Lily Hartbarger Signs with Davenport University
On Thursday March 22, 2018 Perrysburg Senior Lily Hartbarger made history. She signed a rugby scholarship to play at Davenport University, in Grand Rapids Michigan. Lily's signing, to continue her rugby playing career, is the first such scholarship to be signed by a woman in Northwest Ohio. Hartbarger's scholarship will help to foster and grow the sport of rugby in this part of the state. Players from the boys rugby team have received numerous scholarships in the past, and the hope continues that high school administrations, faculties and athletic directors will see this and give rugby a chance at their schools. Women’s rugby is on the rise. Following the success of the national teams and women's rugby becoming an NCAA sport, we hope that Lily is the first in a long line of girls to continue playing after high school.
Women’s Rugby at Davenport is one of the great success stories in the country. They are Division 1 National Champions, going a perfect 10-0 this fall outscoring their rivals 835-107, literally dominating the competition. Lily will be playing with the best of the best at the very top of the college game.
Hartbarger is a standout on the field and despite this being her first year she has taken to the sport. Lily was instrumental in the Perrysburg Girls state championship earlier this fall. Her attention in practice, willingness to learn and eye for the game is more consistent of 3-4 year players. She is solid in attack and on defense making her huge asset to any team she's on. Lily has put our program on the college radar and the excitement for her could not be any higher.
