The Berkeley All Blues head to Kansas City this weekend hoping to recreate the skill level, game knowledge, and team culture that led the club to 7s national championships in 2011 and 2013. Coaches Irene Gardner, Lucy Croy, and Nathalie Marchino were part of the team that secured victory in 2011 and are excited to have seen the growth of the club’s 7s program in the past few years. Gardner specifically notes that “the depth of the team is remarkable,” and that it’s been phenomenal to see “the skill level of the players and their game knowledge constantly on the rise,” really growing to reach today’s high level of competition found in the 7s game. Trainings have been crisp leading up to this weekend, and a focus on both physical and mental preparation underscores how the team will approach tough competition at nationals this year. What’s more, a theme of pride in the long-standing legacy of the Berkeley All Blues is consistent in speaking with coaches, fans and players alike. Gardner reiterates this message to the team, “We are incredibly proud of this team. Trust in your skills, fight for one another, and believe. All Blues Nation is behind this team of 13. It is with pride that we represent the legacy and integrity of the Berkeley All Blues at 7s Nationals 2019.” A strong roster leads the club into this weekend, including capped Eagles Bulou Mataitoga and Evan Hoese, National Team Pool Player Shelby Lin, and WPL All Stars Tyra Norlander and Serena Liu. The full roster is listed below:
Cathy Cai Kat Chasakara Elena Clark Erika Granger Evan Hoese Shelby Lin Serena Liu Bulou Mataitoga Tyra Norlander Roz Okpara Christina Ramos Maggie Simpson Madison Taylor