Alev Kelter

Leyla Alev Kelter, more commonly known as Alev Kelter, is a centre who currently plays for the United States women's rugby union team and the United States sevens team. She debuted for the sevens side in 2014 and earned her first cap with the 15s squad in 2016.

Born on 21 March 1991 in Tampa, Florida, Alev Kelter spent her childhood playing ice hockey and soccer alongside her twin sister, Derya. She successfully competed in both sports: she was selected for the United States U18s ice hockey team and the women's U16s soccer team. 

Her rugby career as we know it began in 2014, when she joined the United States sevens team. Next, Kelter competed at the 2015 Pan American Games, where she won a silver medal. This was followed by the 2016 Olympics, where she finished as the team's top scorer.

After her success in sevens, Kelter was named in the Eagles’ squad for the 2017 Rugby World Cup. The United States did well and finished the competition in fourth place—they lost 23-31 to France in the third-place play-offs.

Five years later, Kelter signed to Saracens Women. The team praised her talent and said she would 'provide another dimension to the back-line.' A few months later, she represented the United States at the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup. Her highlights included kicking two penalties in their losing quarter-final against Canada—the match ended 32-11. 

Despite her 15s success, Kelter is best known as a skillful sevens player. She made her name at the World Rugby Sevens Series, where she was the top point scorer in 2018-19 and 2019-20. She is currently the top point and try scorer in the history of the United States women’s sevens team. 

In addition to the national sevens squad, Kelter also competes in Premier Rugby Sevens. She represented the Northern Loonies in 2021 and made history by winning the inaugural tournament. Two years later, in 2023, she claimed her second championship title.

With her recent bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics, Alev Kelter is undoubtedly a star of the game. We're looking forward to her next performance on the pitch.