ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University women's rugby team is looking forward to fielding their first-ever varsity team this fall. The Saxons will welcome back multiple returners and first-year student-athletes.

Alfred University will be led by Head Coach Dr. Nicole Bernsen, who was introduced as the Head Women's Rugby Coach and Director of Rugby in May of 2023. After enduring a full preseason together, Bernsen is eager for what the 2024-25 season will bring.

"The preseason has been great for us," Bernsen said. "We have a good number of returners coming back along with a crop of new recruits. The word has spread around fast, and it has been intensive. We laid a good foundation down as we prepare for our first competition."

Prior to AU, Bernsen spent three years as the Associate Director for Athletics Academic Services and Senior Woman Administrator at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). While at UAF, Bernsen provided academic support to prospective and current student-athletes across 10 varsity programs, coordinated tutorial services and other learning support, and provided workshops to aid in the improvement of student-athletes' study habits, academic skills, and personal growth. Bernsen additionally served in a game day administrative role and was the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) advisor.

"What brought me here to Alfred University is that this a new program that we are building from the ground up," Bernsen said. "We can create something new, building on the history of the club program. The administration was also a huge factor for me. They have a great vision for the department and the direction of the rugby program, they and I believe it will become a pillar on campus."

The first match for Alfred University will take place on Sunday, September 8 at the University of Rochester. The Saxons will be participating in the UNYCRC Jamboree to kick off their inaugural fall season. The first home match for AU will take place against Nazareth University on September 21. The regular season finale for the Saxons will take place against Le Moyne College on October 20. Prior to the women's rugby match, which takes place at 1:00 PM, the men's rugby program will face Buffalo State College on the same day at 11:00 AM. 

"With Saxon Hill under construction, our team has a lot of energy with what will be our new home pitch in the future. We are going to have one of top rugby facilities in the region once it's completed and will have the opportunity to host all sorts of events. For this season specifically, we want to create a strong foundation. We will grow as a team and want all our student-athletes to find success. We are continuing to develop our knowledge of the game and getting to know each other on a personal level leading up to this fall."