LEADERSHIP TEAM
COACHING STAFF
Hayley Alexander
Back’s Coach
Hi, I’m Hayley Alexander, Back’s Coach of the Crescent City Rougaroux! I moved to New Orleans in 2014 to attend Tulane University and have been in the city ever since. While at Tulane, I was a hooker on the Tulane Women’s Rugby team that qualified for the final four, four years in a row, and won two USA Rugby Division II National Championships. I first joined the Rougaroux as an assistant coach in 2017 during the inaugural year of the team. I wanted to join the team to teach others about the sport that introduced me to my best friends, allowed me to tour across the country, and empower me to be an advocate for equity and inclusion of all people within the sport. I am so excited for the 2022-2023 season to build upon our successes at the Bingham Cup and watch the individual players and team continue to grow and improve in rugby. This year, I’ll be focusing on coaching the backs and look forward to implementing new strategies and learning alongside the players. In New Orleans, you can catch me nerding out on public health research, running many miles around the city, enjoying a beer at the local breweries, kayaking with my partner, and listening to live music (especially L.Y.O.N. the band)
Olivia Morales (Liv)
Forward’s Coach
Coach Liv is originally from Bakersfield, California(think farms, cows, fields). Picked up rugby in college and fell in love. She continued to play for a kick butt women’s team in the Bay Area, while also teaching. On a spring break trip she fell in love with NOLA and by the end of it, decided to move there. Currently, she is a College Counselor at the illustrious GWC High School. There are so many things she loves about New Orleans, mainly the incredible community everywhere you turn, but also glitter, live music, and food(she’s in a band, Love Your Own Noise, check them out!). When playing for the Lagniappe Women’s rugby team she was introduced to Rougaroux because they would invite the gals out to practice. While planning a fun run with Coach Hayley, she was asked to help coach the Rougaroux, it took one margarita and very little convincing. As a lifetime Hooker, princess of the scrum and front row wizard she is so excited to coach the pack. Let’s go Roux!
BOARD MEMBERS
Fernando Rodriguez
President
Fernando has a PhD in American History and has a passion for learning. He is originally from Houston, Tx. and bartends at the Silver Fox in the French Quarter. His favorite thing in New Orleans is the culture, the food, and the history of the city. Fernando joined the Rougaroux in 2020 as a way to meet new people and as a way to de-stress from writing his dissertation. He is a back who plays wing. Fernando is excited for the team to continue to grow its membership and take what it has learned from competing at its first Bingham Tournament to better prepare the team for not only the coming season, but also for the next Bingham Cup tournment in 2024.
Rachel Ropp
Vice-President
Rachel is originally from Michigan, but made their way down to New Orleans over a decade ago, and now lives and works happily as a director at a local software company to keep their dog living the lifestyle that she has become accustomed to. Rachel’s favorite thing about NOLA is the way everyone, EVERYONE, has a costume closet, since it’s more fun dressing up together! Rachel joined the Roux in 2021 when a friend convinced them to drop into a practice just to get a good workoutand was tricked into falling in love with the sport and the people who play it. If they aren’t refusing to leave their house, you can problem find them playing at wing.
Kirby Richardson
Secretary
Kirby moved to New Orleans from Little Rock, AR in Summer 2022, seeking a new start after COVID. I was terrified - I had few friends here, a very small support network, and no knowledge of the local queer community, but I was immediately drawn in by the culture and community here. The Roux made me feel more welcome, seen, accepted, and at home than any group with whom I’ve ever been affiliated. I never thought I’d enjoy playing a sport, but I guess I’m officially a rugger for life.
James Barrie
Members At Large
James (he/him) is a native of the California Bay Area but moved to NOLA in 2021. They work at one of the city’s prestigious universities, and outside of work enjoy being involved in the local Jewish community. His favorite thing about NOLA is how eager folks are to share their heritage and life story over a plate of good food and a strong drink. It took him a year to find his way to the Roux, but quickly fell in love, as sports and transgender participation within them is a passion of his. This season they are excited to hone their rugby skills, bring excellence to the pitch and off it, and be an advocate for the team and wider community.
Nick Renouff
Treasurer
Nick was born and raised in Metairie, Louisiana. I moved away multiple times over the past decade, but always came home. I love this city, the people, the pace of life, its joys, its challenges, and its over-eagerness to celebrate at every opportunity. One Day in 2022, I was minding my own business drinking a Wildberry Truly at the bar, when a man standing about 5’7 with a weird mullet came and asked if I wanted to come play rugby. I scoffed and said, “Not a chance…” I never played a sport in my life, but I took a risk and showed up to the practice a week later… and kept coming back. I have not regretted it once. I love this team and this sport. The Roux has a culture of support that I have never seen, and I love the way it connects me to the queer community. Playing the position of Hooker has been challenging both mentally and physically, but it has provided me a chance to grow as a person and a player. For the 2023-2024 season I am excited to continue to grow this team, and travel to Rome, Italy to participate in the 2024 Bingham Cup.
Brad Higgins
Member at Large
Brad is a New Orleans native. He is a Kitchen and Bath designer for a locally owned business. He loves most things NOLA and jogging with his two dogs Sita and Kai. His love of sport along with his wrestling background made for a great fit with the Roux! On the field, you will find him playing flanker and looking to tackle! “Joining the Crescent City Rougaroux has by far been one of the best things I’ve done in the LGBTQ community. The great people and positive experiences I’ve had with the team and coaches is something very special. I’m looking forward to this season and the 2024 Bingham Cup in Rome!
Joey Algier
Match Secretary
Joey is a transplant from San Francisco who wandered onto the rugby pitch and right into our hearts. On the field he is a inside or outside center who is still figuring out how to pass to his right but looks “cute” while trying. Off the field, Joey works for The Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans working on community development of equitable drainage policies in New Orleans. If that wasn’t enough, Joey is also getting his Masters in Counseling from Loyola University and is a school counselor at NOCCA in New Orleans. Find Joey watching rugby with a spritz in his hand, his dog Betsy in a bandana, and probably talking about the shakshouka he made for breakfast.
Larry Smith
Merch Director
Larry Smith (They/Them) A native from the Westbank of New Orleans from Algiers. Their favorite things about New Orleans is the food, music, and the various hidden gems waiting to be discovered throughout the city. They joined the Rougaroux as way to gain a better sense of community as well as play a sport that had some similarities with their love of playing football. Their position is prop/lock and is excited for the season at hand after a magical year post NORAM 2023 in Charlotte.