Girls Rugby is excited to announce that we have hired Program Manager, Lynn Kleyer to oversee our Charlotte, NC program. Lynn is a huge asset to our team and we’re looking forward to having her here with us. Read below to get to know her and her vision!
Lynn Kleyer (she/her/hers), Girls Rugby Charlotte, NC Program Manager
Tell us a little bit about yourself and a bit of your background
I am from Sioux Center, Iowa and went to college at University of Northern Iowa for Public Health: Women’s Health. While at UNI, I was introduced to rugby my freshman year and instantly took a liking to the game. Throughout my time there, I took on various leadership positions including Captain and Club President. My senior year I even helped an area high school start their very first Girls 7s team. After my sophomore year in college, I knew that I wanted to play upper-level rugby and I had set my eyes on the Twin City Amazons. I moved to the Twin Cities after graduating and am currently playing for the WPL Amazons team.
Why did you want to work with Girls Rugby?
I am incredibly passionate about rugby and about empowering women of all ages. Working with children has also been close to my heart. Playing rugby has opened my eyes to an incredible, inclusive, welcoming community that is unlike any other. Women’s rugby especially helped me gain confidence in myself and my body. Incorporating that experience with a values-based curriculum for young girls can have an incredible impact! That is 100% something that I want to be a part of and am so thankful to have the opportunity to do.
Why is empowering young girls important to you?
Empowering young girls is so important to me because empowered girls become empowered women. As a Public Health: Women’s Health graduate, I can see the direct impact that women can have on not only their individual health, but the health of their families and the people around them. Starting education, confidence, and leadership building early in these young girls can help set them up for success down the road. Girls Rugby Inc. is not just about teaching girls rugby. It is about providing them with tools to put in their life “toolbox” that will stick with them forever.
What is an important value that you think is essential for girls to learn?
It is essential for young girls to learn self-confidence and individuality. It is ok to be different and it is sometimes easier to just go with the general norms. It takes strength to be different and stay true to who you are. If you can learn that at a young age, you are setting yourself up for success in many ways.
What are you most looking forward to with the upcoming season?
I am most looking forward to meeting everyone and building on the program that is currently in Charlotte. There is always room for growth and improvement whether that is from the coaches, players, or the program as a whole. I love watching people make “aha” moments in rugby when something just clicks or they do something that they did not believe they could. Being new to this program creates an awesome opportunity to provide a new, different perspective.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I went skydiving on the North Shore of Hawaii during my summer internship in 2019!
To reach Lynn or find out more information on Girls Rugby programs in Charlotte, NC, contact her at charlotte@girlsrugbyinc.com.