Spring season was full of triumphs, growth, and undeniable momentum for Towson University Women’s Rugby — and at the heart of it all was Head Coach Lena “Lenni” Ferreira. Her leadership, passion, and sheer commitment to the sport have earned her the honor of being named Rugbee’s March Coach of the Month, and it’s easy to see why.
Ferreira, a Salisbury University alum and long-time player with Severn River Rugby Club, took over as Towson’s head coach at the start of the spring semester. While many programs would struggle with mid-season changes, Towson found strength in Ferreira’s leadership. With six tournament wins this spring — including their AQ Tournament — the Tigers have not only secured a bid to CRCS, but also redefined their identity under her guidance.
“It still feels unreal,” Ferreira says. “I’m heading to the Round of 16 with Severn River, and now to be doing the same with Towson — it’s incredible. Coaching these athletes has been such an honor and privilege. They’re passionate, talented, and they work so hard. I strive to put that same level of effort into my coaching because they deserve nothing less.”
That dedication has not gone unnoticed. One player shared, “Lenni really helps us succeed by believing in us as much as we believe in ourselves. From day one, she brought positive energy, a deep knowledge of the game, and a commitment that’s unmatched. Even when we were down 0-10 at halftime during our semifinal, she never stopped believing in us. She looked at every single one of us and said, ‘I believe in you. I believe in this team.’”
Her impact goes beyond just strategy and performance. Ferreira has cultivated a culture of trust, resilience, and genuine love for the sport. Her coaching is rooted in her own rugby journey — one that began as a college player, continues today as a club athlete, and has blossomed into a transformative coaching career. In 2024, she was also recognized as one of the U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation’s 15 Under 30 — a testament to her influence and leadership both on and off the pitch.
Ferreira credits much of her coaching inspiration to her own mentor, Dolla Harmse. “He’s always been the coach I wanted to play for,” she says. “Now, he’s the coach I want to be like.”
Congratulations to Coach Lena Ferreira — March’s Rugbee Coach of the Month, and a true game-changer.