Recap Fall 2020
Congrats to our fall season awardees! This season’s awards went to: MVP-Emma Santosousso, Best Backs: Lisa “Gravy” Van Eerde, Best Forward-Italia “Greek” Ieraci, Most Improved-Emily Christen, Rookie of the Season-Molly Hilderbrant, Most Team Spirit-Kate “KP” Wandichu.
In the early spring season, we were hopeful that the season was off to a great start. We had a great time with current, old, and new players at Welcome Night (Thanks Miller Ale House for hosting). We had a combined practice with Bentley WRFC, but the news of the coronavirus was growing. Competitions, practices, and more remained uncertain and ultimately were put on hold due to rising concerns.
Staying connected… virtually
The team stayed connected virtually with video chat practices and socials. Even a guest appearance from Alumni Emily Malkin and Eagle & Alumni Kristi Kirshe.
Alumni + COVID Response
Alumni organized a fundraiser to support BWRFC family in hopes to bring the team together to help our community out on the front lines of this pandemic. Thank you to all those who are fighting to keep others safe, and thank you to the alumni who are leading this effort -- Stoya, Smitty, Soprano and Stacey! We appreciate you all. #bootkisses
Two weeks into the fundraiser and our Alumni have collected $1300 in donations, which has allowed them to send over 100 masks, and 1000 ear protector straps to those in need including front line healthcare workers, essential workers, and teachers.
An amazing effort from all those who are helping and special shoutout to Smit & Zig ,Winter Hill Jewelry and Chantal Lavoie.
Boston takes action - supporting inclusion, diversity, and social justice movements.
Boston WRFC has always been a team that supports all people. We introduced a new executive board role Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) Coordinator so our team can continue to make meaningful change in the rugby community and support all players.
We raised funds to support Black Lives Matter Boston and other organizations that support Black and Indigenous people in our community.
We expressed our support for trans women and the trans community by signing petitions against statements that were rooted in transphobia and exclusion. Trans women are women and we stand against any policy that seeks to police individuals’ bodies or identities on and off the pitch. During practice warm ups we all share Name, Pronouns, and Fun Question of the Day.
Philanthropy
Despite social distancing, the team still found ways to support the community. Boston WRFC organized a clothing drive with Beantown to donate clothing, shoes, and accessories to Second Chances (provides free clothing to homeless and low-income people). Caroline Angele and Allie “A-Mart” Martin (Beantown) drove around the Greater Boston area to collect donations and accumulated over 70 large bags of donated items including clothing, bags, accessories, etc.
The team wrote and sent over 50 cards that were sent to elders in assisted living homes via Friendship Works. While the pandemic can feel very isolating, our team wanted to make sure everyone feels supported and not alone.
For the 40th annual year of caroling at Cambridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, we had a slight change of plans but continued to spread the joy with personalized handwritten cards for all the residents/staff and chocolates. Coordinated by Alumni Ellen Kearns and player Caroline Angele.
