The Prairie States Women's Collegiate Rugby Conference selected six Wayne State College (WSC) athletes to represent the region at the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Women's All-Star Championships this weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. The event, held at Silverbacks Park, marks a major showcase for the best collegiate women's rugby talent nationwide, featuring both XVs and 7s formats in a high-stakes competition that draws hundreds of elite players and coaches.
This year's Prairie States All-Star team includes a mix of experienced returners and exciting newcomers, highlighting the conference's depth and growing prominence in the sport. The six WSC selected players are Shae Wiederien, Mary McKulsky, and Sydney Thomas — all returning All-Stars, who bring valuable experience from previous national appearances — along with first-time honorees Jill Sovereign, Genevieve Sovereign, and Toni Wachal, who have earned their spots through standout performances during the fall season.
The Prairie States Women's Collegiate Rugby Conference, encompassing teams from South Dakota, western Minnesota, northwest Iowa, and northeast Nebraska, continues to produce top-tier talent. These athletes were nominated based on their contributions in conference play, where they demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication on the pitch.
The NCR Women's All-Star Championships, on January 24^th, feature intense competition across multiple pools and formats. In the 7s tournament, Prairie States will compete against strong opponents from other conferences, while the inaugural XVs showcase brings together drafted teams like the Stars, Stripes, Bison, and Hawks for a round-robin battle. The event not only celebrates the best of collegiate rugby but also serves as a key platform for identifying talent for future high-performance opportunities, including potential All-American tours.
As the Prairie States team travels to Atlanta, fans and supporters can follow the action through live streams on NCR TV and YouTube.