On Dec 7th in Houston, Mines Club Women's Rugby made history and won their first 15s Division III National Championship title. Facing off in a tough match against Endicott
—our competitors at last year's National Champions, where Mines were runner-ups—these Orediggers pulled ahead with a truly exciting 38-29 win.
What does it feel like to bring home the first National Championship title of its kind to Mines? The team shares their thoughts on the moments leading up to their historic win:
Senior, Business Engineering & Management Science
Vice President | Captain | 2025 National Collegiate Rugby DIII Champion
What words come to mind when you think of this year's team?
Dynamic, unlimited potential, proud - this is the most dynamic team that I believe our program has ever had. Each of these players has unlimited potential in rugby, and I know they will continue to do great things. I am so proud of our team and all it has accomplished this year. Players have shown exponential growth and dedication to greatness.
What was said when the team went down 24-29?
We just realized that we had to refocus and start with what we know, defense. There were a lot of nerves, so recollecting ourselves and trusting our players to get the job done was super important. All our players are extremely capable as well as talented. We knew what we had to do in getting a defensive stop then finding openings offensively.
As the clock was counting to zero, what were your thoughts?
We did what we set out to do. This has been our goal since the beginning of the season. I just felt such pure joy for our coach, my teammates, alum, and everybody who has supported our program. It was a moment to be grateful for the entire season, and honestly unexplainable.
Women's rugby has been one of the top teams in the nation. How does it feel to break though and win the national championship?
It was definitely a long time coming. It just felt like we made everyone who was rooting for us and who believed in us proud. I knew this team could do it, and I was just so proud of the execution. There was so much joy and I know everyone was so excited to do this for Roder.
How would you describe the camaraderie/sisterhood of the team?
We are a family, and unity is something that we committed to heavily. These are some of the most amazing people and the love that we have for each other shines through even on the pitch. This is a group that fights for each other and celebrates each other's wins! We want each other to grow and succeed.
How does it feel to bring the national championship to Mines?
It feels great. We have been so successful for years, but that National title evaded us up until this point. We hope that we have represented Mines well, because we are proud to have the opportunity to represent Mines. We hope it brings more attention to our program and the rest of Club Sports at Mines.
Any other thoughts?
This has been a historic season, and speaking for our seniors, it was the best last ride that we could've asked for. This is one of the best programs to have been involved in at Mines and has made my experience so much better. We just want to thank everyone who has sacrificed and supported our team, because none of this would have been possible without our Oredigger rugby family.
Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering
Division III Finals MVP | 2025 National Collegiate Rugby DIII Champion
What words come to mind when you think of this year's team?
Determination and joy are the first words that come to mind. We play our best rugby when we're just a group of people on the pitch having fun. Before the championship game, we were dancing to the music, doing the worm, jamming out, and that joy is what helps us play our best game. We had already put in the work. At that point, it was about trusting each other and playing our game. This team is tough, resilient, and gritty, but we're also a group that finds genuine happiness in playing together. That combination made all the difference this season.
What was said when the team went down 24-29?
We were in the middle of the second half when we went down 24–29, so there wasn't much time for a captain or coach to pull us together and talk. But the team collectively felt something shift. It was that feeling of, "We are not repeating last year." You could see a shift in energy, a spark that kicked us back into gear. No dramatic speeches, just a shared determination that we were not walking off that field without fighting our way back. And that spark is what changed the game.
As the clock was counting to zero, what were your thoughts?
All I could think was, "Just end the game." Whatever we had to do to make that clock tick faster, kick it out, run an extra hundred meters, anything I was willing to do. We were up by nine as the final seconds disappeared, so with every tick the reality sank in a little more: we were actually about to win the national championship. It was this crazy mix of panic, excitement, and relief all at once, then the whistle blew, and it became real.
Women's rugby has been one of the top teams in the nation, how does it feel to break though and win the national championship?
