Carolyn "Coach C" Roach is a passionate and energetic educator with a demonstrated history of success in youth engagement, mentorship, and athletic coaching. Carolyn brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the sport, with a strong commitment to youth rugby and the growth of women's rugby in both union and league. 

Carolyn was recognized by the US Women's Rugby Foundation, receiving their inaugural "15 Under 30" Award, "highlighting those who exemplify the best qualities of rugby and bring those qualities to the field, to their teams, to the sport, and to the communities in which they live." Carolyn was also awarded Coach of the Month by the US Women's Rugby Foundation in September 2023.

Carolyn currently serves as the Associate Head Coach of Aspetuck Valley Girls Rugby Club. In her first year, Carolyn has played a pivotal role in their success— leading the team to a 5th place finish in the 2023 Girls High School Club National Invitational Championship, securing the title of 2023 Connecticut State Champions, and taking home the 2023 Elite Girls Rugby League Championship! Because of this success, Carolyn was selected as a coach for the HS Girls Connecticut All-Star Team, securing a victory for CT against the Pennsylvania All-Star Team.

In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Carolyn holds the position of NEWCRC Women's Competition Director, where she creates the D1, D2, and D3 collegiate women's rugby schedules for the North East region. Her dedication to advancing the sport extends beyond the local level as she served as the USARL Women's Hawks Social Media Manager, supporting the growth of Team USA and promoting women's rugby on a national scale. 

Along with a Master's in Education in Athletic Administration from Springfield College and a Bachelor's in Movement and Sport Studies, Carolyn's commitment, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills make her an exceptional coach and mentor. Her extensive coaching experience includes serving as the Head Coach for UMass Women's Rugby and as a Rugby Backs Coach at Smith College and Volunteer Coach at Springfield College. 

Carolyn's playing experience is equally impressive. She is internationally capped from her time playing with the USA women's national rugby league team, the Redtails, and played for the women's national team in Jamaica, the Lady Crocs. Carolyn has also captained numerous tours for ROOTS Rugby Club and achieved national rankings while playing for New York Rugby Club in the WPL and D1. Her extensive knowledge of the sport, combined with her coaching expertise, gives her a comprehensive understanding of the game and the ability to guide athletes towards excellence. 

At Grit Rugby LLC, Carolyn Roach and the team are dedicated to providing exceptional coaching and mentorship for girls and nonbinary athletes. Through personalized training programs, a focus on inclusivity and teamwork, and a passion for the sport, Carolyn and the Grit Rugby team empower elite athletes to achieve their full potential on and off the rugby field. 

Join the Grit Rugby community today and discover the transformative power of rugby under the guidance of Carolyn Roach, a leader in the sport.