Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club is thrilled to celebrate Kaylie Gladwell’s incredible achievement as a finalist for the prestigious 15 Under 30 Award by the Women’s Rugby Foundation. This award honors young leaders under 30 who have made outstanding contributions to the rugby community, both on and off the pitch. Kaylie’s recognition is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the sport and her exceptional impact as a coach, player, and mentor.

From Player to Leader: Kaylie’s Rugby Journey

Kaylie’s rugby story began during her senior year of high school when she joined the Kent Crusaders. Recruited during a high school flag football game, she was captivated by rugby’s fast-paced and dynamic nature. Her passion for the sport deepened as she played for Western Washington University (WWU) from 2014 to 2018.

After graduating, Kaylie stepped into a coaching role with WWU Women’s Rugby in 2021, navigating the challenges of rebuilding the program in the aftermath of COVID-19. Reflecting on her early coaching days, Kaylie shared, “The first year of coaching was a huge learning experience for me. I realized I had a lot of room for improvement and that there was a ton of potential with this team. It’s funny to think back on how much things have changed and how much I have grown as a coach in the last three years.”

Her growth and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Chris Rowell, a mentor, former WWU coach and nominator, noted, “Kaylie is a coach who puts her players first. She is thoughtful, deliberate, and deeply committed to creating an environment where players can thrive both on and off the pitch.”

Joel Weisser, head coach for the Geoducks who also helped nominate Kaylie for the award, highlighted her resilience and impact: “Kaylie took over a program coming out of the dark days of COVID with all kinds of uncertainties still looming. She just booted up and went to work to get the team back on track. She’s an incredibly humble and hardworking ambassador of the sport.”

Coaching Philosophy: Trust, Compassion, and Fun

At the heart of Kaylie’s coaching is her belief in trust, compassion, and fun. She emphasizes the importance of building trust within her teams, fostering an environment where players support one another, and encouraging growth through peer-to-peer learning.

“Trust is a big one for me,” Kaylie explained. “I want my players to trust themselves, their teammates, and their coaches. I believe you can be serious and competitive while having a great time. It’s about creating an environment where players can make lifelong friends while also pushing themselves to be their best.”

Her coaching philosophy aligns perfectly with Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club’s mission to cultivate a supportive and inclusive rugby community. As a member of Chuckanut’s women+’s team, the Mussels, Kaylie continues to inspire players both as a coach and teammate. “Playing with the Mussels keeps me grounded as a coach. It’s great to be back on the other side, learning new skills and drills to bring back to WWU,” she said.

A Vision for the Future

Kaylie’s impact extends beyond the pitch. She is a living example of the opportunities rugby provides for growth, leadership, and lifelong involvement. As Joel Weisser put it, “Kaylie is a living example of what the future of rugby will look like. Her players and the youth watching from the sidelines see that there is no mold for what a rugby coach looks like.”

Looking ahead, Kaylie is committed to continuing her growth as a coach and leader. “I want to keep learning the game and defining my coaching style,” she said. “For WWU, I hope to make it back to the final four for 15s, return to 7s nationals, and retain full first and second team rosters.”

Kaylie also envisions growing the Mussels to a roster of 30+ players, further solidifying Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club’s role as a hub for rugby development and community building.

Inspiration and Recognition

When asked about the mentors who influenced her journey, Kaylie credited her former coaches, Mike Mauger and Chris Rowell, for shaping her approach to the game. She also drew inspiration from her father, a former soccer coach, whose compassionate and strategic style left a lasting impression.

Being a finalist for the 15 Under 30 Award is a significant milestone for Kaylie, but she sees it as an opportunity to shine a light on the broader rugby community. “I am very honored to be recognized for something that has become my passion,” she said. “I love that it brings the spotlight onto WWU Women’s Rugby. This team and program are special to me.”

Celebrating Kaylie’s Legacy

Kaylie Gladwell’s journey exemplifies the spirit of Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club—a commitment to growth, community, and the love of the game. Her dedication as a player, coach, and mentor is an inspiration to everyone in the rugby community. As we celebrate her accomplishments, we look forward to seeing the continued impact she will undoubtedly make in the years to come.

Congratulations, Kaylie, on this well-deserved recognition. The entire Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club is proud to call you one of our own.