Fresno State Women’s Rugby: ‘Friends Through Adversity’

The Fresno State Women’s Rugby team is as thick as thieves and as tough as nails, but beyond the field is a sisterhood unlike any other.

The public perception of rugby may be one of a brutal and harsh sport. One may think that in order to thrive or even survive that it takes a cut throat attitude. But Dallas Bollanos has only been with the team a short time and says that there is an abundance of warm friendship to be found.

“They’re all like my sisters now. I really love them,” Bollanos said. “I even met one of my best friends through rugby but only in these last five months. I really am appreciative of the Fresno State Women’s Rugby Team.”

Bollanos isn’t the only player who shares that sentiment. Veteran player Saffron Lovas has been with the team for four years will not only miss it but also cherishes the core memories she has made with her sisters.

“I did a little couch surfing during the pandemic with a couple of girls from the team because I was homeless once COVID hit,” Lovas said.

The team is as close as they come and it is plain to see, all the way from the players to the volunteer coaches.

“These people who you play with, they stay with you for life,” said Michelle Maldonado, the women’s rugby coach. Maldonado is stepping up as head coach since Coach Barry Foley is officially stepping down. Foley was responsible for the creation of the men’s rugby team, and it is Foley’s passion for the sport that makes him want more for the team beyond his departure.

“I wish we could train on campus, you know the conditions here on Vinland field are pretty rough and it’s not safe for our players,” Foley said.

There’s no shortage of adversity for these athletes and time will only tell how successful they are on the field. The one thing that is certain is that these players will grit their teeth and grin through it all.