The United States of America is home to some of the best field hockey players in the world.
From the Olympic gold medalists and professional athletes to the young stars of tomorrow, the USA has produced a long list of talented players who have achieved tremendous success in the sport.
From professional athletes like Lauren Crandall and Katie O’Donnell to up-and-coming stars like Madison Orozco, this article will feature some of the best field hockey players the US has ever seen.
1. Katie Bam
Kathleen “Katie” O’Donnell Bam is an accomplished athlete and an American field hockey player. Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, she attended Wissahickon High School in Ambler, Pennsylvania.
During her time there, she developed a passion for the sport and decided to pursue it professionally. In 2007, O’Donnell began her college career playing for the Maryland Terrapins, a Division I team.
During her time with the Terrapins, she made a name for herself as a fierce competitor and an outstanding athlete.
Her dedication to the sport and her undeniable talent earned her a place in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association’s All-American team and the Big Ten All-Tournament Team. O’Donnell is currently continuing to pursue her field hockey career and has achieved great success.
2. Amy Swensen
Amy Swensen is an accomplished American field hockey player. She is a goalkeeper and first joined the national team in 2001 for the Pan American Cup.
During the match, she and her team achieved a 5-0 shutout victory against Mexico. Swensen was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where she started playing field hockey at the age of 13.
After getting her start in the sport she grew to become an integral part of the American field hockey team, appearing at multiple tournaments.
Her career highlights include appearances at the 2007 World Cup, the 2009 Pan American Cup, and the 2010 World Cup. Swensen has become an iconic figure in the world of field hockey, and she is credited with helping to popularize the sport in the United States.
She has been involved in coaching several youth teams, helping to inspire the next generation of field hockey players. Swensen continues to be a source of inspiration to many, and her influence will be felt in the field hockey community for years to come.
3. Marcia Pankratz
Marcia Anne Pankratz is a highly accomplished American field hockey athlete and coach. She is the current head coach of the Michigan Wolverines and has a long history of success in field hockey.
During her playing career, Pankratz represented the United States at two Summer Olympics. At the 1988 Olympics, she made history as part of the first ever American women’s field hockey team to compete.
Despite the team’s inexperience, she managed to help them to an impressive eighth place finish. Pankratz also competed at the 1996 Olympics, where she and her teammates placed fifth overall.
Her commitment to the sport and her athletic achievements have earned her a place in the USA Field Hockey Hall of Fame.
4. Erin Matson
Erin Matson is an accomplished former field hockey player and current head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels field hockey team.
She played for the Tar Heels from 2018 to 2022 and was an instrumental part of the team’s success, leading them to four NCAA Championships during her tenure. As a former player, Matson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as head coach.
Her expertise and leadership has been instrumental in the team’s success, as evidenced by their championship titles. Matson’s commitment to excellence has made the Tar Heels a force to be reckoned with in the field hockey world.
Her passion for the sport and her dedication to the team’s success make her an invaluable asset to the Tar Heels.
5. Shannon Taylor
Shannon Taylor is a highly accomplished field hockey player from the United States. She competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics as part of the U.S. women’s national field hockey team.
Taylor was born in Milford, Delaware, and she attended Syracuse University, where she showed her immense potential by playing on the school’s field hockey team. Throughout her career, Taylor has proven to be a force to be reckoned with on the field, and her presence in the U.S.
women’s national field hockey team has been a major boon to the team. Her experience and skill has been invaluable to the team, and her dedication to the sport is an inspiration to all.
6. Rachel Dawson
Rachel Dawson is an accomplished American field hockey player. She has been playing since 2005, when she earned her first senior career cap in a match against Australia on June 5.
She was then selected to be part of the United States field hockey team for the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics. During the 2008 Olympic Games, the team achieved 8th place and in 2012 they managed to reach 12th place. Rachel Dawson has been a key part of the U.S.
field hockey team for many years. She is a midfielder or back, which means she is both an offensive and defensive player. Her experience has been invaluable to the squad and she has helped them to reach the Olympic Games on two separate occasions.
In 2008, Rachel Dawson and the U.S. field hockey team achieved 8th place in the Olympics. This was the team’s highest finish in the competition. Four years later in 2012, they managed to place 12th.
Although they weren’t able to surpass their previous performance, their hard work and dedication was evident. Rachel Dawson has established herself as a formidable field hockey player. She is a key member of the U.S. field hockey team and has been for many years.
She helped the team to reach the Olympics on two separate occasions, with a highest finish of 8th in 2008. The team’s performance in 2012 may not have been as successful, but Rachel’s skill and dedication remain evident.
7. Caroline Nichols
Caroline Nelson-Nichols is an accomplished American field hockey player. Her impressive dedication to the sport has been recognized with her selection to the 2008 and 2012 U.S. Olympic Teams for Women’s Field Hockey.
