Written by Tyler Kuehl
 
The Women's Rugby team is less than a decade old, but since the Panthers first stepped onto the field in 2013, they have become one of the best programs in the country. In their first six seasons, the Panthers have won six major championships, three 15's National Championships (Two D2, One D1) and three 7's championships.
 
One of the members of that first team was Hannah Tennant. The Grandville-native was heavily recruited by Head Coach Greg Teliczan, and was able to convince Tennant to come to DU after committing to Michigan State. One of the reasons for Hannah making the change was the availability to pursue her career in nursing through Davenport, while being able to play rugby as well.
 
Tennant received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at DU in 2017, and was able to score a job in Aurora, Colorado at The Medical Center of Aurora, one of the many hospitals under the Hospital Corporation of America banner, in August of 2018.
 
How she even chose to get a job in Colorado is interesting in itself. Hannah visited Denver because her old coach at Grandville, and now Team USA Rugby player Joanna Kitlinski, invited her out to check out the area to see if she liked it. Tennant ended up loving the city and getting the job in Aurora, and gives to credit some of Kitlinski's rugby friends for her choice to stay.
 
In Aurora, Hannah works in the cardiology department, working mostly with folks with congestive heart and lung issues.
 
Even though she is comfortable with her position now, Tennant still aspires to work in a different area in the medical field, hoping to make it into the Intensive Care Unit by next year.
 
"I love the critical care part of my job," Tennant admitted.  "I love being able to use my brain and work through problems. I get excited to help patients who are [in need]."
 
While continue to grow as a nurse, Tennant's rugby game has grown as well. She plays in nearby Glendale for the Merlins, alongside her former coach Kitlinski, in Women's Premier League Rugby. The WPL is a 10-team league that is the highest level of women's rugby underneath the national team. The Merlins even won the WPL title this past season.
 
With the success of her club team, Tennant sees an opportunity to move up into the National Team ranks.
 
"This [season] was my first season to actually start in the WPL, and I'm hoping next season I can get in contact with the National Team coaches and hopefully play on the National Team someday."