The Student Leader of the Month program recognizes student-athletes who go above and beyond in both leadership and community service efforts. We are looking for student-athletes who not only lead on the pitch, but are making a positive impact off the pitch.
Emanoella “Charger” Ceni, a first-generation Albanian American from the Bronx, New York, is the February Rugbee.co Student Leader of the Month. A senior at the State University of New York at Oswego, Ceni is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Health Sciences while serving as a cornerstone of the SUNY Oswego Women’s Rugby program.
On the pitch, Ceni plays hooker and was a key contributor to the Black Widows’ undefeated Fall 2025 regular season and top-20 Division III national ranking. Her impact earned her the team’s Most Valuable Pack Player honor and national recognition as a National Collegiate Rugby All-Star. She became the first SUNY Oswego Women’s Rugby athlete to compete in the inaugural NCR 15s All-Star Tournament in Atlanta, representing Team Bison.
Off the field, Ceni’s leadership has transformed the program. A four-year member of the team and current president, she has held a leadership role every season—serving previously as Public Relations Chair and Secretary. As president, she helped guide the club out of a financial deficit, rewrote the team constitution, strengthened recruiting and communications, and co-designed merchandise for the program’s home tournament, The Greased Weasel. She also revamped the team’s mentor program to better support both player development and academic success while ensuring all activities align with university policies.
“Ema is one of the best student leaders I’ve ever had the privilege of working with,” said head coach Annika Lachnor. “She is incredibly organized, a great communicator, and exceptional at accepting feedback. During games Ema is one of the loudest players on the field and in every huddle, even if the game is going poorly, she is there encouraging her teammates.”
Beyond rugby, Ceni excels academically and in service. She conducts undergraduate capstone research, mentors general chemistry lab students, serves as Public Relations Coordinator for the Chemistry Club, and works in the department stockroom. She has also volunteered extensively at STEM outreach events and received the 2025 Outstanding Service Project Award for organizing a children’s book drive to inspire preschoolers’ interest in science.
Through leadership, service, and relentless energy, Ceni leaves the Black Widows stronger than she found them.
National Collegiate Rugby is proud to recognize John Cox of the College of the Holy Cross as the November Student Leader of the Month for his outstanding leadership, humility, and dedication to his team and community.
A senior economics major, Cox serves as both captain and president of the Holy Cross rugby program and leads by example in everything he does. Known as a first-in, last-out presence, he consistently sets a high standard at training, often stepping into coaching roles and taking initiative to move the club forward. He goes out of his way to make all members feel welcome, helping build a positive, inclusive team culture.
Under Cox’s leadership, Holy Cross has enjoyed one of the most successful periods in program history. He and his co-captain led the Crusaders to their first-ever back-to-back regional championships and consecutive Division III Final Four appearances, finishing second nationally in 2024 and third in 2025. Off the field, Cox has organized team merchandise stores and helped strengthen club operations.
Cox is also committed to community engagement. He has organized club outreach efforts in the Worcester area and participated in fundraising initiatives supporting the Nativity School of Worcester, helping raise awareness and support through the rugby program.
A versatile player, Cox began playing rugby his freshman year and has competed at nearly every forward position, earning NCR All-American honors at loosehead prop and MVP of the 2024 regional tournament. This past season, he transitioned to outside center and is currently a finalist for NCR Division III Player of the Year.
John Cox exemplifies leadership through effort, accountability, and service. National Collegiate Rugby congratulates him on being named November Student Leader of the Month.
Katana is a senior double-majoring in psychology and criminal justice corrections, preparing for a career as a correctional treatment specialist focused on rehabilitation and restorative support. Alongside a full academic load, two jobs, and an upcoming internship in a juvenile or women’s correctional facility, she still finds time to serve her campus community through Students for Reproductive Justice, the Office of Equity and Inclusive Excellence, and numerous outreach initiatives supporting local equity, engagement, and basic-needs programs.
On the field, Katana is the Forwards Captain for the Winona State Black Katts, who recently reached regionals for the first time in six years. A player since her senior year of high school, rugby has taken her across the country, from North Carolina to Texas to this year’s All-Star Tournament in Georgia. She’s known as an honest, accountable leader who lifts teammates up, checks in when spirits are low, and inspires others with her “mind over matter” mindset. Teammates praise her humility, her ability to break down skills with clarity, and her initiative in creating a pre-practice skills program that has elevated player development across the squad.
Katana’s leadership extends behind the scenes as well. A former five-semester social media manager, she helped grow the program’s visibility through creative design, community engagement, and effective outreach. Whether she’s running a fundraiser, mentoring a teammate, or stepping into a new challenge, her positivity sets the tone.
Driven, compassionate, and endlessly supportive, Katana Provost embodies what it means to be a student leader in collegiate rugby, the Black Katts, and the Winona State community are stronger because of her.
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Corinne’s leadership journey with the Towson University Women’s Rugby Club (TUWRFC) began in 2022, when she was sidelined by an ACL injury during her very first match. Rather than step away, she immediately joined the officer board, supporting her teammates and helping the club grow while she recovered. Since then, she has served nearly three years as an officer, including two terms as President, while also holding the role of Safety & Facility Officer.
Her impact has been transformative. Under her leadership, TUWRFC has expanded recruitment, strengthened alumni relations, created new fundraising initiatives, and welcomed experienced new coaches. Membership has grown significantly, with record-breaking alumni event attendance and new player recruitment driven by her dedication. Corinne is also known for fostering a culture of inclusivity and accountability, ensuring that every member feels valued and heard.
Off the pitch, Corinne serves as a Sport Club Supervisor and Intramural Manager, while completing her senior year as an Exercise Science major. She is interning with Towson Campus Recreation’s Sport Club Athletic Trainers and plans to pursue Athletic Training after graduation.
Despite her own injuries and a demanding schedule, Corinne has consistently prioritized the success, safety, and sustainability of her team. Her resilience, vision, and compassion exemplify what it means to be a student leader in rugby.
