LEADERSHIP TEAM
COACHING STAFF
Hayley Alexander
Backs 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)
Forwards 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
James Barrie
President
James (he/him) is a native of the California Bay Area but moved to NOLA in 2021. He works at one of the city’s universities, and outside of work enjoys being involved in the local Jewish community. His favorite thing about NOLA is all the funky and amazing people he meets every day, who are always ready to buckle up and get down together. 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 he is excited to hone his rugby skills, bring excellence to the pitch and off it, and be an advocate for the team and wider community.
Kirby Richardson
Vice-President
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.”
Aaron Elkins
Secretary
Aaron (he/they), a transplant from rural North Carolina, joined the Roux in January 2023. After moving to NOLA for their Master of Public Health degree at Tulane, Aaron became immersed in and loved the local community, especially the girls, gays, and theys around town! With a commitment to equity and building community, Aaron decided there was only one option: rugby. For this upcoming year, Aaron says, “I can’t wait to support my team at a greater capacity this year, both on and off the field! I’ll strive to be the best flanker and secretary I can be while supporting my team to be their best!”.
Alex Kimbrough
Member At Large
Alex (he/him) is a Chicago, Illinois, native who arrived in New Orleans in 2022 to study for a PhD in Epidemiology at Tulane University. It was at a Tulane community event that he met players on the Crescent City Rougaroux. Fresh to the city, he jumped at the opportunity to play a sport and be a part of a wider community. Two years later, he loves the sport, and he has made lifelong friends in the process. On the field, you’ll see him propping; off the field, his favorite spaces are in the gym working out or spending an evening online playing video games with friends. He currently serves as the one of the Rougaroux’s Member-At-Large for the 2024-2025 season, and he’s more than excited to work with his team, the rugby community, and his new home in New Orleans.
Ryan Baham
Treasurer
Thorsten Brückner
Member at Large
Charley Carter
Match Secretary
Lestat Laveau
Merch Director
Originally from Southern California, I moved to New Orleans to explore the magical side of the city. In my spare time, I enjoy painting, drawing, and photography. I joined the team out of curiosity for rugby, and now I love the sport.