Her selection to the Olympic team is a testament to her hard work and perseverance, as she has been training and competing in the sport since she was a young girl.
Nelson-Nichols has represented the United States in numerous international tournaments and competitions, and her success in these events has helped her earn a spot on Team USA. She has been a member of the U.S.
Women’s National Team since 2008 and has won many awards and accolades for her skill and performance. Her commitment to excellence in the sport has been rewarded with her selection to the 2008 and 2012 U.S. Olympic Teams.
Nelson-Nichols is a great ambassador for the sport of field hockey and is an excellent role model for aspiring athletes. Her dedication to the sport has been an inspiration to many and her success on the international stage is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
She is a prime example of what can be achieved with passion, hard work, and dedication, and her selection to the 2008 and 2012 U.S. Olympic Teams is a testament to her strength of character and commitment to excellence.
8. Paige Selenski
Paige Selenski is an American field hockey player who specializes in the forward position. She has competed at the highest level, representing the United States women’s national field hockey team at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Selenski was born in Kingston, Pennsylvania and has been honing her skills in the sport since a young age.
Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to be an offensive leader on the field, and her strength and agility have been key to her team’s success.
As a result of her impressive skill set, Selenski has earned a reputation as one of the top players in the sport. She is an inspiration to aspiring field hockey players everywhere and is sure to continue to make her mark on the sport in the years to come.
9. Michelle Cesan
Michelle Cesan is an accomplished American field hockey player who has competed at the highest levels. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, she represented the United States women’s national field hockey team in the women’s event.
Prior to her Olympic experience, she attended Princeton University and was named an NFHCA All-American for two seasons. During her time at Princeton, she was recognized for her outstanding performance and was an integral part of the team’s success.
Her accomplishments in field hockey have been recognized and she is regarded as one of the top players in the world. Cesan’s skill and dedication to the sport have been evident throughout her career and she is an inspiration to aspiring field hockey players around the world.
10. Stefanie Fee
Stefanie Fee is an accomplished American field hockey player. She started playing the sport when she was just 12 years old, in 2002. After that, she went on to study at Duke University and graduated with a degree in Psychology in 2012.
This degree included a double minor in Education and Cultural Anthropology. Her parents are Harry Fee and Charlotte Martz, both of whom have been supportive of her field hockey career since she began playing.
Throughout her career, Stefanie has achieved great success, and she is an inspiration to other players in the field hockey community. She is a shining example of how dedication and hard work can pay off, and her story is a great one for all aspiring athletes.
11. Katelyn Falgowski
Katelyn Falgowski is an accomplished American field hockey player.
Born in Wilmington, Delaware, she has achieved remarkable success in her sport, having competed for the United States women’s national field hockey team in the women’s event at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics.
Her impressive record also includes having played more than 200 games for the national team. Falgowski has been playing field hockey since a young age and her passion for the sport has been a driving force behind her successes.
She has dedicated her career to mastering the craft and her hard work has earned her a place among the elite field hockey players in the United States.
Her impressive game record speaks for itself, having competed in more than 200 games for the national team and having been part of the United States team for three consecutive Olympics. Katelyn Falgowski is an outstanding example of the dedication and determination that is necessary to become a successful athlete.
She has shown what is possible when you commit yourself to a sport and strive to reach the highest level. Her accomplishments are a testament to her hard work and dedication, and she is an inspiration to aspiring field hockey players everywhere.
12. Julia Reinprecht
Julia Reinprecht is an accomplished American field hockey player who specializes in defending. She has represented her country at the highest level, competing for the United States women’s national field hockey team in the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
Her outstanding performance in the field hockey arena has been rewarded with two gold medals at the 2011 and 2015 Pan American Games. Reinprecht is a driven athlete, dedicated to her field hockey career and achieving success for her team.
Her impressive track record is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her sport.
13. Michelle Vittese
Michelle Vittese is a well-known American field hockey player who has made a name for herself in the sport. She has competed in two Summer Olympics, in 2012 and 2016, representing the United States in the women’s field hockey event.
Michelle was born in Philadelphia and has since become an icon of the sport in the United States. Michelle has been playing field hockey since she was a young girl and has always been passionate about the sport.
She has worked hard to become one of the best field hockey players in the world, and her hard work and dedication has paid off. She is a two-time Olympian, having competed in both the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
Her performance in both Olympics was impressive, and she helped the US women’s national team to earn a bronze medal in 2016. Michelle is a leader on and off the field, and her commitment to her sport is admirable.
She has been an inspiration to many young girls and aspiring field hockey players and has become an icon in the sport. Michelle is a great role model for aspiring athletes, and her passion and dedication to the sport is something to be admired.
14. Michelle Kasold
Michelle Kasold is an inspiring American field hockey player. She has achieved a great deal of success in her sport, most notably winning the tournament at the 2011 Pan American Games. Kasold’s hard work and dedication have earned her a spot on the U.S.
