Hello and thank you for taking some time to read our newsletter!  We have an exciting year ahead with unlimited possibilities.  President Obama stormed into the White House with his vigorous campaign proclaiming, “Change” and “Yes We Can.”  Well, I do not wish to assume our team’s stature is of his magnitude, but change is in the air for the Valkyries in 2009 and a yes, we can attitude may need to be adopted as we face the challenges “change” brings us.  Whether entering the new Women’s Premiership Rugby League this fall, maintaining our newly developed website, or creating more visibility within the rugby community, we are faced with many challenges.

I embrace the opportunity to lead and represent our vision as we forge new paths into the future.

More personnel changes have given new life to the Member Services Committee.  Blaire, the new chair, will be working with her committee to create and sustain new and existing practices, which benefit all members of the club- from fans and old girls, to players and coaches.  The committee is looking forward to connecting with and learning about those whose shoulders we stand on today.  The focus for the winter months is to collect information from our Vintage Valks about who they are today and what legacy they have left us.  If you're a former Valkyrie and are not on our Vintage Valks email list, please contact Blaire to sign up.  She will be creating a special place on the new website for old girls to share information and stories, so watch your emails and the website for new developments. Contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

If last year was any indication, I think this year is going to be good.  Thus, in light of President Trie’s inspirational words, “Yes we can” have an even better time socializing this coming year.  In fact, I promise it.

Yes we can have an even better time socializing this coming year.  In fact, I promise it.

The Valkyries brought in 2009 with a strong showing at the Rock N’ Roll Banquet.  Complete with Spice Girls and Axel Rose, the Valkyries shook Legends Bar and Grill all night long, or at least until all the chest hair fell off.  Thanks to everyone who came out to help us celebrate a great season.  Come to Mayslacks February 12th at 7pm for Rock N’ Roll Banquet continued…someone forgot to hand out the awards during episode 1.

On the books for this season is Beer Olympics part two, Winter Games.  An event that will need some very committed drinkers to top the Summer Games’ glory.  Save February 21st and check back on the website for forthcoming details.  Thanks to our new beer sponsor Schell’s Premium for sponsoring this and many events to come!

In an effort to give the heavy trainers a recovery month, we will also be hosting a normal beer bust March 14th as well as some non-beer related team bonding during April – I am thinking paintballs and campfires.  For the second year, the Valkyries will also be selling Shamrocks to local bars and marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Tuesday, March 17th at 6:30.  Please join us to support Camp Needlepoint for children’s diabetes.

During the second annual Mosquito Madness tournament on May 2nd and 3rd, expect a Saturday morning brunch for old-girls and fellow rugby supporters, as well as a Sunday after-match social…Valks, Menagerie, and Zons all in one bar…too good to be true.

Be sure to come out to the pitch the first Tuesday of every month.  The Valkyries will be hosting “Give it a Try Night” followed by some post-sweat socialization at Mayslacks – our new rugby bar!  I would also suspect that you will be able to find some Valkyries at Mayslacks on Thursday nights after practice from March to June.

I think that pretty much leaves us with a full social schedule, make sure to keep your calendar exciting by checking the website often.

Goal #1 - build numbers.  As a test of character, the Valkyries won the Midwest Tournament last year, made it to the final four, and played their asses off all season, with about 20 players.  Though a feat of strength, not the numbers a championship team would settle for.  Luckily, the rugby gods give us spring season.  

Beginning Tuesday, March 3rd, the Valkyries will be hosting "Give It a Try Night", a chance for beginners and old girls alike to step onto the pitch for some fun, non-contact, rugby.  "Give It a Try Night" will be the first Tuesday of every month and current players will be bringing new faces to the pitch to see what rugby is all about.

The Valkyries will also be doing some traveling to host college side clinics.  On the calendar for February is a trip to Iowa State and trips to UM-Duluth, UW-Milwaukee, and University of Michigan in March.  May 2nd and 3rd, the Valkyries, the Twin Cities Amazons, and the Menagerie will be hosting the second annual Mosquito Madness tournament in Eagan.  This year will be focused on drawing in great club side competition, as well as midwest college sides eager to match up against our area women's teams. The Valkyries will also be bringing two sides down to the Milwaukee Summerfest 7's in June.  Again, we welcome all players for matches, especially college players interested in trying out some Valkyrie Rugby.  Finally, summer brings us the traditional Tuesday Touch Rugby Nights and Thursday's Mustang Ranch - a chance for forwards to do forward things for a few hours.  

Most importantly, this coming spring season is an opportunity for the club to focus on welcoming in new talents and friends who have been curious about rugby.  All players will be busy promoting the club through community events, college clinics, and Valkyrie social events.  If you are interested in being a member of the club, competetively or not, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for information on how to get involved with Valkyrie Rugby.  

I am Sarah "$haine" Roehl, Treasurer. I spend my days counting dollar bills and
my nights rolling around in them.

Seriously though, just cooking the books.

With a new chair and a new committee, fundraisers are ready to hit the ground running.  At the SAGM the Valkyries identified fundraising as one of the key areas needing immediate attention this spring. Not only is it an immediate need as the Valkyries head into Premiership League, but also important for creating opportunities to strengthen the club, grow the network, and take more of the financial burden off players for the future. With these goals in mind, work has begun to maintain and improve our current fundraising efforts and seek out new opportunities. Some previous areas that will be maintained and improved are Domes, Beerbusts, Clinics, Metropolis Cash Sevens concessions, St. Patrick’s Day, and support for local marathons and races. Initiatives for this year will include: growing social membership, seeking out sponsorship / business partners, partnering with other clubs fundraising efforts (i.e. taste of MN with Metropolis), and making external apparel sales profitable. Fundraising this year will also be an outlet to continue having a presence in the community, growing our fan base, and obviously strengthening our club financially. We have a big fundraising agenda, but we also have big goals and plans for where we want the Valkyries to be in one, five, and ten years. Please look forward to information about the Maroon Pages, the Valkyries business network, as well as details on how to become a social member of the club. We NEED all Valkyries to step up to the challenge...do a little more than you think you can...be the first to respond to emails asking for help...this is what it means to be a Valkyrie!

The Communications Committee continues to work on the new Valkyries’ website, polishing and refining content to make it the best women’s rugby site possible.  Profile information has been coming in; look for updated player profiles soon.  We are also working to make the website our own, adding graphics and logos that show the Valkyries’ style.  In addition, the committee is in the process of developing standardized publications for the team: brochures and letters that can be sent to local businesses and groups in the community.  Be sure to check your email and sign-up for our revamped list-servs and memberships.  Please contact Jenny Menke if you are interested in helping with any aspects of Valkyrie communication ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the Spring Season's many events.  You can find everything online at our Valkyrie Calendar!