Ali Crane Memorial Fund
Donation protected
On June 19, 2023 Ali Crane passed away, leaving the Lexington Rugby community and the Gypsy Rugby community in total shock. This GoFundMe is held in her honor, in the trust of the Lexington Black Widows care of Alessandra Del Brocco and Kristi McIntosh. The funds will be used to support the following goals:
• A memorial bench at Centennial Park, the Lexington Black Widows home pitch
• A framed jersey in honor of Ali at Molly Brooke's, the rugby clubs' home bar
• A memorial gathering for the rugby community
• Any additional funds will be held by the Lexington Black Widows to support new rugby players between the ages of 18-25, with the goal of growing women's rugby in Lexington. Any donations remaining after meeting the above goals will be used exclusively to subsidize new player dues or travel fees for players in their first year with the club.
Ali, born on August 18, 1992, joined the University of Kentucky Women's Rugby Club in 2011. A natural leader, Ali was president of her college team before joining the Lexington Black Widows adult club, where she served on the board in many capacities including holding the team's longest tenure as president. In 2023, Ali became a full member of the Gypsy Rugby Club, a select traveling rugby team. A fierce competitor and teammate, Ali was most well known for having the strongest stiff-arm on the pitch, then being the first to welcome you to the social. She was a vital part of the Man O' War Fitness community, where she participated in and invited many teammates to join in crossfit-style workouts to support their rugby goals. As friends and teammates shared tributes to Ali in the immediate days after her passing, a clear theme emerged: no matter if you were having the best or the worst day of your life, Ali would be there to cheer you on or cheer you up. One perfect display of her compassion for her friends and community was her role as a founding member of "QC4QR", or "Quarantined Chuggers 4 Qualified Ruggers". Initially a fun way for teammates to socialize during the earliest days of the COVID-19 lockdown, the group rapidly expanded and became a bastion of rugby community and mental health resources. thanks to the hard work of its board. Ali's legacy will be carried on in many ways, including the continued activity of the QC4QR group. Off the rugby field, Ali spent her time with friends and, of course, her fabulous pets: dogs Obie and Apollo, and her cats Sirius and Luna. When not playing or coordinating for rugby, she enjoyed kayaking, hiking, and generally being the most fun person at the party. From late-night volleyball at Marikka's to Keeneland tailgates, Ali would be there to welcome you with a smile and cheers. In her honor, we play on.
• A memorial bench at Centennial Park, the Lexington Black Widows home pitch
• A framed jersey in honor of Ali at Molly Brooke's, the rugby clubs' home bar
• A memorial gathering for the rugby community
• Any additional funds will be held by the Lexington Black Widows to support new rugby players between the ages of 18-25, with the goal of growing women's rugby in Lexington. Any donations remaining after meeting the above goals will be used exclusively to subsidize new player dues or travel fees for players in their first year with the club.
Ali, born on August 18, 1992, joined the University of Kentucky Women's Rugby Club in 2011. A natural leader, Ali was president of her college team before joining the Lexington Black Widows adult club, where she served on the board in many capacities including holding the team's longest tenure as president. In 2023, Ali became a full member of the Gypsy Rugby Club, a select traveling rugby team. A fierce competitor and teammate, Ali was most well known for having the strongest stiff-arm on the pitch, then being the first to welcome you to the social. She was a vital part of the Man O' War Fitness community, where she participated in and invited many teammates to join in crossfit-style workouts to support their rugby goals. As friends and teammates shared tributes to Ali in the immediate days after her passing, a clear theme emerged: no matter if you were having the best or the worst day of your life, Ali would be there to cheer you on or cheer you up. One perfect display of her compassion for her friends and community was her role as a founding member of "QC4QR", or "Quarantined Chuggers 4 Qualified Ruggers". Initially a fun way for teammates to socialize during the earliest days of the COVID-19 lockdown, the group rapidly expanded and became a bastion of rugby community and mental health resources. thanks to the hard work of its board. Ali's legacy will be carried on in many ways, including the continued activity of the QC4QR group. Off the rugby field, Ali spent her time with friends and, of course, her fabulous pets: dogs Obie and Apollo, and her cats Sirius and Luna. When not playing or coordinating for rugby, she enjoyed kayaking, hiking, and generally being the most fun person at the party. From late-night volleyball at Marikka's to Keeneland tailgates, Ali would be there to welcome you with a smile and cheers. In her honor, we play on.
Organizer
Alessandra Del Brocco
Organizer
Lexington, KY