New York Exiles Announce 2025 Athlete Roster
Written by Ro Lane, WER
Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) team, the New York Exiles, today announced its team roster for the WER inaugural season. The Exiles roster is composed of 30 players – 15 forwards and 15 backs. The team, coached by Diego Maquieira, will make its debut appearance this March. WER is the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, and is building up an exciting and inspiring initial season.
Maquieira has strategically assembled a powerhouse team, blending homegrown talent and years of experience. “This roster is loaded with a mix of upcoming stars and grizzled vets who are looking to establish an exciting brand of rugby that will make the city proud. We’re looking forward to putting on a show for our fans and stamping our place amongst the storied professional sports franchises that call New York home,” said head coach Maquieira. The Exiles roster comprises 27 Women’s Premier League alumni, 23 of whom played for the local New York Rugby Club, and 4 athletes with international experience representing their countries.
Inaugural 2025 New York Exiles Roster
Forwards: Kristin Aliberto, Emily Brower, Nic Carroll, Adriana Castillo, Gio Cruz, Justina DeBruzzi, Misha Green-Yotts, Kayla Hunkin-Clark, Corina Kaiser, Faith Morley, Cam Osses, Caoimhe O'Sullivan Roche, Jessie Ruiz, Cari Pick, Daisy Titus
Backs: Liz Berridge, Scout Cheeks, Chloe Correia, Tess Feury, Sophie Frick, Jade Greenfield, Matilda Kocaj, Jordyn Marlin, Sarah Minahan, Congetta "Jetta" Owens, Gabrielle Pennino, Nikki Richardson, Shamira Robles, Jenn Salomon-Clayton, Denisse Zambon Regalado
Earlier this month, the Exiles announced their Foundational Five (F5) players, who are recognized leaders and trailblazers for the team. These players, Adriana Castillo, Jenn Salomon-Clayton, Matilda Kocaj, Congetta “Jetta” Owens and Misha “Mish” Green-Yotts, are joined by the rest of this exciting roster of players to create the Exiles’ determined and gritty team that is ready to take on WER’s inaugural season.
Ahead of the franchise’s season opener, the Exiles 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, San Francisco Bay Area and Twin Cities, the New York Exiles are competing for the WER Legacy Cup with the established franchise teams. The 2024 Legacy Cup, the first WER championship, was won by the WPL’s Denver Gray Wolves against the All Blues. As the premier full season of the WER takes place, fans can keep up with the New York Exiles via the Exiles’ website, womenseliterugby.us/new-york-exiles, and Instagram, @wer_exiles.
About New York Exiles
The New York Exiles are one of six flagship franchises of women’s professional rugby in the United States, formed by Women’s Elite Rugby (WER). Coached by Diego Maquieira, who has competed and coached at the elite level, the Exiles aim to embody its namesake as a team that defines itself with its grit and opportunity. With a top-notch roster of 30 select players, the Exiles are set to kick off their season this March. For more information, visit the team’s website, womenseliterugby.us/new-york-exiles and follow the team on Instagram @wer_exiles.
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