Ever wonder what it takes to be a commissioner of a collegiate sport confrence, let alone a rugby commissioner. Tiffany Lopez from West Coast Rugby Conference was very gracious to take time out of her very busy and exciting schedule to answer a few questions that I think will put you all at aw and excited when learning about Tiffany and how she's breaking down doors and positioning the WCRC as thee collegiate rugby Conference to play in and dominate the western side of the United States. It is not just one team or two but many who Tiffany has taken the time to work with to elevate not just competition side of the various clubs but also the professionalism of each member. 2033 World Cup will be a every lasting effect for women's rugby here in America for all levels, but the WCRC has already begun to lay the ground work and build the infrastructure for young girls and current college players will be ready to dawn their country's colors and show the world that The Game has arrived and we've been waiting.
TL- I was voted into the role at the beginning of the 2019 season, just a few months after I graduated from San Jose State University.
LLR- What level of collegiate rugby does the conference play at?
TL- The conference is a D2 women’s collegiate league.
LLR- What was the hardest transition when leaving a club team and into an administrative roll that now over sees multiple clubs?
TL- I didn’t really have any difficulty transitioning into the position. My professional background was actually in professional sports already and this transition was actually really smooth. The previous board was doing everything right by the book. My promises coming in was to continue facilitating a competitive conference and following protocol with the addition of some progressive rugby ideologies: to promote rugby in the United States, we need to start marketing it. Rugby is more than just showing up on a Saturday with some lines and uprights. It’s about getting fans out, support, funding, and highlighting players for higher level rugby. That’s how we grow women’s rugby.
LLR- What's been a highlight ?
TL- Last season my playoffs was an event that was talked about around the United States. We had a rugby clubs from high school to club D2 to WPL teams out there supporting the event, awarding players of the final match, and recruiting. We had HS students coming up to coaches saying “I want to join your team. I’ll see you next season”. That’s what it was all about. In addition we had event partners like Topo Chico giving out free waters and new flavors, vendors, food, and 500+ fans come out for what was a small championship. We invited vendors like the Modish Rugger & Callipygian who are small businesses owned by conference alumni and allowed our visiting teams to use the event as a fundraiser. It really was something special. This year’s event will likely be the same!
LLR- What's been the hardest moment thus far in your administrative time?
TL- We've had a lot of changes in our competition management systems and registration with USA Rugby. With every season typically having a new President every year, there is no continuity in training. It’s like starting over every year and then having to learn the new system and be expert enough to walk them through registration.
LLR- Where would you like to take the conference, what's the next step?
TL- I would like to expand the conference. Could I take on adding D1 to the conference? I think so. I would love to oversee a bigger picture program that leads into more higher pathway opportunities. So far last season we’ve had many players get selected for teams like the U23 National Team, the U23 Grizzlies and now selections on high performance squads like: Rhinos Rugby & The Grizzlies 7’s. I want to see more of that. I have been connecting with teams from All Around the US, coaches, conferences, organizations and more. It’s that network that’s important for our growth as a conference.
LLR- With a Premier Rugby 7s team essentially calling San Jose home and the conference having a footprint in the same area , is there benefits for both the PR7s and WCRC to have from each other?
TL- I believe it’s too new to see any direct benefits. But I think it has potential to build a strong network. Some of our players have already tried out for the player pool and we have had a player that made it. But with the way the draft works, it doesn’t guarantee that if she was selected it would be for the San Jose team. As one of the franchise managers for PR7’s, I see the growth and the development behind closed doors. I really do think the direction it’s going will have a major positive impact on our conference goals in the future.
LLR- If there is a women's program that is looking to join a conference or wanting to move up a level, what criteria is needed to do so to join the WCRC?
TL - Per our bylaws, they would need to contact me directly and join us at our AGM to be voted into but would have a probationary year. We would get them friendly matches with our teams and then would need to vote them in after their first trial year.
LLR- Last two questions, there's been rumors and hints that between now and the USA Women's Rugby World cup in 2033 that we could see a MLR women's version or something similar being established. Have you had any discussions with interested parties in helping provide players for and pathways to fill rosters and what's your opinion on such plans?
TL- I haven’t heard much about it. My focus has been supporting PR 7’s, World Rugby and will have some exciting rugby career updates soon. Right now the sport is growing exponentially in so many directions.
LLR- What would you say to that middle school or high school female student who doesn't know if she should play rugby, what words of encouragement do you offer to college players who maybe coming out for the first time?
TL- Give it a chance! You may just find lifelong friends, a passion for something new, a community that is growing and a professional career. I came into college rugby my 3rd year of college not knowing anything about the sport. And now I am running the largest women’s college conference, work with international teams, got to work at the World Cup, traveling the United States, am a paid professional team manager and soon will be traveling internationally. 6 years ago, I had no idea that my first rugby practice would have lead to this now being my career and passion… all because I gave it a chance.
Instagram - @wcrc_wc
Tiffany Lopez
Commissioner West Coast Rugby Conference
(510)-468-8949
www.ironparadiseontour.com
tiffany@ironparadiserecovery.com
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