ATLANTA, GA. –

After an incredible season that culminated in a National Championship victory, senior Kate Boggs has been named the Division II National Collegiate Rugby Player of the Year.

"Receiving this award means everything to me," said Boggs. I couldn't have gotten this without my Coaches and teammates. It's been a long year coming back and it has strengthened my belief that consistency and hard work pays off. This is a brand new award in NCR and to be the first D2 player to receive this award and be the first Coast Guard player is such an honor. I am so blessed to have had so many opportunities by following my passion with rugby and I can't wait to see what the future holds." 

"Kate showed an early love for rugby in her 4/c year and she has been spreading that love on every pitch she has played on ever since." said Bears Head Coach Sarah Price.
 
"She has achieved a lot on the field. She is the Academy's most decorated rugby player who helped lead the team to our first 7s national championship in April and our first 15s national championship in December.  But her biggest impact on this program is the number of younger players she continues to mentor and inspire. On any given day you can usually find Kate down on the practice field helping other players perfect their skills." continued Price. "She truly embodies the values this team was founded upon 25 years ago - belief and trust in both yourself and your teammates."

Kate Boggs embodies resilience and grit. After breaking her leg in the Collegiate Rugby Championship final last Spring, the senior forward returned to lead Coast Guard to its first-ever XVs national title. Boggs scored five playoff tries, including one in the 51–12 championship win over Wisconsin–Eau Claire, capping a historic run in the program's 25th anniversary year.

It was not all smooth sailing for Boggs, who broke her leg just five months prior to the season. "What kept me going was the saying 'A minor setback for a major comeback'. There was comfort in knowing that it was all going to work out and this was just part of the process." 

Boggs credited her coaching staff and teammates for helping her fight back from injury. "I thank my teammate and Co-Captain Savannah McBrayer for her getting me through the entire season. She would remind me that 'God's got this' and I couldn't have gotten where I am without her and my Coaches by my side." 

(Boggs and McBrayer after winning the National Championship)

She added to her trophy case yet again this weekend when she was named to the All-Tournament Team at the All Star festivities in Atlanta. Boggs will have one more chance to add to her hardware this spring when Coast Guard Women's Rugby 7s set out to defend their title.