See below for all nominations submitted for the 2026 TRU HOF C/o 2026
Below is the list of names submitted by the members of the union for HOF nominees. Final nominations will be voted on in accordance to the HOF guidelines.
Jason Kimball
Rosalind Chou
I am honored to nominate Rosalind Chou for induction into the Texas Rugby Union Hall of Fame. Rosalind’s extensive contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, exemplify the spirit of rugby and the values we cherish as a community. While her journey with rugby began in Florida, her time in Texas introduced her to D1 club-level rugby and elite-level 7s. Texas is where she got her coaching certification and found her passion for the profession. Her time with the Austin Valkyries inspired her to pursue a career both as a player and as a coach.
Longevity in the Sport
Rosalind’s journey in rugby began in 1995 and continues to the present day, showcasing nearly three decades of dedication and passion. Her commitment to the game has allowed her to influence countless players and coaches, making her a pillar of the rugby community.
Diversity of RolesThroughout her career, Rosalind has excelled in various roles, demonstrating her versatility and leadership. She has been a player, club officer, coach, and member of the USA Rugby Congress. Additionally, her involvement as an Atlanta Youth Rugby Board member underscores her commitment to fostering the next generation of rugby players.
Player History
Rosalind’s player history is impressive:
• Florida State University: 1995-1999
• Gainesville Women: 2003-2005
• Austin Valkyries: 2005-2010
• West 7s All-Stars: 2007 & 2008
• SoCal 7s All-Stars: 2009
• South XVs All-Star: 2011
• Atlanta Harlequins: 2010-2017Coaching History
Her coaching career reflects her expertise and dedication:
• Duke University: 2010-2011
• Georgia Tech: 2012-2014
• Life University: 2014-2022
• USA U23s: 2018
• USA Regional Training Center Lead Coach: 2019-2021
• Atlanta Harlequins WPL: 2018 & 2019
• Premier Rugby 7s: 2021-2023
• South U23s: 2022
• Brown University: 2022-Present
• NCR Pathway Scout & Mentorship Coach: 2022-PresentService History
Rosalind has also served the rugby community in various capacities:
• Austin Valkyries Match Secretary: 2007
• Captain, Atlanta Harlequins: 2011
• Captain, South XVs All-Stars: 2011
• President of Atlanta Harlequins: 2012-2014
• Atlanta Youth Rugby Board Member: 2016-2017
• USA Rugby Congress: 2016-2020
• USA Rugby College Council: 2020-2021
VisibilityRosalind’s visibility and recognition have been remarkable:
Regional Recognition
• Inducted into Atlanta Harlequins Hall of Fame: 2024 (Individual for service and lifetime accomplishments)
• Inducted as a member of the 2014 Division 1 National Championship Team: 2024National Recognition:
• USA Rugby College Coach of the Year: 2016
• USA Rugby 7s D1 National Champions (Life U): 2016 & 2017
• Life U Collegiate Rugby 7s Champions: 2023, 2024, 2025
• Brown University Collegiate Rugby 7s Champions: 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022
• D1 Elite XVs Championship Finalist: 2021
• National Collegiate Rugby D1 XVs Champions: 2021 & 2022
• Collegiate Rugby Championship 7s Finalist (Life U): 2022
• U-23 All-Star XVs National Champions (South): 2022
• 10 College Player of the Year Nominees, including 4 Finalists and 1 Winner (Spiff Sedrick)
• Record for Most Collegiate Rugby Championship 7s Titles (5): 2025
• Named to College Coaches Mt. Rushmore via The College Rugby ShowInternational Achievements
Rosalind has developed players for the USA and beyond with pride, coaching:
• 11 USA Capped Eagles in 15s and 7s rugby
• Caps for Spain (7s) and Ireland (15s)
• Olympic Bronze MedalistLegacy
Rosalind’s legacy in rugby is profound. She has developed:
• 10 USA U-20s
• 15 U23s and Falcons
• 14 Professional 7s Players
• 12 Players in Professional 15s Women’s Elite Rugby (WER)
• 2 in the Collegiate Rugby Championship Hall of Fame
• 3 in the Life University Athletics Hall of FameAs a coach, she has been a mentor for National Collegiate Rugby and has offered seminars to enhance coaches’ understanding of 7s and 15s rugby.
