Hamden Native Named New Rugby Coach At North Haven High School

NORTH HAVEN, CT — Hamden native Alycia Washington has been appointed as the new head coach of the North Haven High School girls rugby team, Athletic Director Steve Blumenthal announced Tuesday.

Washington brings a “wealth of elite-level experience, deep roots in American rugby, and a passion for growing the game at all levels,” according to a news release.

“We are thrilled to welcome Alycia to our athletic family,” Blumenthal said. “Her experience at the highest levels of rugby, combined with her commitment to athlete development and community building, makes her an ideal leader for our girls’ rugby program.”

A three-sport varsity athlete at Hamden High School, Washington began playing rugby at age 17 and quickly rose through the ranks of the sport. She earned recognition as a two-time Junior All-American (2009 & 2011) and a two-time Collegiate All-American (2011 & 2012) while playing at the University of Connecticut.

Washington went on to represent the United States on the international stage, debuting with the USA Women’s National Team in 2015 and earning 26 international caps during her distinguished career, according to the news release.

She competed in the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup, helping the Eagles to a fourth-place finish — the team’s best result in over two decades — and played professionally in top leagues both in the U.S. and abroad.

“I am incredibly excited to join North Haven High School and support the development of rugby for young women,” Washington said. “Rugby taught me resilience, teamwork, and leadership, all values I’m eager to share with these athletes. I look forward to building a competitive and fun environment where every player can thrive.”

Beyond her playing career, Washington is a “dedicated coach, referee, and advocate for women’s rugby,” the news release states. She previously served as head coach for the Simsbury High School girls rugby team and has coached at the collegiate level.

She co-founded the XV Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to securing sustainable funding and support for the USA Women’s National Team.

Washington holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UConn and a master’s degree in sport management from The Ohio State University. She currently serves as Director of Women’s Rugby for National Collegiate Rugby (NCR), where she continues her work expanding opportunities for women in the sport.