Alev Kelter
Eagle River’s Alev Kelter was part of the USA Women’s XVs National Team that hit the rugby field last week for the first time in two years.
Kelter played in both matches for the Americans against Canada in the Pacific Four Regional Series at Infinity Park near Denver, Colorado.
Canada prevailed in the two matches, winning 15-9 and 23-13.
This was the USA Women’s XV National Team’s first match since Nov. 23, 2019.
Kelter, the two-time Olympian, made her 15th and 16th career caps with the 15s team. Among the 23 players on the team, only three of them have more experience.
Team USA will head to Dublin to face Ireland on Friday, followed by England in Worcester on November 21. But Kelter won’t make the trip. She will return to her USA Sevens residency for training ahead of the start of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, which begins at the end of the month in Dubai.
Photo credit Travis Prior
Kelter has had a legendary career in the Sevens Series, ranking No. 1 among Americans and No. 4 in the world in all-time scoring with 802 points in 177 matches.
The second-highest American scorer is Naya Tapper, who ranks No. 18 in the world with 430 points.
Kelter’s 372-point lead showcases how much Team USA leans on the Alaskan for offense.
Not only is she a rugged running back capable of breaking tackles to score 5-point tries, but she kicks 2-point conversions. In the 2019-2020 season, she compiled 21 tries and 33 conversions for 171 points in 24 matches.
Her background in soccer makes her a perfect fit for conversions. She played soccer and hockey at the University of Wisconsin.
Kelter, of Chugiak High fame, is also a sure tackler, making her one of the most talented two-way players in the world. Since her debut in 2014, she has not missed an international tournament – making her the most capped American female rugby player to date.
That tackle from Alev came out of nowhere 😳
— USA Rugby (@USARugby) November 6, 2021