2024 Rugby Knowledge Pathways Instructors
Our 2024 team of instructors for the Rugby Knowledge Pathways continues to evolve, bringing a wealth of expertise and experience. This diverse and highly knowledgeable group covers a wide range of rugby topics, providing invaluable guidance to empower players, coaches, administrators, and fans on their rugby journeys.
Mary Swanstrom
Athletic Trainer, MS, ATC, CAFS & USAR Educator
Mary has been involved in rugby since 1991 when she began playing at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She has played all over the United States, most notably with Chicago North Shore and San Diego Surfers. While playing, she began coaching in the late 90s, helping out with various college programs. After a career ending injury while in the Navy, she took on her first head coaching role with the San Diego Armada men’s rugby team. Over the last 20 years she has coached at the high school boys, college women, college men, adult club women, adult club men, and various all-star programs. Mary is also a Licensed Athletic Trainer working with the UC Davis Gymnastics and Tennis teams. She has a bachelor’s of science in kinesiology and exercise science from California State University, Sacramento. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Athletic Training from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. Also a World Rugby Educator and Trainer, she serves as the USA Rugby Training and Education Southern Region Administrator.
David Dodge
TRU Board Member and USA Rugby SCC Member
David has an extensive background in rugby, holding various roles within the sport. He has been a long-time officer of the Dallas Rugby Football Club, serving as President, Treasurer, and Player. As a representative on the Texas Rugby Union (TRU) Board since 2017, he has played a crucial role in maintaining the strength and continuity of the Union. David has also been actively involved in USA Rugby, serving as Treasurer and on the Audit & Risk Committee, Competition Management Workgroup, Accident Insurance Workgroup, and Eligibility Committee. His experience includes responsibilities in finance, competition management, eligibility regulations, and national competitions. With his dedication and expertise, David Dodge has proven himself to be a committed and knowledgeable figure within the rugby community.
Karen Fong Donoghue, MA
The Rugger's Edge, Owner & Founder
Karen Fong Donoghue, founder and president of The Rugger’s Edge, has over 15 years of experience in the rugby community. She has competed at the Division 1 level, been a Collegiate All-American and National U-23 player, and serves as a top national referee. The Rugger’s Edge, the world’s only College Rugby Advisory consultancy, helps students navigate the college rugby recruitment process. Karen’s deep connections with college rugby coaches and expertise in college planning make her an invaluable resource for high school players seeking to align their academic and athletic goals. She is passionate about helping students find their “Best Fit” college, making the process enjoyable and stress-free.
Tane Jerevich
International Rugby Player & Coach
Tane Jerevich is a highly experienced rugby coach and former player with an extensive international resume. Originally from Scotland, Tane has played for the Scottish National U19s, Scotland Thistles, and Scotland 7s teams. His professional playing career included stints with clubs in Italy and Spain. As the Director of Rugby for the Austin Blacks Rugby Club, Tane led the team to remarkable success, including three USA Rugby Club Finals in five years and guiding all three sides to the national quarterfinals in 2019. Tane holds IRFU Level 4, ARU Level 3, and USA Rugby Level 300 coaching qualifications.
Bryson Tucker
Sacrifice Training High Performance Owner
Bryson Tucker is the Founder and CEO of Sacrifice Training, bringing a wealth of experience as an elite athlete and trainer. A graduate of the University of Mary Hardin Baylor with a degree in Sports Management, Bryson holds multiple certifications, including NCSF Certified Strength Coach and Trainer, Sports Nutrition, and Periodization Training for Athletes. As a former 1st Team All American Safety and All Purpose Back, Bryson has also played professionally, signing with the Green Bay Blizzard of the Indoor Football League and the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. Bryson is dedicated to helping athletes achieve peak performance through proper biomechanics and effective training methods.
TJ Costello
Seasoned Tournament Director
TJ Costello is a seasoned rugby tournament organizer with over 25 years of experience in the field. He has been instrumental in the success and growth of numerous rugby events, including the renowned Bloodfest tournament. TJ’s expertise spans all aspects of tournament management, from logistics and coordination to community engagement and promotion. His deep understanding of the Texas rugby scene, particularly through his involvement with TOLA 7s, has made him a pivotal figure in enhancing the sport’s presence and popularity in the region. Known for his practical insights and innovative strategies, TJ is passionate about empowering smaller clubs to host successful tournaments, regardless of size. His commitment to fostering a vibrant rugby community continues to inspire clubs and organizers across Texas.
