The 2024 TRU All Star selection process is underway as we prepare for the ninth annual Mary Graham All Stars Tournament! We’re excited to announce the Development & Selection Camps for the TRU “Texas Toast” All Stars. If you’re a player looking to join the team, here are the key details:
Development & Selection Camps
- South Camp: Sunday, October 6 – Austin, TX (Hosted by the Valkyries at Huns Rugby Ranch, 4107 Nixon Ln, Austin, TX 78725)
- North Camp: Sunday, October 27 – Dallas, TX (Hosted by the Quins at Glencoe Park, 3700 Glencoe St, Dallas, TX 75206)
- Warmup Tournament: Ozark Tournament – Little Rock, Nov 9-10
Camp check-ins will be from 9:30 to 10:00 AM, with camp running from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Eligibility:
All TRU members aged 18 and older (as of December 1) are eligible. College players who are 18+ are also eligible but must be registered with USA Rugby and the TRU under the TRU All Stars club.
Registration:
Players are encouraged to register their intent to participate by October 1. There’s no cost to attend the camps, and all athletes are welcome to attend, though we recommend having at least half a season of experience. If you’re unable to attend but still wish to be considered for the team, please contact Traci Young.
2024 Mary Graham All Stars Tournament
- When: December 7-8
- Where: Dallas, TX
- Watch: All matches will be broadcast live on the TRU YouTube channel.
For more details, visit here.
Coaching Staff
Holly Iker – Head Coach
Holly is returning as the Head Coach for the TRU All Stars. She has been involved in rugby since 1996 as a player for the Oklahoma Roses and transitioned into coaching in 2002, starting as an assistant coach for the Roses. Holly became the head coach in 2011, a position she still holds today. Beyond her work with the Roses, Holly has also coached the Heart of America U23 All Stars, TRU U23 and Senior All Stars, and the Central South U23s.
Kate Turpin – Assistant Coach (Backs)
Kate coaches a year-round women’s rugby team in Little Rock, AR, handling both traditional 15s rugby and the faster-paced 7s rugby. Her versatile coaching experience makes her an asset in developing well-rounded backs for the All Star team.
Chelsea Peper – Assistant Coach (Forwards)
Chelsea played rugby at Texas A&M, with the Austin Valkyries, and then with the sHARCs in Houston, where she is also the forwards coach. Currently, she’s the Girls Rugby representative with Rugby Texas and coaches Woodlands Girls Rugby. Chelsea’s expertise in player development at the grassroots level strengthens her role in coaching forwards.
Mattison Grey – Mental Skills Coach
A Leadership and Performance Specialist with over 25 years of experience, Mattison has coached at the American Rugby Pro Training Center and competed at high levels in both rugby and Touch Rugby. Her focus on mental skills training provides athletes with the tools needed for high performance in both sports and life.