.png&width=60&height=60&type=webp)
Women’s Rugby Announces Addition of Karameli Fa’aee to Coaching Staff
3/5/2025 3:00:00 PM | Women's Rugby
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Kathleen Flores Women's Rugby head coach Rosalind Chou has announced the hiring of Karameli Fa'aee as the program's new assistant coach. Growing up in New Zealand, Samoa and California, Fa'aee has dedicated her life to being a leader.
"Brown has helped mold some of the most exceptional leaders, both students and staff. The opportunity to collaborate with such individuals is invaluable. I believe this is the environment where I can continue to the thrive and make the most significant impact," said coach Karameli Fa'aee.
COACHING CAREER
Fa'aee most recently served as an assistant coach for the New York Athletic Club Rugby team of the American Rugby Premiership, the highest level of rugby competition in the United States. She also served as the head coach of the New York Locals of the Premier Rugby Sevens league and Director of Rugby at the Roots Rugby Family in New York.
She was the head coach of New York Rugby Club in the women's premier league (WPL) in 2023 and served as an assistant on the WPL All-Star team that year. She worked as an intern coach of the WXV USA Women's Eagles on during their South African Tour in 2023.
Fa'aee was the head coach of Life West in the WPL in 2022 after working as an assistant coach on Rugby New York of Major League Rugby. She was the first woman to be part of a U.S. men's professional rugby team coaching staff when she accepted the role in 2019.
Stints as an assistant coach of the Jamaica Lady Crocs and a manager of the USA Rugby Women's National Team in Chula Vista in 2019 gave Fa'aee her coaching start.
PLAYING CAREER
In her final tenure as a player, Fa'aee was a captain of the U.S. Women's National Team in 2017, her last of three years with the team.
She also played in the Fetu Samoa Rugby League from 2009 to 2011 prior to her playing days in the United States.
"Karameli has had a storied career as both a player and coach," said head coach Rosalind Chou. "We are incredibly lucky to have her join our staff. Her experience coaching at the highest levels, women and men, will enhance the experience for all our student-athletes. She connects with everyone she works with and her extensive background in both 15s and 7s exponentially expands our coaching capabilities. We are so excited for her to join us on College Hill!"
Fa'aee will officially begin in her role in May, immediately assisting in Brown's recruiting efforts.
BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the backbone of our athletics program, playing a crucial role in enhancing the student-athlete experience. This is possible through philanthropic support from our alumni, parents, fans, and friends. Your gift through the Sports Foundation can immediately impact today's Brown Bears, helping them excel in the classroom, in competition, and, most importantly, in the community. Please click here to learn more about how you can support the Bears.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on X and @BrownU_Bears on Instagram. Like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.
"Brown has helped mold some of the most exceptional leaders, both students and staff. The opportunity to collaborate with such individuals is invaluable. I believe this is the environment where I can continue to the thrive and make the most significant impact," said coach Karameli Fa'aee.
COACHING CAREER
Fa'aee most recently served as an assistant coach for the New York Athletic Club Rugby team of the American Rugby Premiership, the highest level of rugby competition in the United States. She also served as the head coach of the New York Locals of the Premier Rugby Sevens league and Director of Rugby at the Roots Rugby Family in New York.
She was the head coach of New York Rugby Club in the women's premier league (WPL) in 2023 and served as an assistant on the WPL All-Star team that year. She worked as an intern coach of the WXV USA Women's Eagles on during their South African Tour in 2023.
Fa'aee was the head coach of Life West in the WPL in 2022 after working as an assistant coach on Rugby New York of Major League Rugby. She was the first woman to be part of a U.S. men's professional rugby team coaching staff when she accepted the role in 2019.
Stints as an assistant coach of the Jamaica Lady Crocs and a manager of the USA Rugby Women's National Team in Chula Vista in 2019 gave Fa'aee her coaching start.
PLAYING CAREER
In her final tenure as a player, Fa'aee was a captain of the U.S. Women's National Team in 2017, her last of three years with the team.
She also played in the Fetu Samoa Rugby League from 2009 to 2011 prior to her playing days in the United States.
"Karameli has had a storied career as both a player and coach," said head coach Rosalind Chou. "We are incredibly lucky to have her join our staff. Her experience coaching at the highest levels, women and men, will enhance the experience for all our student-athletes. She connects with everyone she works with and her extensive background in both 15s and 7s exponentially expands our coaching capabilities. We are so excited for her to join us on College Hill!"
Fa'aee will officially begin in her role in May, immediately assisting in Brown's recruiting efforts.
BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the backbone of our athletics program, playing a crucial role in enhancing the student-athlete experience. This is possible through philanthropic support from our alumni, parents, fans, and friends. Your gift through the Sports Foundation can immediately impact today's Brown Bears, helping them excel in the classroom, in competition, and, most importantly, in the community. Please click here to learn more about how you can support the Bears.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on X and @BrownU_Bears on Instagram. Like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.
Brown University 50th Anniversary Event Recap
Friday, April 11
Indoor Turf Topping Off Ceremony
Wednesday, March 05
Brown Athletics 2024 Happy Holidays Video
Friday, December 20
Women's Rugby vs. AIC Highlights
Wednesday, September 25