Lach Ferguson
IRFU , ARU & USAR Coach Certified
Coach Ferguson has previously been the Director of Rugby for the Austin Blacks Rugby Club. He is currently the Head Coach at The Huns Rugby Club. He also previously coached the Austin Valkyries Women’s Rugby Club and the St Edward’s University Rugby Club. He has been the Texas All Star Coach for the Lonestar Colleges Representative Team as well as the All Star Coach for the Texas Women’s Rugby Union Senior Team.
Coach Ferguson has 25 years coaching experience. He has coached in Ireland, England, New Zealand and Australia. In Australia he was a Regional Development Officer and Coach Educator for the Australian Rugby Union and the Queensland Rugby Union between the RWC99 and RWC03 cycles. He was also the first professional coach employed by the Ulster Education Board in Northern Ireland as well as the Rugby Master at Portora Royal School. Coach Ferguson holds an IRFU Level 4, ARU Level 3, USA Rugby Level 300 qualification.
Steve Watt
USA Touch Rugby HP Coach
Steve Watt is the co-founder and head coach of Austin Touch (austintouch.org). He is also one of the selectors and coaches at USA Touch and most recently coached the USA Mixed 30 team at the 2024 Touch World Cup in Nottingham, England. Outside of touch, Steve originally hails from South Africa, is an L2 USA Rugby coach and played for the Austin Blacks from 2000-2010.
Andrew Heller
Marketing Consultant
Andrew Heller brings valuable experience as a marketing consultant, currently working with LARES. With a strong skill set in areas such as marketing strategy, social media, and event marketing, Andrew excels in conducting research and analysis to identify target audiences and develop comprehensive marketing plans. His expertise extends to creating engaging content, including social media posts and email campaigns, as well as supporting event planning and execution. Andrew’s contributions to the Austin Huns Rugby club as Secretary and Communications personnel align with his marketing background, making him a valuable asset in effectively promoting the club and its initiatives.
Mattison Grey
M.Ed. MMC, CPPC
Mattison Grey M.Ed. CPPC is a Leadership and Performance Specialist and Certified Professional Business, Leadership, and Executive Coach. Since 1997, Mattison has been coaching teams and individuals and consulting in organizations in the areas of leadership, communication, teamwork, and high performance. From 2015-2021, Mattison served as the Mental Skills Coach at American Rugby Pro Training Center. At ARPTC Mattison designed and built the Mental Skills Program from the ground up, coaching the athletes on Individual Mental Skills and Team Cohesion. She also worked with the coaching staff on communication, feedback, and high performance. With a great depth of experience, she brings 25 + years of professional instruction to her clients and teams, boosted by her own rugby and Touch Rugby career and other experiences as a competitive athlete. Mattison is a former NCAA Division I athlete who attended the University of Iowa on a swimming scholarship. Immediately upon graduating from Iowa in 1990, Mattison began her rugby career in Houston, Texas. She quickly rose through the ranks in the West and Midwest, landing one step away from the USA National Team before retiring to raise a family. In 2006, Mattison transitioned to the sport of Touch Rugby, where she competed in numerous National Championships and was selected to the 2008 USA Touch World Cup Squad. Mattison is obsessed with providing young women with the mental skills, structures, and tools they need to navigate the challenges that come with participation in high-performance sports and life.
Mary Graham
Nutritionist & USA Weightlifting Coach
Mary Graham is a seasoned coach specializing in Nutrition and Olympic Weightlifting. Residing in Arvada, CO, Mary is active in Masters Olympic Weightlifting, CrossFit, and Spartan Racing. Mary is a former Masters Olympic Weightlifting National champion, Pan American champion, and World medalist. As a former collegiate swimmer and recreational soccer player, Mary found Texas rugby while stationed at Fort Hood,TX. Mary has played rugby for the Austin Valkyries, Houston Herricanes, HARC, and the US Combined Service Rugby teams. She served the TRU as Head Coach for Rice Women’s Rugby Coach, the TRU U-23 Women’s All Stars and as an administrator. Mary finished out her rugby coaching career in Colorado by serving as the ERRFU U-19, ERRFU U-23, and West U-19 Women’s as assistant coach. Mary holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and an MBA from Rice University. Her passion for outdoor activities includes skiing in the winter and hiking Colorado’s peaks in the summer. With her extensive background in sports and technical expertise, Mary is dedicated to helping athletes optimize their performance through effective nutrition and training strategies.