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Kaylie Gladwell

Age: 28


From: Ferndale, Washington


Job that pays the bills: Foreclosure Prevention Program Specialist at WA State Department of Commerce


Rugby life:

  • Kent Crusaders Rugby (high school)

    • 15s State Champs (2014)

    • 7s State Champs (2014)

    • 4th place at 15s Nationals (2014)

  • Western Washington University Women's Rugby (2014-2018)

    • League champs (2016-2017)

    • WWU Women's Rugby Vice President (2017-2018)

  • Chuckanut Bay Rugby (current club)

  • WWU Women's Rugby Head Coach (2021-present)

    • League Champs 2x (2022-2023, 2023-2024)

    • PMRC Conference Champs (2023-2024)

    • CRAA D115s Final Four Semifinalists (2023-2024)

    • CRAA D1 7s National Champions (2023-2024)


Why We Love Kaylie:

  • Growing the game

    • retaining A side and B side teams for several years

    • current roster has 70+ players

  • Works in social/housing services

    • worked in Eviction Prevention during the pandemic

  • Mother to 3 cats and 2 dogs

  • Volunteer for a local humane society

  • Loves game-based coaching

  • Fosters a culture of inclusiveness - we don't turn anyone away/no tryouts

  • Plans and supports fundraising events for WWU Women’s Rugby

  • Encourages graduates to continue their rugby career

  • Builds relationships with other rugby clubs

  • Member of the Samish Indian Nation


"I found rugby my senior year of high school and in the ten years that I have been playing I have made lifelong friends that I consider family. The rugby community has done so much for me and I love spreading that community to others. Playing for WWU changed my life and I am very proud to be able to give back. When I was asked to coach the team I had no idea that we would be winning a national championship two seasons later and competing at a high level. I feel very excited to be coaching at this pivotal time for women's rugby. I am honored to be a part of it and to be receiving this award."


More about Kaylie:

All photos provided by the award recipient

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