CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Last month, Notre Dame College junior Alivia Leatherman received an opportunity to play for the USA Women's Eagles rugby team, the country's top rugby union which represents the United States on the national level.
 
The Eagles competed in their inaugural WXV tour, which featured the USA defeating Samoa, 36-26, on Oct. 14, before falling to Scotland, 24-12, on Oct. 20. Leatherman received her debut with the Eagles on Oct. 28 when the USA took on Italy. The USA went 1-2 during the WXV tour, following a 30-8 loss to Italy.
 
"It feels really surreal to be on the field with them. It was an such a cool experience, it was unforgettable," said Leatherman post-match, when asked about her mentors.
 

The Normandy High School product is a two-time NCR All-American, two-time Conference Player of the Year and two-time team MVP during her first two seasons with NDC. The Parma, Ohio native is also a member of the U20 and 23 USA teams.
 
"It was really good, we have been working for the past six weeks and I felt prepared and everyone was so supportive out, helping me when I was confused," mentioned Leatherman following her first career cap.
 
Leatherman is now back home, playing for the Falcons. The No. 2 ranked NDC women's rugby team won its third consecutive regional championship, by defeating No. 7 Iowa State and No. 5 Indiana. NDC will be competing in the Division I National Collegiate Rugby National Championship in a rematch of the 2022 national title game against No. 1 Michigan. The match will begin at 7 p.m., on Dec. 2.