Wisconsin multi-sport alumnus earns two Olympic victories in women's rugby

Wisconsin women’s hockey and soccer alumnus Alev Kelter helped guide USA rugby to two wins on the second day of competition at the Olympic Games.

USA Rugby kicked off its day at 9:30 a.m. CT with a 36-7 victory against Japan. Kelter did not record any points in her first match but responded with a spectacular performance later in the day.

Kelter started against Brazil in her second Olympic appearance of 2024 and executed on a try fewer than 45 seconds into the match. The former Badger followed the earlier try by scoring on a conversion at the 8:09 mark before yet another conversion late in the second half.

USA Rugby would go on to a 24-5 win and finish 2-0 on the day.

At UW, Kelter represented both the women’s hockey and soccer teams from 2009-13. She was named second-team All-Big Ten on the pitch in 2012 and NCAA Frozen Four All-Tournament Team member during her sophomore season in 2011.

The top two teams in each pool, as well as the best two teams placed third in their pools, will qualify to the quarterfinal round. The United States is competing alongside Brazil, France and Japan as a member of Pool C.

Kelter and the United States will continue action at 9:30 a.m. ET on Monday, July 29.