Breaking Barriers: Erin Kennedy’s Mission to Empower Girls Through Rugby

When Erin Kennedy (MA ’09) arrived at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP) in 2007 as part of the inaugural cohort of the Master’s in Sport Performance Psychology program, she wasn’t entirely sure where the degree would take her. What she did know was her passion for psychology and sports—and her determination to merge the two into a meaningful career. Today, Kennedy is a leader in sport psychology and the co-founder and CEO of Girls Rugby, Inc., an organization dedicated to empowering young girls through sport.

Kennedy’s path to GSPP wasn’t straightforward. Initially set on becoming a clinical psychologist, she discovered sport psychology late in her undergraduate studies and realized it was the perfect way to blend her love for psychology and athletics. GSPP’s program provided the tools and flexibility to chart her own path, integrating sport psychology with coaching education—an area she had long been passionate about.

Reflecting on her own experiences in sports, Kennedy recalls, “I had some amazing coaches; I also had some tough ones that impacted my experience. I thought, if I could help coaches […] make that experience better for kids, [imagine the impact] on their lives as they grow and get older.”

Her time at GSPP not only shaped her professional philosophy but also provided lifelong friendships. Being part of the first cohort fostered a pioneering spirit, creating a close-knit community of professionals who continue to support each other. 

Kennedy’s career took an unexpected turn when she landed a role with USA Rugby shortly after graduating, despite having no prior experience in the sport. She quickly immersed herself in the rugby community—playing, coaching, and developing programs. Rugby, she discovered, was unlike any other sport.

“With rugby, you step onto the field and immediately, you’re part of a family. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, your background, or your experience level—the culture of rugby embraces you,” she said. “There are five core values in rugby—discipline, respect, integrity, passion, and solidarity—and you can feel them in every interaction, whether you’re playing, coaching, or even just watching.”

She soon recognized a glaring issue: a lack of opportunities for girls in a sport traditionally seen as male dominated. Determined to change that, Kennedy co-founded Girls Rugby, Inc. in 2018. “There are tons of statistics around the challenges that girls have when they’re younger—around leadership, around body image, around school performance—and all these types of things that we knew sport could be a great vehicle to help with,” she explained. By merging leadership development and empowerment with rugby, Girls Rugby, Inc. was born.

The mission was twofold: increase female participation in rugby and use the sport as a tool for leadership and personal growth. More than just a sports league, the program emphasized confidence, inclusion, and teamwork in a fun and welcoming environment designed specifically for girls. “We knew that we wanted to improve the numbers of girls participating in rugby. And we also wanted to change the world and […] make the world better for girls.” 

Their first season confirmed the demand—120 girls joined across three locations, with approximately 95 new to rugby. The overwhelming response proved that girls had always wanted this space; they just hadn’t had access to it.

One memorable moment in Kennedy’s journey came from what seemed like a small decision—making the Girls Rugby brand pink. Some viewed it as unnecessary or pandering, but Kennedy trusted her instincts. She recognized that the color would send a clear message to young girls that rugby was for them, creating a visual cue that they belonged in the sport. Despite criticism, she stood by the choice, knowing that if it encouraged more girls to play, it was the right decision. Years later, her instincts proved correct—images of young girls playing rugby, with the Girls Rugby pink and blue logo displayed prominently, now flood search results, reshaping perceptions of who belongs in the game.

Kennedy believes that moments like these are a reminder to trust your gut and push forward, even when others question your choices. She often advises women breaking into sports leadership to take the leap and carve out space for themselves. “If you see something and it’s of interest to you and you feel like, yes, that’s where I need to be, then just go in and do it. Even if no one’s ever been there before you—there is a space for you.”

In addition to leading Girls Rugby, Kennedy remains deeply connected to GSPP as an adjunct faculty member. For the past four years, she has taught The Psychology of Performing in Business, helping students understand how performance psychology applies beyond athletics into corporate and leadership settings.

“I never imagined […] I’d be back teaching in the same program [I graduated from], but it’s been amazing,” she said. “The field of sport and performance psychology is so vast, and it can be very applicable to so many different fields, [such as] helping businesses [and] business professionals be better.”

Now in its sixth year, Girls Rugby, Inc. has expanded to 12 programs across eight states, with nearly 1,000 girls participating annually. But beyond the numbers, Kennedy is most proud of the program’s personal impact. Parents report seeing their daughters stand taller, speak up against bullies, and take on leadership roles—proof that the organization is achieving its mission. 

Looking ahead, Kennedy envisions further expansion, increasing accessibility, and developing junior coaching and referee programs to keep girls engaged beyond their playing years. She also remains committed to broader gender equity in sports, advocating for more collaboration between men’s and women’s programs to grow the game together.

Kennedy often references a study by Ernst & Young, which found that 94% of women in C-suite positions played sports when they were younger. “The data is there—the science is there. When you participate in sports, you gain leadership skills. If we want to see more women in leadership roles, we need to get them in sports now, while they’re young. Sport teaches them how to be part of a team, how to lead, and how to use their voice.”

As a leader in a historically male-dominated sport, Kennedy is part of a larger movement for change. “If I can make it easier for girls and women to participate in rugby, to find success and leadership through sport, then that’s the goal. That’s why I’m doing this.”

As GSPP celebrates its 50th anniversary and Women’s History Month, Erin Kennedy stands as a shining example of what it means to be a pioneer—not just in sport psychology, but in creating lasting change for future generations.