Kevin Swiryn
Kevin started playing rugby when he was 19 years old after the Football program at Saint Mary’s College was cut in 2004. He went on to captain Saint Mary’s and named a 3-time Pacific Coast Grizzly and 3-time collegiate All-American, where Kevin also captained the respective squads. Shortly after the 2008 All-American tour, Swiryn was invited to trial with the US National 7’s Team. He went on to play 16 tournaments over his career, playing in 10 countries, scoring 40 tries and captaining the team in 2010. He also played for the US in 2009 7’s World Cup in Dubai.
Swiryn’s US 15’s National Team debut was on May 31, 2009 against Ireland. He went on to achieve 13 caps with the squad, scoring 6 tries and making U.S. squad for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand. Kevin had a professional career overseas with Sporting Union Agenais (SUA) in the French Top 14 for two seasons. During his second season, riddled with injury, Swiryn retired at the end of 2012.
Kevin started coaching some tournament teams, local youth teams and then asked to be Assistant coach at University of Washington in 2012. Kevin and another former Eagle, Brian Schoener, led the team to a college D1-AA championship in 2014. Kevin went on to compete with Seattle Saracens, Atavus 7’s, Washington Athletic Club, and other club competitions over the next few years, winning 3 7’s National Championships.
After 2015 National Championship, he was asked to return to the US 7’s squad with hopes of making the first modern-day US Olympic team. Coming into form through the first 3 international tournaments, Kevin tore his ACL and meniscus, prior to competing in Rio.
.Maccabi USA Rugby
Kevin was always interested in playing for Maccabi but it was hard to balance with his USA Rugby and other commitments. After his injury, Kevin’s return to play came in 2013 with a little help and persistent persuasion from head coach, Shawn Lipman. The team won a gold medal in 7’s and Bronze in 15s that year and it brought back the love of the game. After shutting it down a second time due to injury, Kevin once again returned to the Maccabi team in 2017 to captain the team – winning a 15’s gold medal after a 20-year hiatus. By far one of the top rugby moments of his career. Kevin was a great leader during his time as a player.
