by Nemsie Gonzalez
For the first time since its creation in 2017, the Wooster women’s rugby team has a male coach. The beginning of new coach Jim Haughn’s tenure has been a drastic change for many new and returning players, presenting a series of benefits and challenges.
Players highlighted the differences they saw between Haughn and Stephanie Snoeberger — the team’s previous coach. Jaden Barr ’25 commented that “a female coach gives a different energy than a male one does,” adding that “female coaches tend to focus on team bonding and team improvements, whereas male coaches like to work more on team connections on the field and players’ individual improvements.”
This approach benefits players hoping to play in the Ohio Valley Conference or the Ohio Elites annual spring tournament by allowing them to focus on their individual skills and the team’s overall performance. The transition also provides new opportunities for growth, as Haughn challenges players by placing them in new positions, diversifying the skill set of all members on the team.
Despite these benefits, some players worry about losing some of the positives of female coaching and the changes brought on by a male coach. Samanatha Harris ’26 felt that Snoeberger emphasized “how different bodies can be good at varying aspects of rugby” and “how our body types could benefit us.”
Several players also noted that Haughn’s coaching style is more hands-on than their previous coaches. Haughn physically shows players how they should execute plays, a method unfamiliar to those who are newer to the sport. Kelsey Mize ’26 said that while she appreciated this approach, she felt “that it can be intimidating for new players.”
Another notable change is the team’s use of more aggressive plays like mauls, a move discouraged by previous captains for fear that players could injure themselves. Lain Patton ’26, a rugby player who competed for four years, does not believe in this strategy. Patton asserted that “if it’s about to turn into a maul, [you should] just make it a ruck to avoid anyone getting hurt or someone using illegal techniques.”
This new style of coaching has created a more fast-paced environment that changes practices. Because Haughn’s approach is more conducive for older players, some returnees worry that new team members may be left behind. Mize said that “we’ve gone right into plays instead of practicing passing or throwing.” This sentiment is further echoed by Ava Caizzo ’26, who believes that “some of the girls still need help throwing the ball.”
However, many new members of the team expressed positive sentiments about the team and its coach. When asked about their experience joining the team, Osen Mac-Iriase ’26 stated, “all the girls are so sweet and welcoming and don’t make you feel dumb for not getting what’s going on” and described Haughn as “optimistic.”
Regardless of the new challenges and discrepancies between the styles of Snoeberger and Haughn, the team maintains a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The team is thus far impressed with Haughn’s commitment to the team. As Samanatha Harris ’26 put it, “he drives two hours to and from just to get to practices, so I’m really grateful.”
The women’s rugby team will open the season at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sep. 10 against the Gannon University Golden Knights. Come out to John P. Papp Stadium to support the team!
