Bay Breakers Announce 2025 Athlete Roster
Written by Ro Lane, WER
Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) team, the Bay Breakers, today announced its team roster for the WER inaugural season. The Breakers roster is composed of 30 players – 17 forwards and 13 backs. The team, coached by Hannah Stolba, will make its debut in March. WER is the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, and is building up to an exciting and inspiring initial season.
When asked about the potential for this team, head coach Stolba said, “I can’t wait for this year and for folks to see this Breakers team. I’m excited for them to bring fun, fast, aggressive rugby to the Bay Area fans.” The team features 26 players with experience in the Women’s Premier League, with 19 of those athletes having played with the local ALl Blues Rugby club. The roster also includes 4 players with USA National Team experience.
2025 Bay Breakers Roster
Forwards: Dana Alimena, Isabela Gonzalez Berazueta Burgos, Hope Cooper, Elena Edwards, Paris Hart, Ari Jurkowski, Sophia Lamphier, Celine Liulamaga, Monica Marquez, Roz Okpara, Roxelle Thomas, Cassandra Tong, Kathryn Treder, Mona Lisa Tupou, Sierra Watkins, Tonya Wessman, Abby Vogel
Backs: Olivia Bernadel-Huey, Naomi Carrillo, Kathryn Clark, Evan Hoese, Leyla Alev Kelter, Shelby Lin, Miriama Marawa, Bulou Mataitoga, Jade McGrath, Aly Namosimalua, Aimee Ramos, Kristen Siano, Taina Tukuafu
Earlier this month, the Breakers announced their Foundational Five (F5) players, who are recognized leaders and trailblazers for the team. These players, Olivia “OBH” Bernadel-Huey, Elena “E” Edwards, Celine Liulamaga, Jade McGrath and Roxelle “Rox” Thomas, are joined by the rest of this powerful roster to create a dynamic and relentless team that is ready to take on the inaugural WER season.
Ahead of the franchise’s season opener, the Breakers begin preseason conditioning and practice this week, after all players are cleared as ready-to-play. As one of WER’s flagship franchises, alongside teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York and Twin Cities, the Bay Breakers are competing for the 2025 WER Legacy Cup. The 2024 Legacy Cup, the first WER championship, was won by the WPL’s Gray Wolves against the All Blues. As the first season of the WER takes place, fans can keep up with the Bay Breakers via the Breakers website, womenseliterugby.us/bay-breakers, and Instagram, @wer_breakers.
About Bay Breakers
The Bay Breakers are one of six flagship franchises of women’s professional rugby in the United States, formed by Women’s Elite Rugby (WER). Coached by Hannah Stolba, who has competed and coached at the elite level, the Breakers aim to embody its namesake, harnessing the power and unpredictability of the Pacific Ocean. With a top-notch roster of 30 select players, the Breakers are set to kick off their season this March. For more information, visit the team’s website, womenseliterugby.us/bay-breakers, and follow the team on Instagram @wer_breakers.
About WER
After the 2022 “Ignite the Change” campaign which sought to professionalize women’s rugby in the United States from the former player run and operated amateur league (WPL), Women’s Elite Rugby was founded and formed. The league announced their official launch in 2024 with the inaugural season starting in March 2025. The season will center six teams in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, San Francisco Bay Area, and Twin Cities and feature 180 athletes.
For more information, please contact:
Women’s Elite Rugby