Kate Zackary

Kate Zackary is a talented number 8 with impressive speed and hard-hitting tackles. She represents the United States 15s, the United States sevens team and Ealing Trailfinders Women. She debuted for the sevens squad in 2014 and made her first appearance for the 15s in 2016. Zackary also captained the Eagles 15s team from 2018 to 2023.

Born on 26 July 1989 in Garden City, Kansas, Kate Zackary began her career as a soccer player. She played soccer at high school and attended Benedictine College on a soccer scholarship. It was during her senior year that Zackary discovered rugby. She excelled at the sport and secured a place on her college rugby team, the Benedictine Saints.

A few years later, in 2014, Zackary joined the United States sevens team full time. The following year, she was named in the squad that contested the Pan American Games. The team finished in second place and Zackary took home a silver medal.

Next, Zackary earned her first cap with the national 15s team. She impressed during her first season and she was subsequently selected for the 2017 Rugby World Cup—the United States secured a fourth-place finish.

Away from her homeland, Zackary is a behemoth of English rugby. To date, she has represented two teams: Exeter Chiefs Women and Trailfinders Women. Described by the Chiefs as a 'fierce on-field competitor,’ she enjoyed several successful years with the team. This included becoming co-captain for the 2021/22 season.

She also excelled for the USA during this period, delivering excellent performances in the Pacific Four Series and at the 2021 Rugby World Cup. 

Buoyed by her success, Zackary made a big career move. She left Exeter Chiefs in 2023 and became one of the first players to sign for Ealing Trailfinders Women. She renewed her contract with the Premiership club ahead of the 2024-25 season.

On the international stage, Zackary continues to shine. She recently captained the United States at the inaugural 2023 WXV 2, where she scored a try in their 36-26 win against Samoa.

With so many achievements to date and many more to come, we're excited to see what the future holds for Kate Zackary.