John Roberts

Head Coach

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Before joining USC, John Roberts founded the Furman University rugby program in 1998 and coached the squad for 19 years, developing it into one the top college programs in the nation. While there, He compiled a career record of 188-64-1 and guided the Paladins to three national Division III championships, five South championships and two Southern Rugby Conference titles. In 2016, his Paladins were Division II national finalists. Roberts helped raise more than $400,000 for the program while serving as an unpaid volunteer coach throughout his 19-year career. As a student, Roberts served as USC rugby club president and was Palmetto All-star. He played for men’s clubs in Augusta (1990-93) and Greenville (1994-98). He is a member of the Greenville Rugby Hall of Fame. John and his wife, Brandi, live on Hartwell and have four living children. His story.

 

 

Jeff Smolka

Forwards Coach, Scholarship Liaison

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A University of South Carolina graduate, Jeff Smolka wore the garnet and black jersey 1985-89 and has remained connected to the program for more than three decades. He has served as head coach, assistant coach and is a past member of the Carolina Rugby Foundation. For many years, Jeff managed the club blood drive and helped to launch the Carolina Rugby Endowment by establishing the Jeffrey S. Smolka Scholarship program in 2016. Jeff lives with his wife, Margaret in Winnsboro, S.C. The couple have three grown children. His story.

 

Tony Coggiola

Player Development and Strategy

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A graduate of Wofford College where he played football, Tony Coggiola has played international rugby and has taken to the pitch in several states. A widely decorated player, Tony also worked with Coach Roberts at Furman University where he served as coach of the women’s team. A former Green Beret, Tony served as head coach of the Asheville Men’s Club and helped transform the team from mediocrity to one of the best men’s clubs in the nation in their division. Tony lives in Asheville with his wife, Sherrye, and is an entrepreneur and works with the State Department to help developing countries develop sustainable farming practices. The couple have one living daughter and a grandchild.

 

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Matthew Shoemaker

Head Coach, Development side

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A Greenville native, Matthew Shoemaker (Coach Shoe) joined the coaching staff in the spring of 2022. He played for the South Greenville Rugby Club from 2015-17. During that time, he logged time as a fly-half, hooker, center and was a member of the 2017 Rugby South Carolina All-Star Team. Matthew played four years at Lander University where he was the 2021 MVP and served as team captain from 2017-21. Matthew is also plays for Columbia Rugby team.

 

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Nathaniel Edlefsen

Head Backs Coach

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A native of Salt Lake City, Utah, Nathaniel Edlefsen joined the Wasatch of Murray rugby team when he was 12. After high school, he served on a mission to New York City for two years for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Returning home, Nathaniel attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where he played ruby for four years, most them at scrum half.  Graduating from BYU in May, 2022, Nathaniel and his wife, Julie, moved to Lexington. They have one son.

 

Roy Husley

Player Development, Parent Liaison

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Roy is a Texas native but his 21 years as a United States Marine has moved him across the United States. Roy and his wife, Maureen, retired to Tucson, AZ in 2014. In 2019 Roy started coaching high school boys and girls rugby where the boys club won two AZ State titles. In 2022 Roy and Maureen relocated to retire in Columbia, SC. In the off season they spend a majority of time pontooning on Lake Murray.  

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Alexander Ames
Head Forwards Coach, Academic Advisor

 

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, an alumnus of the University of Missouri (as well as the University of Alabama and Saint Louis University), and an all too dedicated supporter of Welsh rugby (and a Welsh speaker), Lex Ames has been living the prop life for many years, primarily for Columbia Rhinos RFC (formerly Columbia Olde Grey RFC), as a player, club secretary and president, and forwards coach, helping to lead them to a Carolinas Geographical Rugby Union Championship in the 2023-24 season. When he’s not obsessing over scrums, mauls, and lineouts, he routinely loses to his 13-year-old twin sons at any number of video games and serves as a faculty member of USC’s Department of English.



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