Barb Fugate currently serves as the Valkyries Head Coach as well as Assistant Coach to the USA-A Eagles squad. She began playing rugby in the late 80's and soon became a player on the 1991 World Cup Champion team. Barb has served on the USA Board of Directors and has over a decade of experience with the women's national program, including serving as head coach of the U23 program for over 5 years. After 17 years of coaching the Valkyries, she brings an unparalleled wisdom and vision to the club and the sport.

PERSONAL DATA

NATIONAL PROGRAM COACHING EXPERIENCE

• Head Coach, USA U23 National Team (in late 2007, became USA A) 2000–present
• Assistant Coach, USA Men’s U19 Team, World Cup tour in Venice, March 2002
• Development Officer, USA Women’s National Team 1999 – 2000

LOCAL PROGRAM COACHING EXPERIENCE

• Head Coach, Minnesota Valkyries Women’s Rugby Club, Division I; 1993–present
• Head Coach, Minnesota Senior Women’s Select Side; undefeated from 1998 – 2001
• Assistant Coach, Midwest TU Senior Women’s Select side; 1997 – 1999
• Head Coach, MN U19 Women’s Select Side (Inaugural year) 2000 – undefeated
• Head Coach, Midwest Collegiate Select Side, 1993 – 1995 (Arranged first Collegiate Select Side exhibition match at Senior Women’s ITT’s, Dec 1995, Nashville)

OTHER RUGBY RELATED EXPERIENCE
Personal Accomplishments

• Instructor, USA Rugby Coaching Accreditation Program, 1999 – 2006; taught numerous Level I and II accreditation classes; Level II certified coach.
• Staff coach, USA Rugby Player Development Camps, 2001– 2002; Fort Greeley, CO and Sacramento, CA
• International Athlete Director, USA Rugby Board of Directors, 1996-2004; former Chair, Strategic Planning Comm; former USA Rugby Treasurer and member, Finance Comm; current member USA Rugby National Technical committee.
• Director, Minnesota Amateur Rugby Foundation (MARF); 1997 – present; President, MARF, 2001-2002 and 2006-07; providing funding and structure for 40+ U19 boys’ and girls’ teams in Minneapolis/St Paul area.
• National Events Coordinator, (former) USA Women’s Committee, 1989 – 1992; Planned and coordinated all national events, including national club championships, select side events, and national and international venues for Women’s National Team.
• USA Eagle, 1990 – 1991; scrumhalf for squad that toured NZ in 1990; member of 1991 World Cup championship squad