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meet ThE Vixens!!!

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Supported by roots in the rugby community in both Saint Charles and the wider western suburbs of Chicago, the Vixens have become one of the fastest growing women's rugby teams in the Chicago area. We have had players join us from Elgin, Sycamore, DeKalb, Crystal Lake, Wayne, Glen Ellyn, Warrenville, Carol Stream, Lisle, Woodstock, Lombard, Downers Grove, Hoffman Estates, West Chicago, Batavia, St. Charles, Geneva, Schaumburg, Winfield, Naperville, Aurora, Glendale Heights, Bartlett and more!

At the heart of Vixen rugby is the idea that rugby is for everyone! We make sure that fun is a priority for our team and our fans - after all, that's what rugby is all about! Playing rugby with the Vixens is an incredible way to meet people and make connections that will last a lifetime. Don't be afraid to come out, meet the team and see what kind of friends you might make!

Our Board Members

Dedication. Passion. Drive.

"We are the people responsible for overseeing the major aspects of the club. We set budgets, organize fundraisers, determine and follow our club’s mission, vision and values...

We make decisions as a group and we vote on key initiatives that benefit our club as a whole."

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President

Hilary Hanoski

"I am responsible for the overall success and growth of our club. I run the meetings and hold the other board members accountable for upholding the organization’s mission, vision, and values. I also facilitate discussions and votes. I can also be a back up for Noel."

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Vice President 

Ashley Gilmore

"I work closely with Hilary to carry our club’s core initiatives and can stand-in for her and or Noel if they are absent from a meeting, vote or event. I also document the minutes of board meetings and record the results of voting measures and decisions. I am also, the keeper of board member information and league records."

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Treasurer

Amy Venegas

"I am responsible for overseeing our club’s finances and budget. I run our club's accounts and I also distribute and deposit funds as needed. I am in charge of handling anything tax related and I work closely with Hilary and Sheena to help organize important fundraisers and sponsorships."

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Fundraising

Sheena Middendorf

"As fundraising chair I organize and oversee all fundraising efforts. I work with Amy to determine the financial need and decide how to raise additional funds, both through holding fundraisers and securing sponsorships. For fundraising opportunities, we will work with players, different organizations, and volunteers to help execute our initiative."

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Match Sec / Recruitment Chair

Noel Cross

" I organize all of our schedules and communicate with our team, other teams, and organizations (CARFU, Midwest Rugby...) as needed. I reserve refs and physical trainers for our home matches and ensure our pitch is set up by coordinating with our men's team.

I am also responsible for developing and facilitating our recruitment initiatives. I assume responsibility for all recruitment events held and am also the first point of contact for all new players. I promote a welcoming experience and assign rookie to vet pairs."

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Social Chair 

Jade Duarte

"I organize internal team events to hangout and solidify our bond, helping create teamwork and connection outside of the pitch. I also organize our yearly scavenger hunt bar crawl. I handle all aspects of our post-game socials, including themes. I work closely with Lou and can serve as a back up for her."

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Social Media Chair

Lou Nowatzke

"I create and distribute all official online communication from our club. This can include marketing our club, posting flyers, social media posts and distributing other news. I work closely with Hilary, Jade and Noel to make sure I communicate our club's needs / news from their respective roles to everyone. I can also be a back up for Jade."

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Ombudsman 

Taylor Scully

"I am the person that any team member can come to with problems that affect them or the team. I am a team mediator if any problems arise between individuals. External people can also come to me with issues regarding our team and / or players. I work closely with Hilary to resolve them." 

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Forwards Captain

Sarah Kingsley

"I am expected to be the leader of the team, both on and off the field. I help organize and run practices. I try to take the lead on the field, manage set pieces, control physical momentum, adjust forward players when necessary and I provide tactical advice. I communicate directly with the sir. I encourage other players to give their best effort. I work closely with Jacky and Coach to help make major match decisions."

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Backline Captain

Jacky Beaufils

"I am expected to be the leader of the team, both on and off the field. I help organize and run practices. I try to take the lead on the field, direct the backline players, shape the team's attack strategy, organize the defensive line and I provide tactical advice. I communicate directly with the sir when Sarah isn't on the pitch. I encourage other players to give their best effort. I work closely with Sarah and Coach to help make major match decisions."

Meet Our Coach

Alicia Caplan

"I'm the Coach for the Vixens.  I'm responsible for running practices, helping select team line-ups, managing the sideline and coming up with a strategy for games.

I started playing rugby when I attended Southern Illinois University from 1999 until 2002. My primary position was hooker, but I could fill in other positions in the pack.   In 2016, I began coaching at the High School in Sycamore, Illinois.  I helped with practices for both the boys and girls teams.  I was the head coach for the girl's team. The girl's team won third in State in 2016.  I coached until 2020 when Covid ended our season.  I took a break from rugby to focus on my family.  

 

I am so glad the Vixens have given me opportunity to be involved in rugby again.  There is no other community that is as fun, welcoming and challenging."  

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