In conclusion, Rosalind Chou’s remarkable journey in rugby, her unwavering dedication, and her significant contributions to the sport make her a worthy candidate for the Texas Rugby Union Hall of Fame. Her time in Texas was the catalyst to her Women’s Premier League playing career and planted the seed her coaching career. I wholeheartedly endorse her nomination and believe she will inspire future generations of rugby players and coaches.
Pat Lochridge
- Holly Iker
- Rugby Resume
- Elite Rugby Coach | Administrative Leader | Legal Professional
Oklahoma Rugby Hall of Fame Inductee (2019)Professional Profile
While conference boundaries and team affiliations have shifted over the years, Holly Iker’s impact on the Texas Rugby Union (TRU) and the Red River Rugby Conference (RRRC) has remained a constant force of excellence. Since the OU Women joined the TRU in 2002, Holly has served as a foundational pillar of the union’s competitive and administrative growth.Notably, Holly served as the Head Coach of the TRU Women’s All-Stars (2015–2018) and was an originating Women’s Representative on the RRRC Board. Her leadership was the primary reason the women’s collegiate side survived the post-COVID-19 landscape. As a key member of the core leadership group at Oklahoma Rugby Inc. (ORI), she has been a long-term steward of the Tarzan Rugby Pitch and the historic OU Rugby Clubhouse—ensuring the TRU continues to have access to one of the premier, player-owned rugby facilities in the nation. Whether the Roses were in or out of the union, Holly’s heart and handiwork have never left it.
Institutional Leadership Highlights
TRU All-Star Head Coach: Lead tactical architect for the TRU Women’s Representative side (2015–2018).RRRC Board Member: Originating Women’s Representative (2015–2017), shaping the conference’s modern framework.
West TU Chair: Women’s Council Chair (2005–2008), providing territorial-level governance.
Collegiate Survivalist: Credited with the preservation and rebuilding of the OU Women’s program through the COVID-19 era.
Rugby Leadership & Coaching Experience
Texas Rugby Union (TRU) All-Stars | Head Coach / Assistant Coach | 2014 – 2019, 2022Head Coach (2015–2018): Directed the TRU Women’s All-Star program, elevating regional talent to national-level competition.
Assistant Coach (2014–2015, 2019, 2022): Developed U-23 and Senior Women’s representative sides, including the Central South U-23 All-Stars.
Red River Rugby Conference (RRRC) | Board Member / Women’s Rep | 2015 – 2017
Served as a founding representative, establishing the competitive standards and administrative policies for the women’s division.
University of Oklahoma Women’s Rugby | Head Coach | 2017 – Present
Directing high-performance tactical planning and recruitment.
Post-COVID Stewardship: Acted as the primary stabilizer for the program, ensuring collegiate women’s rugby remained viable in the region despite the global pandemic.
Infrastructure & Institutional Stewardship
Oklahoma Rugby Inc. (ORI) | Treasurer & Board Member | 2002 – PresentFacility Management: Part of the core leadership group managing the Tarzan Rugby Pitch and the historic OU Rugby Clubhouse.
Event Execution: Pivotal in hosting USA Rugby Regional Playoffs, TRU Championships, and Western Territorial Seedings at the Oklahoma facilities.
Financial Oversight: Managing long-term fiscal health as Treasurer (2012–Present).
Elite Technical Credentials
USA Rugby Elite Programs: Project Soar Elite Coach, Emerging Elite Coach, Elite Coach Development Program.International Pedigree: 2019 Premiership Rugby Scholar (England), IRANZ Coaching Course (New Zealand).
Certifications: Level 300 Coach, Level 1 Referee, AR/Touch Judge Certified.
Professional Legal Career
BIC Legal | Attorney at LawLeadership: Past President of the Cleveland County Bar Association; Founding Member of the Cleveland County Family Drug Court.
Memberships: American Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association.
- Kate Turpin
- Player Bio
- It is with great honor and profound admiration that we nominate Kate Turpin for induction into the Texas Rugby Union (TRU) Rugby Hall of Fame. Kate’s remarkable contributions as a player, coach, and leader have left an indelible mark on the rugby community as a whole and specifically Greater Little Rock Rugby. Her legacy is not only defined by her impressive achievements on the field but also by her unwavering commitment to mentorship, leadership, and the development of women’s rugby at all levels.
Kate began her rugby journey in 1994 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She quickly established herself as a formidable player, helping lead the University of Illinois Women’s RFC to its first-ever National Championship berth. Her exceptional skill and dedication to the game earned her recognition as a Collegiate All-American from 1997-1998.
