in college."
Head Coach Becky Carlson just wrapped up her 13th year at the helm of the Quinnipiac Women's Rugby team in 2023-24, leading the transition from a new varsity program into a three-time national champion.
For more information on the Quinnipiac Women's Rugby program, visit gobobcats.com/rugby and follow the team on X/Twitter (@QU_Rugby) and Instagram (@QURugby).
Layla Cox (Hampstead, Maryland), Alexa Kirschner (Charlotte, North Carolina), McKenzie Kroeger (Rescue, California), Melanie Sanchez (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), Jennie Weiner (Shelton, Connecticut) and Anna Wright (Single Springs, California) will all join the Bobcats ahead of the fall 2024 campaign.
"The 2024 class is one of our largest with a second set of signees on the horizon," Becky Carlson said. "We are thrilled to welcome each of our incoming Bobcats who all bring unique and intentionally-targeted skill sets to the squad, yet share commonality in their work rate and commitment to excellence in bringing home hardware on their resumes."
Layla Cox (Hampstead, Maryland)
Cox played rugby for the West Carroll Girls Middle & High School Marauders prior to joining the Bobcats. She was also selected to participate in the USA Rugby Women's U18 East Camp at Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland back in July of 2023.
"I chose Quinnipiac because of the coaches and how much I could see that they wanted me, not just for my talent but for me as a person," Cox said. "Once I visited campus I could see how much of a family the team was and that's what I care about most."
Cox intends to study Communications at Quinnipiac.
Alexa Kirschner (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Kirschner captained the Charlotte Cardinals Rugby Club this past season prior. She also traveled to Germany in the summer of 2023 with the North American Lions.
"I chose QU because of the support and genuine kindness that both the team and administration have shown during my visits," Kirschner said. "I felt at home as soon as I stepped onto the pitch. The comradery of the team was very inviting and the connection the players had with Coach Carlson ultimately made me choose Quinnipiac."
"I'm so excited to be a part of this team," Kirschner continued, "and to try new things and grow as a person!"
She intends to study Health Sciences at Quinnipiac.
McKenzie Kroeger (Rescue, California)
Kroeger plays club rugby for the Land Park Harlequins alongside fellow incoming Bobcat Anna Wright. She intends to major in Business at Quinnipiac.
Melanie Sanchez (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Sanchez has helped lead Devine Savior Holy Angels rugby to two State Championships, two Midwest Championships, and a pair of National Championships prior to joining the Bobcats.
"I chose Quinnipiac because of the amazing opportunities offered to me not only through high-level athletics, but also because of the strong academics," Sanchez said. "I am extremely thankful to pursue my passion of playing rugby, while also pursuing my nursing degree in an incredible environment. I am beyond excited to start my college journey and to be a part of the QU community!"
She will pursue a major in Nursing at Quinnipiac with the intention of becoming a Nurse Anesthetist in the future.
Jennie Weiner (Shelton, Connecticut)
Weiner was selected for the USA U18 National Rugby Team that competed in Wales. She is also a two-time EIRA U18 Team Tour selection (team competed in Ireland), and she has twice been selected for the EGRL Select Team in Florida.
The Shelton, Connecticut-native was awarded Team MVP for the Aspetuck Girls Rugby Club in 2020 and 2023. She was selected to serve as team captain in both 2023 and 2024. She also captained the Connecticut All-State rugby team, leading the program to a victory over the Pennsylvania All-State team.
"I chose Quinnipiac because of the team's competitive atmosphere and dedication to the game," Weiner said. "It feels like the best place for me to grow as a person, athlete, and a student. I'm excited to start this next chapter of my life and to challenge myself athletically at the next level!"
Weiner plans to major in Business Management at Quinnipiac. She has aspirations to go into sales and/or marketing.
Anna Wright (Single Springs, California)
Wright plays club rugby for the Land Park Harlequins alongside fellow incoming Bobcat McKenzie Kroeger. One of her biggest accomplishments to date is helping guide the program to a second-place finish at NorCal 2023.
"I chose Quinnipiac for their great Health Science Studies program, as well as the high level of rugby that they have to offer," Wright said. "The team and coaching staff are very welcoming and driven to success, something that is very admirable. I am looking forward to continuing my education and beginning the next chapter of my life in college."
She plans to study Health Sciences at QU.
_____
The Bobcats went 6-3 in total during the 2023 campaign, winning four straight games from Sept. 30 – Oct. 28 to close the regular season. QU defeated Navy, Sacred Heart, Army, AIC, Mount St. Mary's and LIU in 2023. _____
Head Coach Becky Carlson just wrapped up her 13th year at the helm of the Quinnipiac Women's Rugby team in 2023-24, leading the transition from a new varsity program into a three-time national champion.
For more information on the Quinnipiac Women's Rugby program, visit gobobcats.com/rugby and follow the team on X/Twitter (@QU_Rugby) and Instagram (@QURugby).
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