Courtesy of USA Rugby

CHULA VISTA, CA — The USA Women's Sevens team will be back on the pitch for the first stop of the 2017-18 HSBC Women’s Sevens World Series next week, in the Emirates Airlines Dubai Sevens Tournament beginning Nov. 30. 

With a scrimmage against the Argentinians in San Diego under their belts, the Americans are prepared to make a strong showing on day one as they take veterans of international play and new talent to Pool A’s competitive matchups. 

Head coach Richie Walker found the opportunity to practice against an international squad valuable for the team’s preparation going into the Series. The scrimmage coupled with a combination of new and experienced athletes gives the Eagles a comprehensive path towards their development as tournament competitors.   

“Playing Argentina was great,” Walker said. “Playing someone other than ourselves with four girls making their debuts and three having only played in one tournament each, means our squad has a lot of opportunity to grow.” 

Complementing fresh faces, the United States’ Dubai-bound force is highlighted with players who impressed audiences around the world last series. Returner Naya Tapper will look to shine once again, finishing her last go-around as second overall in tries with 32, including a thrilling score which clinched the United States’ victory against Fiji during the Series stop in Las Vegas last March. 

Walker’s crew will also include veteran Alev Kelter, who suits up for the Eagles with her fourth consecutive HSBC Series start, continuing her tradition of never missing a tournament since her 2014 debut at Guangzhou Sevens. 

Joining Kelter with her own experience in global play is Ryan Carlyle (Seattle Saracens), who, like her teammate, was selected to be part of Team USA’s 12-player squadron for the Rio 2016 Olympic Summer Games. 

Along with his veteran players, Walker makes note of the experience in staff that made a difference in his squad’s overall advancement, principally, with assistant coach Jarrod Faul. 

“It has been great to have Jarrod Faul on as a part time assistant coach to help us prepare for Dubai," Walker said. "He has won three national championships in two years and most recently, a third-place finish with the San Diego Surfers."

Though he won’t make the trip, Faul served as an important piece in the construction of a competitive Eagles team that will challenge their opposition.  

WOMEN’S EAGLES SEVENS ROSTER | Emirates Airlines Dubai Sevens 

1. Jordan Gray
2. Ryan Carlyle
3. Sara Parsons
4. Nicole Heavirland (C)
5. Tia Blythe
6. Alev Kelter
7. Naya Tapper
8. Abby Gustaitis
9. Kelsi Stockert
10. Sarah Buonopane 
11. Kiki Morgan
12. Megan Foster

WOMEN’S EAGLES SEVENS STAFF | Emirates Airlines Dubai Sevens 

Head Coach – Richie Walker 

Athletic Trainer – Sarah Leslie 

Physical Preparation – Ian Gibbons 

Team Manager – Leanna Corpus 

Analyst – Dave Gardner 

WOMEN’S EAGLES SEVENS POOL A SCHEDULE | Emirates Airlines Dubai Sevens 

Thursday, Nov. 30 

vs. France - 3:28 PM ET

vs. South Africa - 6:34 PM ET 

vs. New Zealand - 9:43 PM ET