Her playing career continued to flourish at the highest levels of the sport. Competing in Division I rugby: the pinnacle of competitive play at the time, Kate represented premier clubs including the Minnesota Valkyries and the Berkeley All-Blues, with whom she secured a National Championship. Her talent and tenacity also earned her a spot on the Midwest Senior All-Star Select Side for both 15’s and 7‘s teams, which ultimately led to a position within the USA player pool. Representing her country, Kate took the field for the USA Women Eagles 15’s team in the 2001 Can-Am series and also toured with the USA Women Eagles 7’s team under the esteemed guidance of Dr. Julia McCoy.
Kate’s influence in rugby extends far beyond her playing days. She has devoted countless hours to coaching and growing the game of rugby, inspiring the next generation of athletes. As an Assistant Coach at the University of California-Berkeley Women’s 15’s team and the Berkeley All-Blues 7’s team, Kate helped guide the All-Blues to two National Championships. She also contributed to the development of the Berkeley All-Blues Division II Women’s rugby team during its inaugural season, who now have developed their rugby program to include a Women’s Premier League rugby team.
Since 2015, Kate has served as Head Coach for the Little Rock Women’s Rugby Club, leading both 15’s and 7’s teams. During Kate’s tenure, the team achieved tremendous success, including the Texas Rugby Union Women’s Division II Championship in 2023 and 2025; runner up in 2022 and 2024 and appearances at the USA Club Rugby Gulf Coast Super Regionals in 2023 and 2025. Under her guidance, this club has developed into a true Division II rugby program with its sights set on continued growth and development for the game.
Outside of Little Rock Women’s Rugby, her dedication to the growth of Women’s rugby continued as a staff member at the American Rugby Pro Training Center (ARPTC) for three years. Additionally, Kate contributed her expertise as Assistant Coach for the Texas Rugby Union (TRU) Select Side (Texas Toast) in both 2016 and 2024; where they achieved runner up in the Mary Graham All Star Tournament. Kate’s leadership extends beyond this, as she has served in administrative roles as well. She served as Interim Little Rock Women’s Rugby Club President from 2022 to 2023 and currently holds the position of Secretary for the Greater Little Rock Rugby Club in 2025 and 2026.
At the core Kate’s legacy is her dedication to mentorship and community impact. She is a beacon of inspiration, leading by example and fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, empowerment, and growth. Her players, teammates, and colleagues consistently describe her as a compassionate mentor who empowers others to achieve their potential and to step outside of their comfort zone, both on and off the field.
One of Kate’s most remarkable talents is her ability to transform individuals from the community, many of whom had never played or heard of rugby before, into exceptional athletes and dedicated rugby players. Through patience, skillful coaching, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every player, Kate has built a welcoming and dynamic environment where newcomers can thrive and seasoned athletes can excel.
Through her leadership, Kate has transformed the Little Rock Women’s Rugby Club into a powerhouse of competitive excellence and a nurturing community for athletes of all skill levels. Her commitment to building a supportive environment has attracted new players to the sport, developed seasoned athletes, and strengthened the rugby community in Little Rock and beyond.
Kate’s profound impact on the rugby world is a testament to her exceptional skill, tireless dedication, and inspiring leadership. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and service. A story that deserves to be honored with induction in the TRU Hall of Fame. Kate’s influence will undoubtedly continue to shape the sport for generations to come, making her a true and deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.
We wholeheartedly endorse Kate Turpin’s nomination and thank you for considering this exceptional leader, mentor, and community advocate for the TRU Hall of Fame.
- Mark Speer
- -Started youth rugby in 1969
-started career playing with rice in 1969
-houston old boys
-houston rugby club
-the eliminators
-President of the old tin can for 2 years
-President of bayou city for 16 years
-Westbury high school coach 15 years (traveled all over the US to play against other teams)
– coach St. Anns
– coach welsh middle school
-Lamar High School
– Texas xxx’s
– coach university of houston rugby 20 years
– advising and coaching Texas A&M Corpus Christi past 4 years
– Coached 2 USA Eagles
Etc
- -Started youth rugby in 1969
- Frank Waller
- Nomination Letter
- Nomination Letter
- Player, Coach (Youth, Collegiate, Men’s, Women’s), Referee, Club Founder/Leader