Sean Lindersmith becomes Cal Maritime’s new head rugby coach

Credit for Coach Lindersmith profile photo: Alex Ho, @hoiho_photo

VALLEJO, Calif. – Former University of Minnesota rugby head coach Sean Lindersmith will join Cal Maritime Athletics as its new head rugby coach, as announced by Director of Athletics and Physical Education Karen Lee Yoder on Tuesday.

"Sean's extensive experience makes him the perfect fit to lead Cal Maritime's nationally ranked program," said Yoder. "His proven track record of success leading men's and women's rugby programs, especially with the Department of Athletics supporting the women's rugby sevens program, starting this year, will help every team under his guidance compete at an elite level on a yearly basis."

Throughout his tenure at the University of Minnesota, its men's rugby program earned dual national postseason appearances in 2021 and 2022. In addition to leading the Gophers to a pair of conference championship runner-up finishes in '22 and '23, the sevens program earned another pair of national bids in '19 and '23 under his tutelage.

As the Gophers' head coach, he earned a well-deserved reputation for strengthening ties with rugby alums and supporters of the program. With a focus on recruiting well-rounded student-athletes, he maximized player potential through strategic team culture and skill development.

Thanks to Lindersmith's experience and acumen as head coach, numerous student-athletes earned All-America and all-conference honors throughout their undergraduate careers.

"I want to thank Director of Athletics Karen Yoder and department staff for believing in my abilities to lead Cal Maritime's rugby teams. They made me feel like I was a part of the team throughout the hiring process. I would also like to thank Coach Hiatt for laying a foundation of success," said Lindersmith when asked how he felt about joining Cal Maritime.

He added, "I am excited to get on campus and meet our student-athletes, families and alumni to start writing the next chapter of the program's history together."

Prior to joining the Gophers, Lindersmith enjoyed a six-year tenure with the U.S. Coast Guard leading its Armed Forces Select side rugby programs. In collaboration with program leadership, he helped create the first dedicated women's rugby program in the history of the service.

His men's teams also secured the first international victories in program history over the Royal Air Force and the national team of the Bahamas while competing at the Rugbytown Sevens.

Lindersmith's coaching career began in San Diego at the high school and collegiate levels: He was part of the inaugural coaching staff that sparked the growth of nationally ranked Saint Augustine High School's rugby program.

In addition to his coaching duties at SAHS, Lindersmith served as a forwards coach for UC San Diego's women's rugby team from 2009-12. Responsible for player development, creating the Tritons' in-game tactics and strategies as part of his opponent scouting duties, the 2011 team became the first team to defeat UCLA and earn a national postseason bid in school history.