GRAND HAVEN, Mich. -- Winning is what every team strives for, and the girls of the Grand Haven High School Rugby team are no exception. But while the team does well on the field, it's the lessons that they take home that are the most important.
“It’s unlike any other sport out there. A lot of people compare it to soccer or football, but rugby is rugby," said Coach Megan Kamsickas.
In rugby, play is continuous- no timeouts or substitutions- and kicking, dribbling, passing and tackling are all allowed.
“The rules are the same for both guys and girls. That's important because not having it at a slower pace or less amount of time or less tackling for women puts a really strong message out there," says Kamsickas.
That's not the only message Coach Kamsickas is sharing with her team. Her assistant coach is also a special education teacher, and one of her former students is the team's manager.
“I help the girls if they’re injured or if they’re not feeling well or if they need support," Morgan Reenders, Team Manager, tells FOX 17.
And the players love her for it.
“She has been a supporter since day one and I love her for it," says player Audrey Albright.
The girls are a team on and off the field, taking home an important lesson every time.
“This girls rugby program not only empowers this girls team and the girls that are on it, but it’s also empowering girls like Morgan, knowing 'Hey I can be a part of something like this, too.' It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your abilities are or what gender you are, you can do anything," said Coach Kamsickas.
