Amanda Magadan (born April 28, 1993) is an American professional rugby union player. She is primarily known for her role as captain of the United States women's national rugby sevens team, with whom she competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Magadan also represents the United States in fifteen-a-side rugby and plays professionally in England's Premiership Women's Rugby (formerly Premier 15s).
Early Life and College Career
Magadan grew up in Fairfield, Connecticut, and attended Fairfield Warde High School. She began playing rugby during her collegiate years at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where she quickly established herself as a standout player. Her strong performances in college rugby attracted the attention of national selectors.
International Career
Rugby Sevens
Magadan made her debut for the USA Women's Sevens team in 2017 and rapidly ascended through the ranks, becoming a pivotal player and eventually the team captain. Her leadership, playmaking abilities, and defensive prowess from the scrum-half position were key to the team's strategy. She has been a consistent presence on the World Rugby Sevens Series circuit, leading the team in numerous tournaments.
A career highlight for Magadan was captaining the USA Women's Sevens team at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where the team finished in sixth place.
Rugby Fifteens
In addition to her sevens commitments, Magadan has also earned caps for the USA Women's National Rugby Union Team (Eagles XVs). She typically plays scrum-half or fly-half in the fifteen-a-side format, demonstrating her versatility and understanding of the game across different positions.
Club Career
Magadan has played for various clubs in the United States. In 2021, she signed with the Exeter Chiefs, a professional club based in Exeter, England, competing in the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR), one of the top professional women's rugby leagues globally. Her move to Exeter provided her with regular high-level competition and further honed her skills. She continues to be a key player for the Chiefs.
Playing Style
Known for her exceptional leadership, tactical awareness, and strong communication on the field, Magadan is a natural scrum-half. Her passing game is precise, and she possesses a keen eye for exploiting gaps in the opposition defense. Defensively, she is tenacious and an effective tackler, often disrupting opposition plays from the ruck and breakdown. Her experience in both sevens and fifteens highlights her adaptability and rugby intelligence.
Personal Life
Magadan holds a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from West Chester University. She is an advocate for the growth of women's rugby and often participates in community outreach initiatives.