BRUNSWICK, Maine – Bowdoin College women's rugby head coach MaryBeth Mathews was honored last weekend at the US Women's Rugby Foundation's annual convention as a 2023 Kathy Flores Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
 
One of eight recipients in the award's inaugural class, the is named in honor of legendary player and coach Kathy Flores, who passed away in 2021. This annual award recognizes those in the rugby community who exemplify the collegial spirit, commitment to lifelong learning, vision, and generosity that defined Kathy Flores. This award is further distinguished as it is the first award given to leaders in the women's game by the women's rugby community. Recipients must have a demonstrated record of extraordinary service to women's rugby in the US for over 25 years.
 
Mathews has been the head coach of Bowdoin College dating back to 1994, when the sport was still a club program. In 2002-03 Mathews played a significant role in supporting the college's elevation of the sport to varsity status. Bowdoin women's rugby is the oldest varsity women's rugby program in the country. She has produced consistently successful teams, winning multiple New England Division II Championships, four consecutive New England Small College Conference Championships, several undefeated regular seasons and appearing in the Sweet 16, Elite 8 and Final Four national championships between 2007 - 2016.  Most recently, the Polar Bears joined N.I.R.A., where they have won three consecutive Division III Championships, including this past fall.
 
For more information on the Kathy Flores Lifetime Achievement Award, visit the U.S. Women's Rugby Foundation website.