Spotlight on Sylvia Braaten: Leading the Charge for Women’s Rugby in the Twin Cities
In a groundbreaking move for women’s rugby in Minnesota, Sylvia Braaten, a celebrated alumna of the Twin Cities Amazons, has been appointed head coach of the first professional women’s rugby team for the Twin Cities market. As she embarks on this exciting journey, we caught up with her to discuss her motivations, insights on the state of women’s rugby, and the advice she has for newcomers to the sport.
What inspired you to apply for the role of head coach for WER for the Twin Cities market?
“I'm honored to be named Head Coach for the Twin Cities Team in this start up professional league. When the WER announced the Twin Cities as a location, I jumped at the opportunity. The Twin Cities has a special place in my heart - it's where I played club rugby and it's been my home for the larger part of my adult life. As for the WER, I know how special it is to be a part of 'something bigger than myself' and am really looking forward to working to create something that others are excited and proud to be a part of.”
What are your thoughts on the current state of women’s rugby nationally and globally?
“It is a really exciting time to be involved in women's sports in general - records continue to be broken across the board - in attendance, viewership, and in engagement. Women's rugby has also experienced immense growth largely due to the recent success of our USA 7s team earning bronze at the Olympics. Historically, access to women's sports has been limited making it difficult for fans to follow and watch their favorite teams, but it is becoming more and more evident there is a large demand and therefore, the future is bright. There was a just a record ticket demand for a Women's Rugby event, with over 55,000 tickets purchased across the opening and final matches of the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2025.”
What’s your favorite memory from your own playing career that still inspires you today?
“Winning a National Championship with the Twin Cities Amazons in 2013.”
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from a coach?
“‘You can't have growth without failure. In fact, there is no such thing as failure - only opportunities to assess, learn and improve.’”
What advice would you give to someone who is just learning about rugby or is eager to start playing?
Give it a try and go all in! You won't find a more supportive, inclusive community and there is no better sport out there.
Looking Ahead
As Sylvia Braaten takes the helm of this new team, her passion and commitment to women’s rugby is evident. With a rich background in the sport and a vision for the future, she’s poised to make a significant impact in the Twin Cities and beyond. If you’re interested in learning more about the Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) and what’s in store for the Twin Cities team, check it out here: Women’s Elite Rugby.
