The History

Scylla (Sill-ah) was started in 2001, recently celebrating (or Scyllabrated as we call it) our 20th year. Scylla was formed as a competitive but also fun organization to provide women in Milwaukee the opportunity to play rugby. Over our 20 year history, Scylla has made it to the National Playoffs twice, first in 2004, taking home the gold in 2017, and again in 2022 winning the best in the Midwest this past fall, becoming the Northern regional champions in the spring, moving us forward to being top 4 in the nation.

What (or who) exactly is “Scylla”?

“For Scylla is not mortal; moreover she is savage, extreme, and invincible.” -Homer

In Greek mythology, Scylla, along with the whirlpool Charybdis, guarded both sides of the Straight of Messina between Italy and Sicily. Sailors who traversed the straight would have to choose between risking their lives with one or the other.

Charybdis was a whirlpool, but Scylla was a bonafide monster. According to Greek mythology, Scylla had six ferocious heads, each with three rows of sharp teeth, sitting on six very long necks. Her body was made out of several growling dogs and twelve feet or tentacles (depending on who you ask). Her necks would extend out to passing ships and grab sailors, crushing them against the rocks she sat on before devouring them.