National Collegiate Rugby is proud to recognize Meghan Flanigan as the November Coach of the Month, honoring her long-standing commitment to the sport, her leadership within the collegiate game, and her ability to foster a culture of trust, resilience, and opportunity for her athletes at the University of Northern Iowa.
Flanigan has served as the head coach of the University of Northern Iowa women’s rugby program since 2016, guiding the Panthers with a steady focus on development, accountability, and team-first values. That culture was on full display this fall when UNI was invited to compete one division above their usual level at the National Championship. With just three days’ notice, the entire squad unanimously committed to the challenge, an unmistakable reflection of the trust and belief Flanigan has built within the program.
Beyond the collegiate level, Flanigan continues to play an influential role in player development nationally. She recently served as the backs coach for the National Collegiate Rugby All-Americans, joining the squad on its England tour in August, and again as the backline coach for the 2025 All-Americans. Her coaching résumé also includes long-term involvement with the U23 Midwest Selects (USA Rugby All-Stars) since 2019 and the U23 Iowa Selects (Midwest Rugby All-Stars) since 2016. In 2019, she also helped establish the Iowa Phoenix women’s senior side, expanding opportunities for women’s rugby in the state.
A USA Rugby Level 2 Certified coach, Flanigan earned her L2 certification in 2024, further reinforcing her commitment to professional growth and high-performance standards.
Her impact on the game is equally strong as a former player. Flanigan competed for the University of Northern Iowa from 2010-2013, attending multiple All-American Camps and the Top 40 Camp in 2013. She represented the U23 Midwest team and captained the side on its first-ever overseas tour to Wales in 2013. At the senior level, she played for the Twin Cities Amazons from 2014-2016 before coming out of retirement to compete again in the WPL during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. She also spent time with the Cedar Rapids Shield Maidens early in her playing career.
In addition to her coaching and playing achievements, Flanigan has made significant contributions off the field. She has served as Midwest Collegiate Rugby Conference Commissioner since 2020, was Iowa Union President from 2020-2022, and has been a board member for the Twin Cities Amazons from 2023-2025. Her leadership has been formally recognized with induction into the Iowa Rugby Hall of Fame in 2023 and selection to the inaugural “15 Under 30” class by the U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation in 2020.
Meghan Flanigan exemplifies what it means to be a collegiate rugby coach—someone who develops players, builds community, and embraces every opportunity to elevate the game. National Collegiate Rugby congratulates Meghan on being named November Coach of the Month and thanks her for her continued dedication to student-athletes and the sport of rugby.