At Ohio University, a remarkable transformation is underway within the women’s rugby program, driven by the passion and dedication of its head coach, Emma Perry. At just 20 years old, Emma’s journey from player to coach is a testament to her love for rugby and her commitment to fostering a vibrant team culture.
Emma’s rugby story began in her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she captained the Moon Area High School team to a Pennsylvania state championship in 2022.
When she arrived at Ohio University as a freshman, however, she found a women’s rugby program struggling for support and stability. Emma, who had the most rugby experience among her peers, knew significant changes were needed.
Recognizing the potential within her team, Emma took on the role of assistant coach in her sophomore year, advocating for a transition to 15s rugby. Under her leadership, the program saw its numbers soar from a mere 13 players to 35. The 2023-2024 season marked a pivotal moment: the team celebrated its first 15s victory in over a decade against Ball State, a triumph that echoed Emma’s vision.
Now serving as head coach, Emma has continued to expand the program, successfully integrating it into the Allegheny Rugby Union. This strategic move has positioned Ohio University women’s rugby to compete at a higher level, an important step in developing the skills and confidence of her players. The team’s growth has led to the formation of both a competitive side and a developmental team, ensuring that players of all experience levels have the opportunity to thrive.
Emma’s hard work and dedication has inspired her players, with Bailey Giannini stating, “Seeing how much she gives while still being a full time college student and having another job outside of coaching motivates us to also give our all every time we step on the pitch.”
Emma’s coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles of rugby culture. “I truly believe that rugby has the power to change people’s perspectives, perceptions… and lives,” she explains. Her goal for her players is to “make friends, empower themselves, embrace their physicality, and to be competitive yet caring.”
She emphasizes resilience, hard work, and passion as the cornerstones of her team’s culture, believing that these values will empower players long after they leave the pitch.
Emma credits the success of the program to the collective efforts of her players. “We’ve managed to rebuild a team and reconstruct a culture here at Ohio that will only benefit future generations.” As she prepares to graduate next year, Emma is confident that the foundations of a powerful program have been laid.
As she leads her team into the future, Emma Perry exemplifies the spirit of rugby—both on and off the field. With each practice and every match, Emma is not only coaching a team but also nurturing a community, ensuring that the essence of rugby culture will continue to thrive at Ohio University long after her departure.