Rugby Resolve
OWU Graduates Invited to Train at Under-23 Women's National Team Development Camp
When the nation's best amateur players were invited to train for potential spots on the U.S. Women's National Rugby Team, and maybe even for next Olympic and World Cup squads, two Bishops were on the guest list.
Madison Cofer '24 and Kayla Saikaly '24 will travel to California this month to spend five days at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, an Olympic and Paralympic training site, participating in the U.S. Under-23 Women's National Team development camp.
If they catch a coach's eye, they could be invited to participate in future U.S. Women's National Team camps and, ultimately, to train for the 2028 U.S. Olympic team or 2029 World Cup competition.
Both Bishops say they're ready for this rugby rumble.
Coming 'Full Circle'
"I remember at one of our first few practices, our coach Phil (Payne) pulled Kayla and me aside and told us that 'we could go anywhere in this sport if we wanted,' so that's just been in the back of my mind ever since," said Cofer, who plays inside and outside centre. "I think that's part of what's making this feel so special. It feels very full circle, and I'm very proud of myself to see that we are actively making progress to prove him right."
Their "progress" has included both Cofer and Saikaly competing on the Ohio Elite team in this year's Midwest tournament in May in Chicago and then for the Midwest Thunderbirds in the National All Star tournament in June in Minnesota. (Their teams won both events.)
Now living in Columbus, Cofer and Saikaly continue to train and compete regularly as they prepare for Chula Vista.
'Learn, Grow, and Make Friends'
"Madison and I train pretty much every day," said Saikaly, who typically plays full back but was invited to California as a centre. "We also both work with Dr. Selena Budge at Sports Enhancing Systems (SES), a physical therapist who specializes in preventative care and sports performance. For our other fitness, we do weightlifting, cardio (sprint and endurance training), and we play on the local D1 senior side team, the Columbus Squirrels."
Like Cofer, Saikaly said she's also excited to see what's next in their rugby ride: "My goal is to take everything I can from this camp to become a better rugby player. There is nothing to lose from this camp, so I want to learn, grow, and make friends while I'm there. I would love to leave a lasting impression on the coaching staff on and off the field."
A New Focus
Cofer shared that being invited to California holds special significance for her, as an injury sidelined her during her OWU senior year.
"On October 26, 2024, my knee gave out while I was playing in a rugby match against Baldwin Wallace," Cofer said. "I ended up tearing my ACL and both sides of my meniscus in my right knee. I had surgery at the beginning of November to repair both meniscus tears and replace my ACL. That unfortunately was the start of a very long and painful process of recovery. Due to some complications and setbacks, it wasn't until April 3, 2026, that I was able to play in my first rugby match since surgery. So going from not being able to physically play rugby for over a year to now getting invited out to a USA developmental camp is just so crazy. I worked so hard just to have the opportunity to play again, not even considering the pathway. So now my eyes are trained on a new goal, and I plan to work just as hard for it as I have to get where I am now."
Accomplished Bishops
At Ohio Wesleyan, Cofer was a double major in Psychology and Pre-Biomedical Engineering (3-2 program). She expected to earn an advanced degree in engineering, but her interests have pivoted to physical therapy. Cofer currently is working in a physical therapist's office and applying to graduate schools to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. As a Bishop, she also played varsity soccer, earning accolades that included second team All-Region in 2022 and 2023, and NCAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.
Saikaly, an OWU Neuroscience and Psychology double major, currently works as a research associate at the Gene Therapy Institute at The Ohio State University. In addition, she is enrolled in OSU's Master of Translational Pharmacology program. At Ohio Wesleyan, Saikaly played varsity soccer for four years. At Manchester High School in New Franklin, Ohio, she ran track, cheered, and was the kicker for the football team.
Cofer and Saikaly's OWU rugby coach, Philip Payne, said both have the determination and skills to succeed at the Chula Vista camp.
[T]heir drive to make a leap to the National Team is astounding and a testament to their passion to excel.
A 'Significant Step'
"The first order of business for Madison and Kayla is making the World Cup squad," Payne said, "but both play positions and have the speed and skills to also be considered for the Olympic side."
The teams are different, he explained, because "the World Cup is 15 players a side, and the Olympics is seven players a side. Both teams play on fields roughly the size of a soccer field. Consequently, the 7s format involves fast sprinting during 7-minute halves, while the 15s format is much more tactical and physical, lasting 80 minutes.
"I am so excited to see both of them take this significant step in their athletic careers," Payne continued. "Coming from a small school, learning the game in college, and then using that knowledge and their drive to make a leap to the National Team is astounding and a testament to their passion to excel."
[A longtime Ohio State University rugby coach and former professional rugby league footballer, Payne retired as OWU's rugby coach this spring. He will be replaced by Emily Loede, who will be supported by returning assistant coaches Lynn Smith and David Fetalaiga.]
'Be the Best'
Cofer summed up both women's thoughts on their rugby futures, proclaiming: "Every new coach, every new teammate, and everyone else involved in the process, all come with skills and knowledge that are worth absorbing. To be the best. you have to learn from the best."