eagles.rugby — Determined to finish out the season with podium level performances, the USA Women’s Eagles Sevens squad has been set to travel to Spain and France for the final two stops of the HSBC SVNS World Championships and conclusion of the 2025-26 season. [Photo: Alex Ho @hoiho_photo]
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Coming in as a top seed from their third place standing on the HSBC SVNS Series, the USA Women dipped in the opening World Championship stop at the historic Hong Kong tournament taking 5th. Landing in Valladolid, Spain, the Eagles will kick off against Fiji in Pool B, before taking on South Africa and series foes Australia. Action starts Friday morning, May 29 for American audiences and will be broadcast live on Paramount+.
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Prepared to make up the points they need, the Women’s Eagles have been relishing the challenge and hard work in their most recent training block.
Believing in the team’s ability to bounce forward, head coach Emilie Bydwell has named this final season roster, which sees Su Adegoke return from injury alongside Erica Couibaly and Cass Bargell fresh off the Women’s XVs Pacific Four Series. Olympian Kayla Canett rejoins the set up for her first season appearance this year to earn her 37th tournament cap, having taken some time away earlier this season, while Sereana Vulaono steps in line to make her USA Sevens debut.
Bydwell commented on the team’s eagerness to get back playing on the world stage:
“Hong Kong gave us a very clear picture of where we needed to grow. The feedback from that block was around raising our level of competition, intensity, and collective focus, and I’ve been really proud of how the group has responded over the last few weeks. We’ve recommitted to the principles that bring out the best in us individually and collectively, and there’s been a real edge to the environment. This team has continued to lean into challenge instead of avoiding them, and that mindset is a huge part of who we’re becoming. We know what’s in front of us over these final two stops, and we’re excited to attack that challenge together.”
Sereana Vulaono / Photo: USA Rugby
“This season has been transformational for our program. Last year we were still trying to establish who we wanted to be across our culture, our playing identity, and our long-term direction. This year, we’ve built a much stronger foundation around work ethic, accountability, connection, and a style of play that we believe can become a real competitive advantage for us moving toward LA 2028. What excites me most is that this group has embraced the process of becoming an antifragile team — one that grows stronger through pressure and adversity. Over these final two tournaments, I’m excited for us to play with freedom, speed, and clarity, and to continue showing what Highwomen rugby looks like when we fully trust it.”
Integrating back into that new culture, Bydwell continued on the value Canett’s return adds on and off the pitch:
“Kayla brings a level of experience, composure, and competitiveness that is incredibly valuable, especially at this stage of the season. She understands what it takes to perform consistently on the world stage and she has a calming influence within the environment, while still driving standards every day. Beyond her experience, she also has a deep connection to the identity and values of this team, and having her back in the group adds another layer of confidence and leadership as we head into these final tournaments.”
Pool play kicks off May 29, with knockout rounds beginning Saturday, May 30. All matches will be streamed live on Paramount+.
1 Ariana Ramsey (21 caps)
2 Erica Coulibaly (6)
3 Tahna Wilfley (7)
8 Spiff Sedrick (25)
9 Cass Bargell (1)
12 Kristi Kirshe (C) (37)
15 Rachel Strasdas (14)
19 Kaylen Thomas (11)
22 Sammy Sullivan (22)
24 Su Adegoke (13)
7 Kayla Canett (36)
28 Sariah Ibarra (13)
14 Sereana Vulaono (0)
99 Autumn Czaplicki (9)
Emilie Bydwell | Head Coach
Tony Roques | Assistant Coach
Charlie Purdon | Technical & IDP Skills Coach
Ben Pinkelman | Support Coach
Lauren Barber | Performance Analyst
Trey Ford | Head of Athletic Performance
Ashley Morataya | Assistant S&C
Nicole Titmas | Head of Athlete Health & Wellness – 7s / Women’s 7s Head ATC
Meghan Chambers | Rehab Specialist
Jackie Rodriguez | Athletic Trainer
Jacque Scaramella | Dietician
Peter Haberl | Sport Psychologist
Liz Strohecker | Head of HP Operations – 7s
Maria Adams | HP Operations Coordinator – 7s
Jenni Burke | Media Manager
Juan Juarez | Videographer
Pool B
Friday, May 29
USA v Fiji | 4 am ET
USA v South Africa | 8:29 am ET
Saturday, May 30
USA v Australia | 4:22 am ET
2026 HSBC SVNS World Championships
April 17-19 | Hong Kong – 5th
May 29-31 | Valladolid
June 5-7 | Bordeaux
2025-26 HSBC SVNS Series
Nov 29-30 | Dubai – 5th
Dec 6-7 | Cape Town – 4th
Jan 31-Feb 1 | Singapore – 4th
Feb 7-8 | Perth – 4th
March 7-8 | Vancouver – 3rd
March 14-15 | NYC – 3rd
