The Brevard County rugby team has qualified for the USA Rugby National Championships, scheduled for March 15-17 in Orlando. This marks the first time a team from the Space Coast has advanced to the national level. The team, composed of players from Melbourne, Cocoa, and Palm Bay, secured their spot by winning the Southeast Regional qualifier in February. 'This is a huge milestone for our community,' said team captain Sarah Mitchell. 'We've been working hard for years to get here.' The regional tournament, held at the Brevard County Fairgrounds, drew over 200 participants from across the Southeast. The national championship will feature 16 teams competing in a single-elimination format. Local officials praised the team's achievement, with City Commissioner Mark Thompson calling it 'a testament to the growing sports culture in Brevard.' The team's coach, David Enriquez, noted they've trained at the Kennedy Space Center's fitness facility for the past six months. 'We're not just representing Brevard,' he said. 'We're showing what dedication and teamwork can accomplish.' The national tournament will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Walt Disney World. Tickets are available through the USA Rugby website. This is the first year the championships have been held in Florida, drawing teams from 12 states. Local businesses have already begun offering discounts to team members and supporters. 'It's inspiring to see our athletes reach this level,' said Mayor Wayne Cattouse. 'We're proud to have them represent our county on a national stage.'