Kathleen’s history with the University of Iowa’s Women’s rugby club goes back to when she was a student at the university. O’Neil played for the team for a year in undergrad and returned to the team in 2018 when she began working in the History Department as the Graduate Program Coordinator. Despite only playing for a year, O’Neil found her way back to the sport while serving on the Whiteman Air Force Base and started playing with the KC Jazz. Upon moving to Tennessee, O’Neil played with the Nashville Stone Lions Women’s Rugby Club and also helped to start and coach a middle school co-ed rugby team in Franklin, TN. O’Neil was also the Head Coach for the Middle School team for 3 years, an assistant coach for the High School boys team from 2011-2017, and became Head Coach of the Nashville Women’s Club from 2012 – 2015.
O’Neil’s team nominated her for all of her contribution to the rebirth and growth of the University of Iowa’s Women’s Rugby Club. In addition to helping the team succeed on the field (currently #5 in the Division I Coaches Poll), O’Neil always takes time to support each player’s academic success, mental health, and physical health.
“She (Coach K) is a dedicated coach who volunteers much of her valuable free time to the team. Our team is greatly appreciative to have a coach who is deeply invested in the advancement of women’s rugby, as well as elevating our team to the highest level we can be.” – University of Iowa Women’s Rugby Club