Born: 1955 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Biography:
Kathleen Flores, widely known as Kathy Flores, was an American rugby union player and coach who left an indelible mark on the sport. She was born on February 7, 1955, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and later called Tallahassee, Florida, her hometown. Flores attended Monmouth Regional High School in New Jersey, where she excelled in field hockey, basketball, and track. Her athletic prowess continued during her undergraduate years at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, where she played basketball as a guard and participated in the track team specializing in javelin. In 1977, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education.
The trajectory of Kathy Flores’ life changed when she started a master’s program in exercise physiology at Florida State University in 1978. It was at FSU that she discovered the Seminoles, the women’s rugby team. Drawing on her experience as a basketball and track athlete, Flores quickly adapted to the sport of rugby, displaying finesse and strength on the field. She played as a Number Eight and scrum-half for the Seminoles, leading the team to four National Championships.
Flores’ exceptional skills and dedication to the sport earned her recognition at the national level. In 1986, she toured England and France with the first unofficial U.S. national team, known as WIVERN. The following year, the U.S. Women’s National Team made its official international debut at the Can-Am Rugby Tournament, with Flores as captain and Number Eight. In a thrilling match against Canada, the U.S. secured a historic 22-3 victory, with Flores contributing a try to the scoreline.
The pinnacle of Flores’ international career came in 1991 when she represented the USA in the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup championship. Her leadership and formidable skills as a Number Eight played a crucial role as the USA Rugby sanctioned Women’s National Team compiled an impressive 7-1 record. The tournament marked a significant milestone for women’s rugby, and Flores’ contributions helped propel the sport to greater heights.
After retiring from playing rugby in 1998, Flores transitioned seamlessly into coaching, bringing her wealth of knowledge and experience to the Berkeley All Blues. She took on the role of head coach and guided the team with her expertise and passion for the game. Flores’ dedication to coaching extended beyond the All Blues, as she also served as the head coach of the U.S. women’s national team from 2003 to January 2011. During her tenure, she contributed immensely to the growth and development of women’s rugby in the United States.
In 2013, Flores expanded her coaching repertoire once again, taking on the role of the women’s rugby team coach at Brown University. This opportunity allowed her to inspire and mentor a new generation of athletes, fostering a love for rugby and empowering young women through the sport. She also coached the Providence Women’s Rugby team during her time in Rhode Island, leading them to several division 2 championships.
Kathy Flores was not only a pioneer in women’s rugby but also a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. Her impact on the sport cannot be overstated, as she shattered barriers and opened doors for future generations of female athletes. Through her exceptional playing career, coaching prowess, and unwavering dedication, Flores left an enduring legacy in the world of women’s rugby.
Awards:
– Four National Championships with the Florida State University Women’s Rugby Team
– Continued success as a player and captain of the U.S. Women’s National Team
– Induction into the East Stroudsburg University Hall of Fame in 1997 for athletic excellence during undergraduate years.