Team for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Kasold was born and raised in San Jose, California. Growing up, she developed a love for field hockey and dedicated her time to honing her skills. After spending countless hours practicing, she was eventually rewarded with a spot on the U.S.
Team for the 2011 Pan American Games. There, she and her team achieved the ultimate victory, winning the tournament. Kasold’s hard work didn’t stop there. She continued to train and compete, and her efforts were rewarded when she was named to the U.S.
Team for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Her dedication and determination have made her an inspiration to many, and her success is something to be admired.
15. Melissa Gonzalez
Melissa González is an American field hockey player who has competed on an international level. She was born in Peekskill, New York and attended Lakeland High School.
After graduating from high school, González went on to complete her collegiate field hockey career at the University of Connecticut. During the 2012 Summer Olympics, she was part of the national field hockey team.
González has had a long and successful career in field hockey, representing her country on the international stage and achieving success at the collegiate level. Her accomplishments have made her an inspiration for many aspiring field hockey players.
16. Jill Witmer
Jill Witmer is a talented athlete who has achieved a great deal in the sport of field hockey. She was chosen to represent the United States on the National Team in 2013, and four years later, her capabilities earned her a position on the U.S. Olympic Team.
With her selection to the Olympic Team, Witmer became one of the few athletes to earn the honor of representing the United States in the highest sporting event in the world. Witmer is a testament to the determination and skill needed to compete at an international level.
Her impressive accomplishments are a true representation of the excellence that American athletes are capable of achieving.
17. Emily Wold
Emily Wold is an inspiring athlete who has left a lasting legacy in the field of field hockey. A former American field hockey player, she played as a midfielder for many years. She was a strong and tenacious player who had a knack for finding the right path on the field.
She was known for her ability to direct her teammates on the field and provide crucial passes to help the team score.
She was also well-versed in defensive tactics, which made her a valuable asset to any team she was on. Emily Wold was an integral part of many teams throughout her career. She played on collegiate teams, as well as professional teams in the United States and other countries.
She was a two-time All-American at the University of Connecticut and was a member of the US women’s national team from 1997 to 2000.
During her time with the national team, Emily helped the team qualify for the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, where she and her team earned a silver medal. Emily Wold was a dedicated and hard-working player who was committed to her sport.
She was an inspiring role model for many young field hockey players and was always willing to share her knowledge and experience with others. Her commitment to the sport and her drive to succeed are what made her a standout player.
Emily Wold’s legacy in the sport of field hockey will continue to live on for many years to come.
18. Tara Vittese
Tara Vittese is an American field hockey player who has made a significant impact on the game. She was born in Philadelphia and raised in Cherry Hill, New Jersey where she attended Camden Catholic High School.
Vittese has been playing field hockey for the majority of her life and was first added to the United States National Team in 2018. Vittese had previously enjoyed a great deal of success with the National Junior Team, which earned her the chance to compete at the adult level.
Since joining the National Team, Vittese has been an integral part of the team and has helped the United States earn several medals and championships. She has also been named to the All-Star team multiple times and has been recognized as one of the best players in the world.
Vittese is an inspirational figure in the field hockey world and has set an example for young female athletes everywhere. She is a prime example of how hard work and dedication can lead to great things, and she has achieved success at the highest level of the sport.
With her impressive accomplishments, Vittese has cemented her place in the history of American field hockey.
19. Constance Applebee
Constance Mary Katherine Applebee was an instrumental figure in the history of field hockey in the United States. She was a co-founder of the American Field Hockey Association and served as its head for 20 years.
During her tenure, the sport of field hockey saw tremendous growth and popularity, and she is credited with popularizing it in the United States. In addition to her work with the American Field Hockey Association, Applebee was also the founder and editor of Sportswoman magazine, which was dedicated to the promotion of women’s recreational sports.
She also served as the athletic director at Bryn Mawr College for 24 years where she championed the cause of women’s athletics. Applebee’s contribution to the development of field hockey and women’s athletics was recognized in 1971 when she was inducted into the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
She was also honored with the U.S. Field Hockey Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. Constance Mary Katherine Applebee is clearly a trailblazer in the world of women’s sports and her legacy lives on.
20. Kayla Bashore-Smedley
Kayla Bashore-Smedley is an exemplary American athlete in field hockey. She is a skilled defender and midfielder and is currently residing in Bloomington, Indiana. Bashore-Smedley is an alumnus of the Indiana University, where she played competitively for the Hoosiers team.
She made history by being the first ever athlete from Indiana University to be part of the prestigious US National Field Hockey team. Her impressive accomplishments have earned her recognition and praise from the field hockey community.
She is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere, particularly those in her alma mater. Bashore-Smedley’s impressive career proves that dedication and hard work will always be rewarded.
