American International College women's rugby head coach Peter Lang announced the team's captains for the 2017-18 season this afternoon. Senior Bridget Kahele and sophomore Allyson Pothier will lead the women's rugby team on the field next season, in addition to senior Kayla Clark.

"The 2017-18 season is shaping up to be a breakout year for AIC women's rugby," Lang said. "Having the experience and dedication of our seniors like Bridget Kahele will be the tip of that arrow. Combine that with the enthusiasm and desire of Allyson Pothier, who will be a sophomore next year, and that will ensure that this program will continue to excel for years to come."

Kahele is going into her senior year at AIC, where she is studying sports management. Last season, Kahelewas a huge asset on the field for AIC, and was recognized as an All-American. According to Lang, she leads with passion and desire to be the best she can be, and lifts others around her to do the same. As scrum-half, her ball distribution and toughness has been a key foundation to the style of rugby that AIC plays. Her game management and understanding is exemplary. Off the field, she is still highly dedicated to the team and has navigated the team with compassion and patience.

Pothier is going into her sophomore year and is a nursing major, and is a natural leader, according to Lang. Lang added that she keeps things light off the field, and is always there for her teammates. She is smart and is always thinking about how the team can improve. She is highly accomplished at having difficult conversations with the team and at seeking advice when she needs it. On the field, Pothier walked into a starting position immediately in her freshman year, but sustained an injury that forced her on to the sideline for much of the season. She immediately turned that setback to an opportunity to get to know the team and its style and methods of play from the sideline, while working extra hard to make it back from injury to help lead the team in the spring semester.

"Their combined leadership will be key to maximizing the performance of our existing squad while also developing our incoming recruits," Lang said. "It is a very exciting time to be part of this wonderful program."

Clark was added to the leadership team of the women's rugby program in July.

"Kayla is already very much a leader in the women's rugby program," Lang said. "She is one of the star players in the program and a huge asset on the field, but additionally has demonstrated strong leadership capabilities off the field. She cares deeply about AIC women's rugby and the individual squad members.

"I am very excited about this move. Kayla will bring another dimension to the leadership team and will really help Bridget Kahele and Allyson Pothier in their captains role. She is the final piece to the jigsaw, and together the three captains will set the tone and character of this program. I am sure their legacy will be felt for many years."