Hamilton County honors Jayla Twitty as first female pro rugby player

The Hamilton County Commissioners held a regular meeting on March 3, 2025, where they honored Jayla Twitty for her achievements in professional women's rugby. The meeting began with a proclamation presented by Commissioner Reese, celebrating Twitty as the first national All-American female rugby player from Hamilton County.

The proclamation highlighted Twitty's journey in rugby, which began in 2016 when she joined the Walnut Hills High School team, the first all-girls rugby team in the Greater Cincinnati area. Under her participation, the team secured three state titles and one runner-up title within its first four years of competition. Twitty was recognized for her outstanding performance, being nominated for Player of the Year by the Rugby Ohio coaches in both 2018 and 2019.

After graduating from Withrow High School in 2019, Twitty continued her rugby career at the collegiate level and has played on various select teams across the United States and in Ireland. She is now set to compete in the inaugural season of the National Women's Elite Rugby League, which features teams from major cities including Boston, New York, and Chicago. Twitty's participation marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first female to play professional rugby at this level in Hamilton County.

The commissioners expressed their deepest appreciation for Twitty's contributions to women's rugby and declared March 3, 2025, as "Jayla Twitty Day" in Hamilton County, recognizing her impact on the sport and the community. The meeting concluded with a celebration of her achievements and the positive influence she has had on aspiring athletes in the region.