ANNAPOLIS, Maryland. – Head Coach Murphy McCarthy announced Maggie Geiger And Miracle Haynes have been selected as team captains for the upcoming 2024–25 women’s rugby season.

“I am thrilled to have Geiger and Haynes lead the team this year,” McCarthy said. “They have both grown so much as rugby players and leaders over the last three years, they deserve this and are up to the task.”

Geiger (Greenville, NC) competed in all eight games in the 15s competition last year at prop and started. In the 7s competition, Geiger played a key role in Navy’s defense, which allowed just 12.2 points per game, leading to a third-place finish at the Collegiate Rugby Championships. The operations research student has an overall GPA of 3.74.

“Geiger is a force on our front line and has been an exemplary teammate,” McCarthy said. “She set a precedent for our team on how to overcome adversity when she injured her knee just after her freshman year. Her dedication to rehab and returning to the field has been pretty amazing. She has grown stronger not only as a player but as a person and is ready to lead.”

Haynes started all eight games for the Mids last season and tied for the most tries on the team with three tries in the 15s competition. Haynes was a member of the 7s team that traveled to Tonga, Fiji and Samoa for the Pacific Islands tour. The Beaumont, Texas native is studying Cyber ​​Operations and has an overall grade point average of 2.71.

“Miracle Haynes has been a player to watch since her plebe days,” McCarthy noted. “She trains as hard as she plays and inspires the players around her with hard hits on defense and makes opposing defenders pay when she attacks them. She has high expectations of the team and makes them clear.”

The Navy women’s rugby team opens the season on Saturday, August 31, on its home field against Queens University of Charlotte.