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Bryant University Associate Athletic Director for Athletic and Recreation Operations Nick Schleicher has announced the hiring of Valerie O’Connor as the next Head Coach of the Women’s Rugby Program.

“I’m ecstatic to bring Valerie O’Connor back to Smithfield to lead our Women’s Rugby program!” Schleicher said. “Coach O’Connor returns to Bryant, as she was a 2005 graduate of this fine University. Being a former rugby student-athlete here at Bryant, in conjunction with her outstanding coaching career, it made her a perfect fit to lead our program. She has been an Assistant Coach with WPI since 2019 and was a part of a successful rebuilding of their program. Her team building approach, organization of practice time, ability to teach and develop new players, and most importantly her competitive drive will bring our Women’s Rugby program back to regional and national prominence.”