Coaching is about more than wins and losses. It is about making a positive impact on the game, the people, and the community. NCR is proud of its over 800 coaches dedicated to improving the lives of young men and women playing college rugby across the United States.
The Coach of the Month program recognizes coaches who exemplify the characteristics of a strong role model, build confidence and character in their players, devote time and energy towards building for the future, and make a profound impact in the lives of their athletes and the sport of rugby.
National Collegiate Rugby is proud to recognize Meghan Flanigan as the November Coach of the Month, honoring her long-standing commitment to the sport, her leadership within the collegiate game, and her ability to foster a culture of trust, resilience, and opportunity for her athletes at the University of Northern Iowa.
Flanigan has served as the head coach of the University of Northern Iowa women’s rugby program since 2016, guiding the Panthers with a steady focus on development, accountability, and team-first values. That culture was on full display this fall when UNI was invited to compete one division above their usual level at the National Championship. With just three days’ notice, the entire squad unanimously committed to the challenge, an unmistakable reflection of the trust and belief Flanigan has built within the program.
Beyond the collegiate level, Flanigan continues to play an influential role in player development nationally. She recently served as the backs coach for the National Collegiate Rugby All-Americans, joining the squad on its England tour in August, and again as the backline coach for the 2025 All-Americans. Her coaching résumé also includes long-term involvement with the U23 Midwest Selects (USA Rugby All-Stars) since 2019 and the U23 Iowa Selects (Midwest Rugby All-Stars) since 2016. In 2019, she also helped establish the Iowa Phoenix women’s senior side, expanding opportunities for women’s rugby in the state.
A USA Rugby Level 2 Certified coach, Flanigan earned her L2 certification in 2024, further reinforcing her commitment to professional growth and high-performance standards.
Her impact on the game is equally strong as a former player. Flanigan competed for the University of Northern Iowa from 2010-2013, attending multiple All-American Camps and the Top 40 Camp in 2013. She represented the U23 Midwest team and captained the side on its first-ever overseas tour to Wales in 2013. At the senior level, she played for the Twin Cities Amazons from 2014-2016 before coming out of retirement to compete again in the WPL during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. She also spent time with the Cedar Rapids Shield Maidens early in her playing career.
In addition to her coaching and playing achievements, Flanigan has made significant contributions off the field. She has served as Midwest Collegiate Rugby Conference Commissioner since 2020, was Iowa Union President from 2020-2022, and has been a board member for the Twin Cities Amazons from 2023-2025. Her leadership has been formally recognized with induction into the Iowa Rugby Hall of Fame in 2023 and selection to the inaugural “15 Under 30” class by the U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation in 2020.
Meghan Flanigan exemplifies what it means to be a collegiate rugby coach—someone who develops players, builds community, and embraces every opportunity to elevate the game. National Collegiate Rugby congratulates Meghan on being named November Coach of the Month and thanks her for her continued dedication to student-athletes and the sport of rugby.
National Collegiate Rugby is proud to recognize Max Bennett, Head Coach of Central Oregon Community College Men’s Rugby, as our October Coach of the Month, an exceptional builder, motivator, and steward of one of the nation’s few community college rugby programs.
A fourth-generation Central Oregonian and Summit High School graduate, Max’s roots in the region run deep. Rugby runs even deeper. He is the nephew of legendary coach Woody Bennett, who led Oregon State for more than a decade and founded the COCC rugby program in 2012. Max was part of that first Bobcats squad, serving as the club’s inaugural captain before continuing his career at Pepperdine University as a lock.
When Max returned to COCC as Assistant Coach in 2023, the program was still reeling from the effects of the pandemic. Numbers were nearly gone, continuity was broken, and one of the Northwest’s proudest community college rugby programs was on the brink. When he stepped in as Head Coach in 2024, he inherited a team on life support, but within a year, he rebuilt it into one of the most compelling stories in small-college rugby.
This fall, COCC fielded a 33-man roster and finished 4–2, including statement wins over larger, well-resourced universities like Western Oregon. Players describe Max as “the most committed coach I’ve ever had,” a tireless recruiter, and a culture-builder who transforms complete beginners into confident, competitive athletes. Many credit him with making their transition to college seamless, instilling discipline and belonging, and setting standards rooted in respect, accountability, and joy for the game.
Max’s passion is contagious, his work ethic unmatched, and his belief in the potential of community college rugby unwavering. By resurrecting a nearly dormant program, and honoring his uncle’s legacy, he has restored rugby to Central Oregon and built a home where players feel valued, challenged, and proud to wear the Bobcat jersey.
Congratulations to Coach Max Bennett, a true leader and ambassador for the sport.
A 2022 graduate of West Chester, Caccese competed in the NCR DI-AA National Championship during his senior year, earned Mid-Atlantic All Star selection, and was recognized as an All-American. Shortly after graduation, he returned to his alma mater to begin his coaching journey, bringing with him the same drive and passion that marked his playing career.
Last fall, Caccese made an immediate impact as head coach of the newly formed Division III side, the West Chester Mudskippers. With a roster made up largely of players new to the sport, he guided the team to an undefeated season, capped by a decisive victory over Delaware in the “Battle of the Border.” Known for his tactical adjustments and clear communication, Caccese has been praised by his players for being both a mentor and motivator, someone who simplifies the game while instilling confidence and discipline. His coaching philosophy, “If you don’t quit on me, I won’t quit on you,” has inspired his squad to push beyond expectations.
Beyond his work with the Mudskippers, Caccese also contributes to the Division I West Chester Rams, supporting practices and matches as they advance through postseason play. His commitment to developing new players while strengthening the entire program reflects his dedication not just to his team, but to the growth of rugby as a whole.
