Danielle Miller was recently appointed as the head coach of the Women's Junior All-Americans team after serving as interim head coach since April 2012. 

Miller is no stranger to the women’s rugby high performance circuit in the United States.  Having been an All-American herself, a World Cup athlete and a coach for over a decade, Miller’s elite competition experience will serve as an integral asset in grooming the next generation of Olympic athletes.   

Rugby became a centerpiece of Miller’s life while attending Miami University in Ohio in the fall of 1999.  She quickly took on a leadership role and eventually became the team’s coach during her second year. 

Miller made her debut on the national stage as a member of the USA U-23 Women’s National Team in 2000 and in 2006 played on the women’s World Cup squad. 

In the transition from player to coach Miller served as guest coach for several teams including the USA U-19 team under Bryn Chivers, as well as the Junior All-American’s (formerly U-20’s) forwards coach since 2010. 

“I’ve had the opportunity to be mentored from exceptional coaches like Bryn Chivers and Pete Steinberg over the last few years, as well as be a part of the Coach Development Program,” said Miller.  “I understand the pressures and challenges of international competition, both as a player and a coach, so I know what it takes to continue the great progress Bryn and Pete have made with the Women’s National Teams.”

As interim head coach for the squad, Miller led the team to their first ever Collegiate All-Star Championship with a shutout against the West Collegiate All-Stars, winning 56-0. 

Following the win, Miller gathered players at the Lake Placid Olympic Training Center for 10 days in July to develop skills, and has several regional camps lined up to select and develop players for the 2013 international competition schedule.   

“Without the NASC this year, I am relying on high school and college coaches, as well as players, to initiate the process of getting athletes into the pool,” said Miller.  “The next USA Rugby Olympian is out there playing for a small school, with the boys club team, or maybe not even playing rugby yet, -- and I need help finding her so we can give her a chance at international greatness."

With sights on the U-20 Nations Cup in the summer of 2013, Miller will be spending the coming months reaching out to new players and building on the success of the past year.  Interested players and coaches can email Danielle at dmiller@usarugby.org.