This summer, five outstanding rugby players with New England rugby roots will represent Team USA at the Paris Olympics, showcasing their talents on the global stage. Each athlete brings a unique background and impressive achievements to the team, reflecting the rich rugby heritage of the region.

Kristi Kirshe, originally from Franklin, MA, will be competing in her second Olympics. Though she only began her rugby journey at 23, Kirshe’s athletic prowess, honed through her soccer career at Williams College, quickly propelled her into the rugby spotlight. Her rapid ascent in the sport is a testament to her dedication and talent.

Sarah Levy, is making her Olympic debut in Paris. Raised in Southern California and born in Cape Town, South Africa—where her family has a storied rugby background—Levy fell in love with the sport at Northeastern University.

Ilona Maher, a Burlington, Vermont, native and Quinnipiac University alumna, is returning for her second Olympic Games. Maher began playing rugby at 17, inspired by her father, a former Saint Michael’s College rugby player. Off the field, Maher is known for her advocacy of body positivity through her influential social media presence.

Madison Hughes, with family roots in Massachusetts, is poised to make his third Olympic appearance this year. Hughes, who started playing rugby at just seven years old, has already left a mark with Team USA by securing top 10 finishes at the Tokyo 2020 and Rio 2016 Games. A former Dartmouth College captain, Hughes continues to excel both on and off the field, having recently graduated from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business.

Ariana Ramsey, also a Dartmouth alumna, will be competing in her second Olympics this summer. Ramsey’s journey began during her sophomore year of high school, with a diverse athletic background that includes cheerleading and track. In Tokyo 2020, Ramsey helped Team USA achieve a commendable sixth place finish, and she is eager to build on that success in Paris.

These five athletes, rooted in New England rugby, embody the spirit and dedication of American rugby. Their diverse paths and accomplishments reflect the growing prominence of rugby in the region and the strength of Team USA as they prepare to compete on the world’s biggest stage.