Team USA clinches first field hockey Olympic quota since 2016: entire squad set for debut
The United States secured its quota for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 with an exhilarating 2-1 win against Japan in the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier semifinal in January 2024. This is the first Olympic berth for the US women’s field hockey team since their fifth-place finish in 2016.
On 11 June, USA Field Hockey announced the lucky 16* who are set to represent Team USA in Paris this summer.
World-class goalkeeper Kelsey Bing headlines the United Eagles roster, followed by co-captains Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, Pa.) and Amanda Golini (Randolph, N.J.).
They are joined by dynamic young forwards Phia Gladieux (Oley, Pa.), Ashley Sessa (Schwenksville, Pa.), Abby Tamer (Dexter, Mich.), Megan Valzonis (San Diego, Calif.), and Beth Yeager (Greenwich, Conn.).
The midfield is a family affair featuring sisters Brooke and Emma DeBerdine (Millersville, Pa.), as well as Meredith Sholder (Fleetwood, Pa.), and Maddie Zimmer (Hershey, Pa.). They will be crucial in driving the offense.
The defense features Leah Crouse (Virginia Beach, Va.), Ally Hammel (Duxbury, Mass.), Karlie Kisha (Hamburg, Pa.), and Kelee Lepage (Honey Brook, Pa.) forming a solid backline and protecting the Olympic dream.
Jillian Wolgemuth, a key leader and consistent presence on the US Women's National Team in recent years, will unfortunately miss the Olympics due to an injury.
*As National Olympic Committees have the exclusive authority for the representation of their respective countries at the Olympic Games, athletes' participation at the Paris Games depends on their NOC selecting them to represent their delegation at Paris 2024.
The US women are in a fever pitch to get on the pitch
Although many are experienced, this will be an Olympic debut for every single member of the team. For many, it is a dream come true and an inspiration for the next generation.
"I remember watching the team every time they would have a game," said forward Abby Tamer at the Team USA media summit. "We would have a little watch party, and that's what made me want to come do this. So if we can be those people for any amount of little girls out there, that would be a dream."
The US women's team has not taken an Olympic medal since 1984 when they earned bronze at home in Los Angeles. The Americans will surely be hungry to finally end the medal drought this year in the heart of Paris.
Team USA pack their sticks and head to Paris
The Paris 2024 hockey competition will take place at the Stade Yves-du-Manoir between 27 July and 9 August 2024, with the women's final taking place on 9 August.
The No. 13 ranked USA team faces a competitive pool, playing against No. 2 Argentina, No. 4 Australia, No. 6 Great Britain, No. 7 Spain, and No. 18 South Africa.
Team USA begins its Pool B matches against Argentina on 29 July, followed by games against Spain (29 July), Australia (31 July), Great Britain (1 August), and South Africa (3 August).
