Bydwell's Eagles 'where they're supposed to be' in Olympic journey

Emilie Bydwell was delighted with her team’s efforts after the USA Women’s Eagles Sevens secured third-place on the HSBC SVNS Series.

At stops in Vancouver and on home soil in New York, the Eagles picked up back-to-back bronze medals and third overall in the overall standings after six tournaments.

After the team claimed a podium finish on Sunday afternoon with a 26-17 win against Fiji, there was nothing but joy from the host nation, who lapped the pitch and received a standing ovation from home fans.

“It’s been an awesome two weeks,” Bydwell said. “We came into this block, knowing that we were going to have to level up, particularly on day two.

“We fell short in three bronze medal games before we hit these two weeks, and we’ve really focused on stepping it up.

“The players have responded so well to what we’ve been asking them to do. They’ve empowered and believed in each other and lived our values. I’m really proud of them.”

Ahead of the first-ever New York tournament Bydwell and her captain, Kristi Kirshe, stated that they were targeting a podium finish at Sports Illustrated Stadium to finish the Series season on a high.

It was the culmination of a season’s hard work, in which time the Eagles have installed a new style of play and allowed a whole host of new stars to emerge on the Series.

A podium finish also marked another step on their way to being the home favourites at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the team will now begin preparations for HSBC SVNS World Series events in Hong Kong, Valladolid and Bordeaux to conclude the season.

“The thing is though, as happy as we are to win a medal at home – it’s what we said we wanted to do – and we’ve done it,” Bydwell said, “we all – at least I – have a little feeling in my stomach knowing that there’s so much more for this team, and we just have to trust the process and keep going, because we’re two and a half years away from where we’re trying to get to (LA28), and right now, the girls are exactly where they’re supposed to be.”