Cleveland Women’s Rugby Coaches

The Cleveland Women’s Rugby Football Club Iron Maidens have made coaching changes in time for the 2018-2019 season. Mark- Joel Montgomery will be the head coach and Amanda Pilarczyk the Assistant Coach and Backs Coach.

Mark- Joel Montgomery

Mark has spent the last three years as the head coach of the Lakewood High school Girls Rugby, a position in which he will remain as he assumes a similar role with the Iron Maidens. He is also the Head Coach for the Celtic Elite in 2018.

Mark entry into rugby was an interesting one. He went to his girlfriend’s (later wife) game in high school. The boys played prior to their match and he was hooked. The following year he tried out at St. Ignatius High School where he went on to play for his final 3 years of high school.

Mark has been dedicated to expanding opportunities for girls and women to play rugby through his involvement with Ohio Rugby. In the 2018 season through Ohio Rugby, he was Board of Commissioner and on the High School Girls committee.

Mark is a Level 200 USA Rugby certified coach with three years of coaching experience. He is looking to continue to expand his knowledge and to develop as a coach with the Cleveland Iron Maidens.

Iron Maidens Fun facts:

Mark comes from a family of 13 being the youngest boy and the only member of his family to play rugby. Mark was born and raised in the inner city of Cleveland near W.25th Clark and Fulton neighborhood.

Amanda Pilarczyk

Amanda Pilarczyk will be the Assistant Coach and Backs Coach for the Iron Maidens for the 2018-2019 season. She was one of the team captains the last two seasons and is now transitioning from player to coach after an injury.

Amanda was introduced to rugby during her freshman year at Ashland University in 2003-2004. She took some time off from the game and resumed playing when she transferred to Ohio State University in 2006. Coach Philip Payne helped her to develop as a player and to expand her knowledge about the game.

Amanda began her transition to coaching during the Spring and Summer of 2018 where she was the team captain as well as a coach. She is a Level 200 USA Rugby certified coach.

“What Amanda loves most about rugby is you are always learning something new. The competitiveness of the game yet the sportsmanship and respect for the opposing team and sir can’t be compared to other sports. She loves being able to meet new people and the friendships formed. In the game of rugby, you learn to be mentally tough which carries over into your daily life whether it be personal or work related.”

Cleveland Women’s Rugby

If you or someone you know wants to be a part of the growing Cleveland Women’s Rugby and is interested in coaching please contact us at ironmaidensrugby@hotmail.com or send us a direct message here on Facebook.

Practice is at Impett Park Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 6:00-8: 00 pm.