It’s an end of an era for Maryville. Although Saturday’s girls high school state championship was won by a solid cast of players, the influence of a few graduating players cannot be overlooked in the Tennessee power’s legacy of victory.

This weekend, Maryville again doubled up on 7s and 15s state titles, defeating Brighton Storm 41-5, and in the process bid farewell to some seniors who have helped the team to these prestigious heights. Chief among them is McKenzie Hawkins, daughter of coach Jay Hawkins, who has been playing with Maryville for eight years. This fall, the High School and Junior All American moves onto Lindenwood University alongside inside center Mariah Plieseis, who will be a two-sport athlete at the St. Charles, Mo., school.

“Our team was dominated by seniors with experience this year. Most of us have been to at least one championship before, knowing the level of play expected,” Hawkins reflected on Saturday’s state title match. “We scored most of our tries by getting the ball out wide very quickly after sucking Storm's defense in with continuity in the middle of the field. We also felt more organized.”

Hawkins herself scored two tries, as did Plieseis, while Savannah Hearn, Abby Smithy, Emily Assenmacher, and Ashley Raines added five-pointers.

“We didn't really feel pushed by Storm because we focused on our game plan only, and that we would react to their style of play with composure,” Hawkins indicated. “For example, their forwards out-rucked us sometimes, so our forwards understood that they had to put a stop to that immediately.

“Mariah constantly showed her ability to run strong and fast, delivered quick passes, and hit a couple try-saving tackles,” Hawkins singled out some worthy performances. “Octavia Lenior played lock and prop, and she really stepped up in the pack, just recently being moved from wing. Emily, our scrumhalf, was poised under the pressure of directing our forwards. She distributed the ball well, and scored as a result of her sneaky play.”

Maryville has played at the girls high school national championships, sent players to the All Americans and junior Eagles, and Hawkins has been there for all of it. A talented flyhalf, who was last seen with the High School All Americans in their debut competition at the LVI 7s, Hawkins has been playing nearly half her life with the club side.

“Playing in my last high school championship and winning with my teammates really embodied what it's like to play with Maryville Rugby Football Club,” Hawkins stated. “Through my eight years of being with the team, I have been given a great foundation of what rugby really means, whether it's on or off the field, thanks to all who have coached and played. This weekend I got to play and win with the people who have helped me grow as a player and a person, and I am so grateful. I am so excited to see where rugby takes me in the future, especially with the opportunities at Lindenwood.”

Hawkins joins the Lady Lions, who are expected to import approximately 30 freshmen - including several All Americans like Fallbrook's Richelle Stephens and Morris' Kat Ramage - in fall 2015. Stay tuned for the new opportunities that await the Tennessee native and Missouri program.