Head Coach Danny Harlow isn't afraid of what many call a cheesy phrase: "Student comes before athlete in student-athlete," he says. "Academics is the most important aspect." It shows: Women's rugby has posted a 3.65 team GPA average over the past two years, with eight players earning a 4.0 in fall 2025 and eight more in spring 2026. 

Harlow builds the team's schedule around their academics. Practices happen in the evenings so athletes have the day open for study hall and class, and each player is paired with an accountability partner to help keep them on track, athletically and academically. At the start of every year, the team agrees on a target GPA together, and weekly grade reports from the program's academic advisor let coaches step in so athletes don't have to face a difficult semester alone.  

For Cecilia Scarff '28, lessons from the pitch only enhance her participation outside of it. "Success is not just about what I can accomplish individually, but about how I can contribute to and support the people around me," she says. "At Queens, I am expected to show up in a responsible and committed way." Beyond her sport and coursework, she's expected to keep learning through homework, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. 

Evelyn Brown '29 credits rugby with helping her adapt to the people around her, something she didn't think would be as easy to learn in a traditional setting. With 15 teammates on the pitch at once, each with a different communication style, she's found that working together looks different for every person on the team. That same adaptability shows up in how the team studies. Weekly study hall is a requirement, but teammates have turned it into something more. "We help each other study, check in on teammates who seem to be having trouble with certain subjects," she says, "and know that our coach has an open-door policy if we ever feel like we have to go to him for academic help." 

Brown explained that Coach Harlow makes academic resources, such as the athletic academic advisor, clear to the team, and personally guides athletes who may need direction — opportunities that are made possible through donor investment. Generosity fills in the gaps, allowing student-athletes to grow, train, and compete without hindrance.  

Get Involved This Year 

This kind of support doesn't happen without a community behind it. Royal Ralliers, our new way for fans, families, and alumni to show up for the Royals jersey, launches this fall: cheer from the stands, share a post, or start a conversation with a fellow fan. Learn more and sign up today. 

We also invite you to mark your calendars for October 2-9, when the Queens Athletics community joins together in support of our student-athletes for Investing In Champions, the annual week of giving. Early giving starts now, and your support unlocks benefit tiers and Royals Club membership. If you're interested in building momentum and increasing the impact of your gift, reach out to us at athletics@queens.edu to set up a giving challenge.