Membership Manager recognized with Patriot Award

LAFAYETTE, Colo. – Lucy Zugschwert, USA Rugby’s membership services manager, received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s (ESRG) Patriot Award Tuesday in a ceremony at the USA Rugby National Office.

ESGR Colorado Area Chair Rick White attended the morning’s ceremony to present the Patriot Award, for which Staff Sergeant Katie Dyke, 182nd Air Wing in the Illinois Air National Guard, nominated Zugschwert.

“USA Rugby proudly serves America in how our athletes represent the country on the U.S. Olympic team and through the patriotic commitments of our staff,” said Melissa Keyserling, director of Human Resources for USA Rugby. “Having active duty reservists on staff contributes to the character and dedication expected in our team members, and we’re extremely proud to work alongside the men and women who protect our freedom.”

Initially hired in by USA Rugby in 2016, Dyke served double duty in the Membership Department and with the Illinois Air National Guard in Peoria, Ill. Just two weeks into her time in Lafayette and throughout the calendar year, Dyke was called back to Peoria in order to serve. Managing that time between service and employment is a responsibility that not only fell upon her, but Zugschwert, as well.

Zugschwert’s efforts to accommodate active military personnel kept Dyke in a position to grow at USA Rugby, where she applied for and was offered her current position as manager of the Training & Education department.