OLIVIA "OBD" BENZAN-DANIEL

OBD is one of the founders of the Blackyardigans RFC. She started playing rugby her first year of college and never looked back. She is involved in every aspect of the game (playing, coaching, officiating, and administration). OBD plays for Beantown RFC, Boston's WPL team, head coaches both Brandeis University Women & Cambridge Rindge & Latin High School Girls. She is a Level 1 Referee, holds board positions on the College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) and Rugby Northeast, and is the Women's D1 representative on the College Council. She's been recognized for all her hard work as part of WRCRA's 2021 15 under 30 class and a nominee for the inaugural Kathy Flores Heart of the WPL Award. 

DENZEL MOTEN

Denzel is a man of many talents from graphic design to photography. He is a founding member of Blackyardigans RFC. Leadership is nothing new to Denzel as he is also the President of his home club, Ypsilanti Rugby in Michigan. Denzel has also worked as a Multimedia Designer in the substance abuse services industry, as well as an adjunct lecturer at Delta College. 

He enjoys traveling to anime conventions when not touring with the Yardies or taking the pitch for Ypsi Rugby. 

CAROLINE 'CARO' LARA

Caro began playing rugby while completing her undergraduate degree at Hobart and William Smith Colleges ‘13. She has played wherever she could, even while being abroad. Rugby has always helped her find community, support and lasting friends. She joined Blackyardigans to provide the community and support to BIPOC rugby players.

GENE AIKEN

Gene joined the Executive Board fresh off serving as the tour manager to the MISFITS Rugby Club which competed at Grenada Rugby World 7s. He's also been the tour manager for M.A.D.E. at NY7s in 2021 and assisted R.O.O.T.S. at NY 7s in 2019. He has experience not only on the pitch, but in rugby administration as well. Gene is the current President of the Village Lions in New York City. He's passionate about touring and wants to make sure we have the best tours possible. 

JENNELLE SHAW

Jennelle started playing rugby her freshman year of college at Hofstra University and has been an active part of the rugby community ever since. She has played with teams across the country and has held various leadership positions throughout her career. Jennelle holds both her Level 1 Referee and Coaching certifications.  

Jennelle is passionate about rugby and it growth through the US, especially for under represented groups. 

ZACH EVANS 

Zach is an Alabama resident and current player for Battleship RFC. He has been with the Blackyardigans as a player for a few years and was eager to join the Executive Board and contribute to the club both on and off the pitch. 

KIRBY GORDON

Kirby is excited to grow the membership of Blackyardigans RFC. She is the EPRU D3 Women's coordinator and is well versed in organizing groups of people. Recruiting and retention is nothing new to Kirby as she has served as the recruiting and retention coordinator for her home club as well!

ROBERT ALONZO

Rob is from Washington DC, played rugby here and there, but didn’t really take it seriously until he attended the University of Kentucky from 2008 to 2012. After graduation, he worked in outdoor education in Texas and took a two-year break from rugby. In 2014, Rob moved to Portland Oregon and started playing for the Portland Rugby Club on their D2 and D3 sides. He’s currently working to make the rugby environment a more comfortable space for BIPOC in the Pacific Northwest. 

LAUREN ROBINSON

Lauren is a former runner and soccer player. She started playing rugby in undergrad and have been playing since. She started off as flank and 8-man, and switched to the back line as center, fullback and wing. Lauren appreciates the inclusivity of the community and how there’s a position for everyone to contribute. She loves how this sport has challenged her both physically and mentally - Rugby helped build her as a person. She's proud to be a rugger!

JENNIFER BRUMFIELD

Jennifer is a passionate member of the rugby community. After her playing career was cut short due to injury, she's really excited to get back into rugby as an administrator. Combining rugby with her interest in communications, ensuring Yardie leadership are communicating off the field is a perfect fit for Jenni!