Features, Sports

Tackling barriers; building relationships

May 11, 2017
Story and photos by Airman 1st Class
Alexis C. Schultz AFN Europe

Kaiserslautern women’s rugby team members practice April 18 in Hochspeyer. Practices take place from 6 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

It’s late afternoon and the Kaisers-lautern women’s rugby team is strewn throughout the field warming up for their Thursday practice. Mouth guards are put in and the game changes from an easy warm up to intense training.

The sport has gradually become more popular in the world, especially for female athletes. The Kaiserslautern Military Community has an opportunity for women to join the movement.

“A lot of individuals are timid to come out to rugby because it’s considered a rough sport,” said Staff Sgt. Katy Dockery, 1st Combat Communications Squadron material control. “If they give it a chance, not many walk away not in love with it.”

A Kaiserslautern women’s rugby team member takes a break after practicing April 18 in Hochspeyer. The team warmed up before their practice by performing a series of drills up and down the field.

The Kaiserslautern women’s rugby team, also known as the TSU Hochspeyer Lady Rogues, consists of U.S. service members, civilians, dependents, and host nation players. The team is comprised of players of all experience levels.

The team participates in a league in the southwest region of Germany but has travelled to Portugal, the Netherlands, Ireland and all over Germany to participate in tournaments, allowing the team an opportunity to bond.

“This rugby team is my family,” said Tech. Sgt. Mary Morrison, 86th Maintenance Group quality assurance inspector. “We support each other on the field during play and off the field. We have dinners, gatherings, traditions, and even travel with each other.”

Kaiserslautern women’s rugby team members run after the ball during practice April 18 in Hochspeyer. Practices take place from 6 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

Not only has the team given Morrison a rugby family, but it’s also helped her network and make connections with coaches from South Africa, Germany, and England.

“While playing with this team, you will be playing alongside and against players from multiple nations.” said Morrison. “We integrate with those teams and have built a friendship with them.”

Two Kaiserslautern women’s rugby team members compete for the ball April 18 in Hochspeyer. Players can earn points by crossing the tryline with the ball and touching it to the ground.

Dockery shared that participating in rugby keeps her resilient both mentally and physically. Rugby has helped her relieve stress during tough times and practices are an additional way for her to stay physically fit.

“We have quite the tight knit team so it’s always nice to see your rugby family during a stressful week,” said Dockery. “Once a rugger, always a rugger.”

Practices take place from 6 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at Kirchstrasse soccer field in Hochspeyer.

For details, visit.www.facebook.com/kaiserslauternladiesrugby

A Colombian national team member crosses the tryline during rugby practice April 18 in Hochspeyer. The Kaiserslautern women’s rugby team consists of U.S. service members, civilians, dependents, and host nation players.
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