Army West Point Athletics
Three Black Knights Named All-Americans
April 02, 2019 | Women's Rugby
WEST POINT, N.Y. - Gio Ferguson-Lewis, Sam Sullivan, and Sally Varner were announced by NIRA as 2018-19 Tier One All-Americans this week for their performance during the 15s season.
Ferguson-Lewis is an All-American for the third straight year. She was second on the team in tries (5) and third among the Cadets in total points (25). The junior flanker scored two tries against Norwich in the NIRA Quarterfinals.
"Gio is such a durable and consistent part of this team ever since she was a plebe," added LeClerc. "She is such a pivotal presence for this team with her on field examples."
This is the second consecutive All-American honor for Sullivan. The junior led the Black Knights in tries (10) and total points (50). The Fayetteville, N.C. native had a season high four tries in Army's 50-0 win over rival Navy. She also scored two tries against Norwich in the NIRA Quarterfinals -- a 61-3 win by the Black Knights.
"Sam is one of the most prolific and consistent offensive threats in the country," said Head Coach, Bill LeClerc. "She has been identified by National Team coaches as a potential future Eagle."
This is the first All-American nod for Varner. The Norcross, Ga. native was a fixture in the second row for the Black Knights. The junior prop also scored two tries for 10 points, both coming in a 21-14 win over Notre Dame College.
"Well deserved recognition for not only a great season but continuous improvement season after season," said LeClerc of Varner.
Dartmouth led the way with five players on the first team, Harvard with four, followed by Army with three.
Army finished its 15s season with a 4-5 record and advanced to the NIRA Semifinals.
2018 NIRA Tier One All-Americans
Idia Ihensekhien - Dartmouth
Q Okine - Harvard
Erica Jarrell - Harvard
Sally Varner - Army West Point
Jenny Kronish - Harvard
Milla Anderson - Dartmouth
Ilona Zaishliuk - Notre Dame College
Gio Ferguson-Lewis - Army West Point
Kat Ramage - Dartmouth
Camille Johnson - Dartmouth
Emily Henrich - Dartmouth
Emily Roskopf - Quinnipiac
Cassidy Bargell - Harvard
Mikah Maples - Quinnipiac
Sam Sullivan - Army West Point
Honorable Mention
Juah Toe - West Chester
Siale Alatini - AIC
Sheila Decker - Norwich
Zyana Thomas - Brown
Amber Kelly - Norwich
Cait Weigel - Harvard
Danielle Walko-Siua - Notre Dame College
Gen Quirion - Harvard
Players Mentioned
