Harvard leads the all-time 15s series against AIC, 2–1. The most recent meeting came on September 8, 2023, at Mignone Field, when the Crimson shut out the Yellow Jackets, 65–0. That match featured standout performances from then-first-year Maya Hilger, who scored two tries, and current senior Skylar Jordan, who added a try and two conversions for nine points.

The Crimson have made opening weekends a hallmark of consistency. Harvard has won eight straight season openers dating back to 2016, often using the first match to showcase depth and attacking firepower. Last fall, the Crimson stormed to a 106–0 win over Mount Saint Mary's, with 12 different players crossing the try line in a statement start to the season.

Head coach Mel Denham enters her ninth season at the helm. Under her leadership, Harvard has secured 48 career 15s wins and three national championships (2019, 2023, 2024). Denham has guided the program to back-to-back national titles for the first time in team history, establishing Harvard as a perennial force in collegiate rugby.

In 2024, Harvard finished the regular season 7–1–1 before claiming its second straight NIRA Division I Championship. The title match was a battle of rivals, with Harvard edging Dartmouth 19–12 in a tense, physical final.

The Crimson earned nine All-NIRA selections in 2024, six of whom return this fall. That veteran core provides both experience and championship pedigree as Harvard aims for a third consecutive national crown.

Senior Tiahna Padilla returns as one of the most decorated players in the college game. A two-time Sorensen Award finalist and the 2024 NIRA Championship MVP, Padilla's impact as both a try-scorer and defensive anchor has made her central to Harvard's recent success.

Other key returners include seniors Cameron Fields and Lennox London. Fields was named the 2024 Collegiate 7s Player of the Year and spent the summer with the USA Women's Falcons Sevens squad competing in France. London, who set a program record with 17 tries in 2024, was selected for the USA Falcons XVs tour to Brazil alongside Padilla and Denham.

Harvard's leadership group is anchored by seniors Charlotte Gilmour, Nafi Fitisemanu, and Padilla, who will captain the 2025 squad. Their combined experience and versatility will be vital in guiding both the backline and forward pack through another championship push.

The Crimson also welcome eight first-years into the fold: Cecilia Beauchamp, Evie Eyers, Sabine Fuchs, Sophie Hayes, Madelyn Hubbell, Sana'a Lunon, Mikayla Lord, and Gemma Ogoke. The group brings a mix of speed, strength, and skill, adding depth across multiple positions and setting the stage for breakout performances.

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