Kate Zackary is the captain of the United States women’s rugby union team. She plays as a number eight for the United States 15s, United States Sevens and Exeter Chiefs Women. She debuted for the Sevens team in 2010 and made her first appearance for the 15s in 2016.
Born on 26 July 1989 in Garden City, Kansas, Kate Zackary began her career as a football player. She played soccer at high school and attended Benedictine College on a soccer scholarship. However, it was while at university that Zackary discovered rugby. After excelling at the sport, she joined the Benedictine Saints.
Kate Zackary was selected for the Eagles Sevens team while at Benedictine College and she successfully split her time between professional competition and her studies. By 2014, she was working in a gym and left her position to become a full-time Eagles player.
In 2015, Zackary was named in the United States Sevens squad that contested the 2015 Pan American Games. The team finished in second place and she took home a silver medal. Two years later, Zackary was selected for the 2017 World Cup, where the United States secured a fourth-place finish.
Described by Exeter Chiefs as a ‘fierce on-field competitor’, Kate Zackary is a superb defender with impressive speed, powerful tackles and versatility. She has enjoyed a successful career with the Premier 15s club, including being named co-captain during the 2021/22 season.
She excelled during 2021 and 2022, delivering excellent performances in the Pacific Four Series and the 2021 Rugby World Cup. As such, she was named the Exeter Chiefs Supporters Club Player of the Season and she was nominated for an RPA Allianz Premier 15s Award.
With so many achievements to date and more sure to come, we’re excited to see what the future holds for Kate Zackary.
If there’s anyone who understands that club rugby and the international game are worlds apart, it’s Kate Zackary
Kate Zackary and Exeter Chiefs Women are giving the Premier 15s the shake-up it needed.
USA Women's 