Winning the national championship means everything to me. This team has put their blood, sweat, and tears on the line, and seeing all that work finally pay off is incredibly rewarding. In past years, we've gotten so close to the top, always right there but never quite finishing it. Finally breaking through shows the true perseverance and grit this team has. It wasn't luck, it was years of growth, commitment, and belief. And being a part of that journey will be unforgettable.
How would you describe the camaraderie/sisterhood of the team?
My team is my family. In rugby, you go to war with the people beside you, and that requires an incredible amount of trust. We train together, we watch film together, we celebrate together, and honestly, we probably spend more time together than we should. But that's what makes this group special. We know each other's strengths, weaknesses, and quirks, and we show up for each other on and off the field. That kind of closeness doesn't just make us better players, it makes us better people. The sisterhood we've built is something I wouldn't trade for anything.
How does it feel to bring the national championship to Mines?
Bringing the championship back to Mines doesn't feel real. At first it was just pure chaos, adrenaline, screaming, hugging everyone in sight, but once that settled, the overwhelming feeling was gratitude. For this to happen, every single piece of the puzzle had to fit perfectly, and that only happened because of every person on this team, player or not. Everyone contributed something that mattered. I'm just unbelievably proud… and I honestly can't wait to do it again next year.
You had an incredible season capped by winning the MVP, how does it feel to be the MVP -- or should we say, "MVLee"!
I was a little shocked at first, honestly. Most of the game I'm waiting in the back catching my breath while the rest of the team is tirelessly tackling and fighting for the ball, until my time actually comes to do something. It doesn't feel right that one person gets so much credit for our championship game; that win was because of every single player, fan, and coach. I'm incredibly grateful for the recognition, but I see it more as a reflection of the people around me. Our forwards laid the platform, our backs created opportunities, and our sideline never stopped screaming for us. I just got to be the one who finished the moments they built. So MVLee is cool… but it really belongs to all of us.
Any other thoughts?
This season was unforgettable. We grew, we stumbled, we pushed each other, and we found a way to finish what we started in previous years. I'm thankful for every single person who helped this team- players, coaches, alumni, and fans. This championship isn't just ours; it belongs to everyone who's helped build Mines Women's Rugby into what it is today.
Club Women's Rugby Head Coach
Mines Class of '94 | 2025 National Collegiate Rugby DIII Champion
How long have you been coaching at Mines?
Since January 2010.
What words come to mind when you think of this year's team?
Adversity and depth. We overcame much adversity with team drama, injuries and the NCR disciplinary committee, and that made us stronger as a team. I emphasized being at least three deep at every skill position (2, 8, 9, 10, 15) and it paid off as we had to go to our fourth #9 on Sunday after losing our starting #9 to injury before regionals.
What did you say to the club to after the team went down 24-29?
Coach Trench told them to take a deep breath and recommit to defense.
As the clock was counting to zero, what were your thoughts?
A couple of the NCR staff came by and congratulated us with 2 minutes to go, and that is when it sunk in that we were going to win.
How does it feel to bring the national championship to Mines?
Very surreal after being in a final two other times and losing close games. It still doesn't feel real.
Any other thoughts?
I'm very proud of this team and the students who hung in there even when they were not getting much playing time due to the large roster. Also, the support from the families who traveled and were there in Houston helping out. We don't get over the finish line without every single person who made the trip.
I'm especially proud of our team captain, #10 Aliya Lynn. She has overcome so much since last fall with injury and other issues to become a fantastic leader. This has been her team this entire season, and it has been such a pleasure to watch her become a fantastic leader - including pulling herself at half on Sunday due to injury to let Bogey come in and finish with fresh legs. That showed tremendous growth and selflessness.
There's More to See
Follow Mines Club Women's Rugby on social media: @mines_womens_rugby
Read the National Collegiate Rugby recap: https://www.ncr.rugby/news/orediggers-strike-gold-in-diii-national-championship
Re-watch the match: https://tv.ncr.rugby/events/vgcrkjth
