Boody native and U.S. Olympic rugby standout Lauren Doyle has been named to the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Doyle, a graduate of Eastern Illinois University, has represented the United States on the world’s biggest stages as a member of the USA Rugby women’s national team.
She grew up in Boody and was a multi-sport athlete at Meridian High School, competing in volleyball, basketball, soccer, and track before eventually finding her path in rugby.
Doyle is a three-time Olympian and Olympic medalist. Most recently, she helped the U.S. women’s rugby team earn a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics. She also competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics, where the team finished sixth, and the 2016 Summer Olympics, where the U.S. placed fifth.
In addition to her Olympic success, Doyle has competed in multiple Rugby World Cups, finishing fourth with the U.S. women’s team in both 2018 and 2022.
From her beginnings in a small central Illinois community to the Olympic podium, Doyle’s career has been marked by perseverance, versatility, and sustained excellence at the international level.
Her induction into the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame recognizes not only her athletic achievements, but her impact representing Illinois and the United States on the global stage.
