Women's Rugby Adds Seven-Member Class of 2026

HANOVER, N.H. — Head women's rugby coach Katie Dowty announced today the program's Class of 2026. Seven newcomers are set to join the Big Green following their undefeated 2021 campaign as Dartmouth looks to defend its NIRA crown.

"Our Class of 2026 is a dynamic group with a wide range of playmaking and finishing skills," Dowty said. "Just a week into preseason, their strength of character is shining through as well. They will add an exciting dimension to our team this season and we cannot wait to see them in the green jersey!"

The 2022 season begins Sept. 10 at LIU and the Big Green hit the road once more before their home opener against Quinnipiac Sept. 24. Members of the Class of 2026 are as follows:

Jenna Sheldon
Breckenridge, Colo. | Summit County High School
Before Dartmouth: Served as a captain for Summit County High School as a senior … Won four state titles as part of Summit's 14-year championship run … Named First Team Colorado All-Star
Personal: Daughter of Allen Sheldon … Has two brothers … Was an accomplished skier in high school … Plans to study and pursue a career in engineering.
Why Dartmouth: "Dartmouth's appeal to me is its environment coupled with world-class education. I thrive in small, connected communities in more rural areas. Business and engineering for women, in an environment tailor-made for me, provides unlimited opportunities."

Taylor Sadek
Lakeville, Minn. | Shanghai American School
Before Dartmouth: Earned All-State honors as a senior … Named Team MVP for Shanghai American School Rugby as a senior … Earned Team MVP for her touch rugby team … Named Female Underclassman Athlete of the year as a sophomore at Shanghai American School … Member of an undefeated state championship team in Minnesota.
Personal: Daughter of Joshua and Tiffani Sadek … Has one sister … Mother was a gymnast at Winona State … Plans to study biology and pursue a career in sports medicine.
Why Dartmouth: "Dartmouth combines academic excellence, a family-like community, and once in a lifetime experiences ultimately providing a perfect home for me. Plus, there's amazing rugby offered here too."

Vanessa Ortiz-Pallen
San Leandro Calif. | Bishop O'Dowd
Before Dartmouth: Served as a team captain for Bishop O'Dowd … Earned her team's Best and Fairest Award, given to a player who leads on and off the field and has capabilities beyond the game.
Personal: Daughter of Jordan Pallen and Felipa Ortiz-Pallen … Has two brothers and one sister … Won several gold medals at world championships as a martial artist … Sister Bianca Ortiz-Pallen played rugby at Central Washington University … Father played football at University of Redlands … Plans to pursue a career in business or medicine.
Why Dartmouth: "I chose Dartmouth because of the close-knit community and the numerous opportunities this school offers."

Jordan Duncan
Fallbrook, Calif. | Fallbrook
Before Dartmouth: Earned numerous MVP honors while playing for Fallbrook High School … Named Most Improved as a freshman … Took first place at Tropical 7s U18 Elite Tournament in 2022 … Won SoCal Girls U18 Championship in 2022.
Personal: Daughter of John and Dana Duncan … Has one brother and one sister … Sister Taylor played rugby at Central Washington University … Plans to study and pursue a career in astrophysics.
Why Dartmouth: "I chose Dartmouth because I love the area and the rugby program."

Maura Hough
Wilmette, Ill. | Culver Academy
Before Dartmouth: Spent time at the American Rugby Pro Training Center in Arkansas … Finished third in the USA Rugby Club 7s National Championship … Played overseas with the London Irish and enjoyed a 16-0 season, winning the Southwest Championship 2 Division.
Personal: Daughter of William Hough and Margaret Foley … Has three brothers … Brother John played football at Army West Point … Served as Co-Chair for Culver Women's Celebration Committee … Plans to study neuroscience.
Why Dartmouth: "I chose Dartmouth for the strong sense of community and its beautiful campus."

Katelyn Walker
Eagle, Idaho | Eagle
Before Dartmouth: Named West Ada 7s MVP in 2022 … Offensive Player of the Year Runner Up in 2022 … Named Varsity MVP in 2022 … Earned Rookie of the Year as a junior … Won state championships in both 15s and 7s.
Personal: Daughter of Danny and Shera Mae Walker … Has three brothers and one sister … Father played football at BYU-Idaho … Plans to study religion and pursue a career in business.
Why Dartmouth: "I choose Dartmouth because it has a small town feel with amazing opportunities and people from all around the world!"

Simone Bautista
Cypress, Calif. | Cypress
Before Dartmouth: Named an All-American while playing for Los Al HS Rugby Club.
Personal: Daughter of Susie Ramirez and Rodolfo Bautista … Has two brothers … Plans to study mathematics and/or psychology and pursue a career in education.
Why Dartmouth: "I chose Dartmouth for the education."

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