The team values their close-knit family environment, and this three-day long tournament was an example of the difference it has made on and off the field. The Coaches of the team, Kraig Smikle and Eli Mandel value the family environment created by the team. 

 “It’s a really fun experience; it’s just like you’re with your second family and you have nothing to be scared about,” said junior Taylor Gutierrez, “You’re just with your family that’s all matters”. The family-oriented team played skillfully against the competition.   

“Our team hit really well that entire weekend our hits were awesome,” said senior Ella Elordi. 

 “We played a lot better when we switched positions on the lot for nationals, so everyone is where they’re supposed to be. “But it turns out that the real competition wasn’t far from home. “We played Meridian High and that was our final game,” Gutierrez said “We won against them and so that’s how we won our national title.” 

The title winners were confident going into the tournament. “We didn’t really have a concern. We were just having fun, that’s all we want.” said senior Kanani Watts. Watts, along with many other upperclassmen on the lady mustangs team see a great amount of opportunity through their sport.  

“Getting to talk to coaches and just getting recruited was so fun,” Watts said, “The Ivy leagues are the top rugby programs, so we are getting recruited by Dartmouth and Harvard. They are top rugby programs in the U.S., so it just has awesome connections.” 

But for now, the Lady Mustangs are hopeful for the season ahead. “We have a really good team this year I think we’re going to District’s, State and Regionals for sevens, district and State for fifteens and Nationals again,” said Watts.