Lauren Trout brings more than a decade of elite playing and coaching experience to her role as Chicago North Shore’s 7s Head Coach. A North Shore player since 2013, Lauren has competed at the highest levels of domestic rugby, including 15s and 7s select sides, and has built her coaching career around developing competitive, confident, and connected teams.

Lauren was named USA Rugby Club Coach of the Year in 2016 after leading North Shore to a national championship final. Her coaching experience also includes serving as Head Coach of the professional PR7s Texas Team, as well as coaching the Illinois Collegiate All-Stars.

Since taking the helm of North Shore’s 7s program, Lauren has helped establish the club as a consistent national contender, guiding the team to back-to-back top-four finishes at the USA Club 7s National Championships.

Lauren’s approach combines high-level rugby knowledge with a deep commitment to player development and the North Shore community. Her goal is to build a program where athletes are challenged to reach their potential while creating a team culture that makes everyone better.

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.

Luke Sassolino brings a diverse coaching background and a passion for developing athletes to the Chicago North Shore coaching staff. In addition to coaching with North Shore, Luke has coached DePaul University Women’s Rugby for many years, helping build and develop the program and guide players through their collegiate careers.

Luke’s coaching experience extends beyond rugby. He has also coached high school hockey, bringing a broad perspective on team development, athletic performance, and creating a positive team environment. His approach emphasizes teaching the game, developing players’ decision-making, and helping athletes grow both on and off the field.

Outside of rugby, Luke is a SCUBA instructor, reflecting the same curiosity, technical skill, and willingness to explore that he brings to coaching. Whether he’s on the rugby pitch or underwater, Luke brings an enthusiasm for learning and a commitment to helping others develop their skills.

Luke’s combination of coaching experience across multiple sports, technical knowledge, and genuine investment in athletes makes him a valuable part of the Chicago North Shore coaching team.