Honey Badgers Taylor McLean, Izzy Smith, Mack Putlowski, and Maddie Steele secured their places on the U23 Mid-Atlantic All-Star team after two tryouts in May, held in Philadelphia and at St. Mary's College. They competed in a tournament from June 28-30 at the MLR Free Jacks' stadium in Quincy, MA, where the Mid-Atlantic team took 3rd place against other regional U23 All-Star teams.

Maddie Steele- ‘U23 was a great experience especially as a growing player. It was cool to see players from all over the country as well as get a variety of different coaching. Our team was full of awesome, hilarious people and we all got really close over the weekend, our team group chat is still always buzzing which is super great. I’m thankful that Severn saw enough potential in me as a player and person to help send me to the U23 tournament, it’s a learning experience I’ll carry for the rest of my life.’

Mack Putlowski- ‘Having the opportunity to be a part of the U23 Select MidAtlantic Squad two years in a row was such an honor and privilege to be a part of. Meeting new people, traveling to new places, and getting to learn more and more everyday about the sport that I love with the selects program has given me memories I know I’ll cherish for a lifetime. Being a newer player in the sport I found Severn River after my first year playing rugby and found myself immersed in a community of talented and supportive players and coaches that I knew always had my back. Playing rugby in college and only being able to play as a Honey Badger during my school breaks gave me a sense of confidence in the sport as I grew into the player I am today. The Severn squad really took me under their wing and taught me skills I still use daily and pass on to newer players on other teams I am a part of. Thanks to Severn River pushing me to grow alongside players with more experience and learning to play at a higher level, I’ve been given the opportunity to continuously grow as a player on and off the field and play in a more competitive league.’

Taylor McLean- ‘U23 was such an amazing experience! I made lifelong friends and love seeing them at every rugby tournament. I learned and have grown so much as a player. Getting to play new positions was a great opportunity for me as a utility player to grow. The coaching was amazing! Such a great experience! Thank you, Severn, for helping me accomplish this achievement! I have learned so much and I know I can reach high levels and continue to work as hard as possible to reach the goals I want.’