Kerry Folkins

I grew up in Chappaqua, NY and Ridgefield, CT. I am a UNH graduate and started playing rugby in 1999 during my sophomore year with Seacoast, as UNH didn’t have a team at that time. I played for 17 years and when I decided to hang up my boots I sought a coaching certification. I received my Level 1 USA Rugby Coaching certification in 2018 and coached the NH Ospreys from 2018-2022. I coached the UNH Women’s team from 2018-2020 and then shifted focus back to the youth team. In 2023 I accepted the offer to coach the Seacoast Women, my old team and continue to do so. I am on the Board of Directors for Great Bay Rugby Club (Seacoast Women) to help ensure that the club flourishes. 

I played for Seacoast Rugby Club for 16 years and played almost a year for Amoskeag Rugby Club after Seacoast folded in 2016. While playing for Seacoast I had the privilege of playing at the Division 2 National tournament in 2006. We entered ranked 7th out of 8 teams and finished in 5th!  I have played every position with the exception of Prop, Second Row and Eight but have primarily been a back. I ended my career at Scrumhalf, which ironically was my favorite and probably where I should have been for most of my career.

My coaching philosophy is safety first, fun second, and winning is a bonus. I want players to have the supportive and unique community I experienced when I played rugby. I am always focused on fostering a strong sense of community and comradery. I believe that a team that has mastered the basics, and feels connected will succeed over a team that is hyper focused on winning and trying to run fancy plays.

To date I have coached 7th grade girls soccer, Ospreys, UNH Women and Seacoast Women. I have a level 100 coaching certification and a level 1 referee certification. I have refereed the Osprey matches, as well as assistant refereed collegiate games. As far as recognition goes, as a player I received MVP x 2, and Rookie of the Year awards.

Some of my favorite people are friendships and relationships I have kindled through the rugby community. I cannot imagine NOT being connected to this sport in some way, shape or form! It is a privilege to coach athletes in this close knit community!