2026 Sorensen, Scholtz Nominees Announced

College rugby's brightest prospects are in the spotlight with the announcement of the 2026 MA Sorensen and Rudy Scholz Award nominees, celebrating the nation's top women's and men's collegiate players. The MA Sorensen Award, honoring USA Rugby legend MaryAnn Sorensen, a 1991 Women's Rugby World Cup winner, features an exceptional list of female athletes like Cassidy Ball (Army West Point), Lindenwood's Freda Tafuna, and Lei Opeti (Life University), all vying for the prestigious trophy presented at a Seattle gala in June. For the men, the Rudy Scholz Award, presented by the Washington Athletic Club since 2016, highlights standout talent including George Engels (Army West Point), Solomon Williams (UC Berkeley), and Dom Besag (Saint Mary's). These initial nominee lists, curated by a panel of coaches with public input, will be narrowed to a group of finalists before a selection panel votes on the ultimate winners. This process underscores the robust talent pipeline in US collegiate rugby, signaling strong prospects for the national team programs and the continued growth of the sport across the country.