Women's Rugby Assistant Coach Karameli Fa'aee Named Princeton's Head Coach

Women's Rugby Assistant Coach Karameli Fa'aee Named Princeton's Head Coach

5/5/2026 12:50:00 PM | Women's Rugby

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Princeton Women's Rugby announced the hiring of Brown Women's Rugby's assistant coach Karameli Fa'aee as Head Coach.

"I'm going to miss this group more than I can put into words," said Fa'aee. "Being part of this team has meant a lot to me, and I'm incredibly grateful for the trust and experiences we shared. At the same time, I'm excited for what's ahead and the opportunity to keep growing in the next chapter. I look forward to seeing Brown Women's Rugby continue to elevate the game, on and off the field."

Fa'aee joined the Bears in April 2025 as an assistant coach. Brown placed second in the 2026 Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) National 7s Championship.

"We have loved having Coach Fa'aee with us this year as she's poured her heart and soul into the program. It is a huge compliment to her talent and skill that she has been offered this position. We wish her the best!" said Brown's Kathleen Flores Women's Rugby Head Coach Rosalind Chou.

COACHING STINTS

In 2019, Fa'aee began her coaching career, serving as manager of the USA Rugby Women's National Team and assistant coach of the Jamaica Lady Crocs.

In the same year, 2019, she joined the U.S. men's professional rugby team as the first woman on its coaching staff.

After her assistant coaching role with Rugby New York in Major League Rugby, Fa'aee earned her first head coach position in 2022 with Life West in the Women's Premier League (WPL).

In 2023, she served as head coach of the New York Rugby Club, another WPL team, and as assistant coach for the WPL All-Star event. Additionally, she served as an intern coach with the WXV USA Women's Eagles during their 2023 South African Tour.

Later in her career, Fa'aee became head coach of the New York Locals under Premier Rugby Sevens and Director of Rugby at Roots Rugby Family in New York. Exact dates not specified.

Before joining Brown, she served as an assistant coach for the New York Athletic Club Rugby team. This organization competes at the highest level of rugby in the United States, the American Rugby Premiership.

PLAYING CAREER

Before coaching, Fa'aee played for Fetu Samoa Rugby League (2009-2011) and in the United States, where she captained the U.S. Women's National Team in 2017.

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.