women
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USA Rugby Sevens Luisa Moala will lead some of the nation’s brightest young sports stars at the Dakar Youth Olympic Games opening ceremony after she was named one of two flag bearers for Team USA.
Team USA’s 29 athletes between the ages of 13 and 18 will compete in 12 sports at the Games, with rugby sevens taking place Nov. 1-3. Moala will share co-captain duties with Abigail McGettigan, but will first enjoy the huge opportunity of flag bearer.
The Dakar opening ceremony will bring the world of sport together as 2,700 athletes prepare to represent their nations. This is the first Summer Youth Olympic Games since Buenos Aires 2018 and will be the fourth edition ever.
Moala was selected to the U.S. Women’s U18 Sevens team along with sister Eseta, who are both products of Northside Girls Rugby. Lusia Moala played at both the state and national level during her rise through the USA Pathways ranks.
“When I put on the USA jersey, I don’t just wear it for myself, I wear it for my family, everyone who supported me at home, the girls who are developing rugby across the United States,” Moala said.
“I’m representing my country and everything that comes with that jersey. It’s an honor to represent the United States on the international stage. I hope to represent them with pride, gratitude and humility and show other young women that they too can rise to the occasion.”
The dozen players selected for the team were selected by USA Women’s Sevens Pathways coaches and staff. Initially, players were identified through domestic competitions and later invited to high performance evaluation camps.
Five players are from Utah, including the Moala sisters who are both from Syracuse. Hunivaololo Folau, Sophia Johnson and Lavinia Lomu were also selected.
Mallory Crawford, Sofie Ferri, Chloe Gandy, Rebekah Jenks, Ella Moynihan and Avery Russer round out the team, with four reserves not traveling. They were MacKenzie Aluise, Margo Grebinoski, Adria Doyle and Ilikea Kalama.
“The Youth Olympic Games are an important milestone in the development of young athletes, giving them the opportunity to represent Team USA and gain valuable experience competing on the international stage,” added Daniel Smith, USOPC Summer Games Director and Team USA Chief of Mission.
USA Women U18 for the Dakar Youth Olympics
NOW WOMEN’S WEEKS
Mallory Crawford
Sofia Ferri
Hunivaololo Folau
Chloe Gandy
Rebekah Jenks
Sophia Johnson
Lavinia Lome
Abigail McGettigan (C)
Easter Moala
Luisa Moala (C)
Ella Moynihan
Avery Russ
NON-TRAVEL RESERVES
MacKenzie Aluise
Margo Grebinoski
Adria Doyle
Ilekea Kalam
COACHES AND STAFF
Irene Gardner – Women’s 7s Pathway Head Coach
Kelly Griffin – 7s Pathway Women’s Assistant Coach
Jackie Rodriguez – Women’s 7s Pathway Head Athletic Trainer
NON-TRAVELING STAFF
Kristin Zdanczewicz – Pathways Performance Women’s Coach
Maria Adams – Team Services Manager