Betty Nguyen brings a wealth of playing, coaching, and leadership experience to her role as Chicago North Shore’s 15s Head Coach. A Chicago native and longtime member of the local rugby community, Betty first joined North Shore in 2014, playing with the club through 2021 and competing at the highest levels of women’s club rugby, including multiple WPL seasons.

Betty’s coaching career spans collegiate, representative, and senior rugby. She has served as Head Coach of Loyola University Chicago Women’s Rugby, coached the University of Chicago to the 2022 National Collegiate Rugby Small College 7s National Championship, and has coached Great Waters Rugby, Illinois U23s, and regional select sides. She was also recognized with a 2023 15 Under 30 Award for her contributions to the growth of women’s rugby.

As a player, Betty has competed in 15s and 7s at the national level, including multiple USA Rugby Club 7s National Championships. She was also selected as one of the foundational players for Chicago’s professional Women’s Elite Rugby franchise, the Chicago Tempest.

Betty is a World Rugby Level 2 Coach and a passionate advocate for developing the next generation of women’s rugby players. Her combination of high-level playing experience, coaching expertise, and deep roots in Chicago rugby makes her an invaluable leader for North Shore’s 15s program.

Noby Takaki brings more than two decades of rugby experience and an extraordinary history with Chicago North Shore to her role on the coaching staff. Noby joined North Shore while attending UIC in 2000 and has been part of the club ever since, competing for the club across both 15s and 7s.

A longtime member of the tight five, Noby has competed in multiple USA Rugby championship series, including the 2011 Division I Championship, and has earned invitations to regional and national-level USA Eagles camps. After more than 20 years as a player, she transitioned into coaching in 2021, bringing her extensive experience and technical knowledge to developing North Shore’s forwards and tight five.

Noby is a USA Rugby Level 200 Coach and a National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She combines her rugby expertise with a deep understanding of athletic development, making her a valuable mentor for players at every stage of their careers.

More than anything, Noby represents the continuity and community at the heart of North Shore. From joining the club as a college student to becoming a coach and mentor, she has spent more than two decades helping build the organization she calls home.