21. Lauren Crandall
Lauren Crandall is a renowned American field hockey player who has competed in three Olympics for the United States women’s national field hockey team. She first joined the national team in 2005 and remained a part of the team for eleven years, until 2016.
During this time, she gave her best performance in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics, representing her country in the women’s event. She was given the honor of being the team captain in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.
Her hard work and dedication for her sport have brought her great success and recognition.
22. Keli Smith-Puzo
Keli Smith Puzo is an American field hockey player who has made an impressive mark on the sport. She is a two-time Olympian, having competed in both the Beijing and London Olympic Games.
Smith Puzo represented the United States on the women’s national field hockey team in the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics. Her impressive performance on the world’s largest stage demonstrates her skill and dedication to the sport.
Smith Puzo is a remarkable athlete who has proven her worth on the field. She has competed in two of the most prestigious sporting events in the world and has represented the United States with great pride.
Her commitment to the sport of field hockey and her accomplishments have earned her the respect of fans and competitors alike. Smith Puzo is an inspiring figure and an example of hard work and determination.
She is a beacon of hope for aspiring field hockey players and a role model for aspiring Olympians. Her success is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. Smith Puzo is proof that with hard work, anything is possible.
23. Alesha Widdall
Alesha Widdall is an American female field hockey player from Whitney Point, New York. She was a goalkeeper and was part of the United States women’s national field hockey team at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
After representing her country in the Olympics, Alesha Widdall retired from the national team in 2018. Alesha Widdall has had a successful career in field hockey, which began in her hometown of Whitney Point, New York.
She was a goalkeeper, a position which requires great agility, reflexes, and the ability to read and anticipate the play. She was able to use these skills to help the United States women’s national field hockey team succeed in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
After the Olympics, Alesha Widdall decided to retire from the national team in 2018. During her time on the team, Alesha Widdall made a significant contribution to the success of the team.
She was a reliable goalkeeper and her experience helped the team reach the highest levels of competition.
Her hard work and dedication to the sport has earned her a place in the history books, as she was an important part of the United States women’s national field hockey team. Alesha Widdall’s retirement in 2018 marked the end of an illustrious career in field hockey.
She was able to compete and represent her country in the prestigious 2016 Summer Olympics. Her skill and determination helped the United States women’s national field hockey team succeed and she will always be remembered for her contributions.
24. Kathleen Sharkey
Kathleen Sharkey is an accomplished American field hockey player who achieved a major milestone in 2016. She was selected to be part of the United States women’s national field hockey team for the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
This selection was a significant accomplishment for Sharkey, as it allowed her the opportunity to compete in the prestigious international competition. Sharkey is a highly skilled player, and her selection to the national team speaks to her prowess and dedication to the sport.
As a member of the team, she will have the chance to represent the United States on the world stage and have the chance to showcase her field hockey skills in front of a global audience.
Sharkey’s selection is a great accomplishment and a testament to her commitment to her sport.
25. Kate Barber
Kate Barber is an American field hockey player who has had a distinguished career on the international stage. She began her international senior career with the Women’s National Team in 1998, scoring two goals in a 3-3 draw with New Zealand.
This strong start to her international career set the tone for an impressive career that has included appearances in several major tournaments.
Since then, Barber has been a consistent presence in the Women’s National Team lineup and has played in many international tournaments and exhibitions.
She has been a member of the Women’s National Team since 1998 and has represented the United States in the 2000 Summer Olympics, the 2004 Summer Olympics, the 2006 Women’s Hockey World Cup, and the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
In total, Barber has scored over 30 goals for the United States Women’s National Team and has been a key contributor to the team’s success. Barber is a versatile player who is capable of playing both forward and midfield positions.
As a forward, she has the ability to score goals and create chances for her teammates. As a midfielder, she is able to connect the defense to the offense, as well as provide defensive support.
She is a skilled passer and an excellent dribbler, and her technical ability makes her a valuable asset to any team. Kate Barber has been an important figure in field hockey for many years and her contributions to the sport are undeniable.
Her career has been marked by many successes and she continues to be an important player for the United States Women’s National Team.
26. Karen Shelton
Karen Christina Shelton is an American former field hockey player and coach. She is best known for her long tenure as head coach of the University of North Carolina’s field hockey program, which began in 1981 and spanned over four decades.
Under her leadership, the team achieved incredible success, winning eight national championships and making numerous NCAA tournament appearances. Shelton was also a respected figure in the field hockey community, receiving numerous accolades throughout her career.
Her leadership and guidance helped to shape the sport for generations of players. She officially retired in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in the field of field hockey.
27. Tracey Fuchs
Tracey Claire Fuchs is an accomplished field hockey midfielder who has competed in two Olympic Games. She was a member of the US Women’s Field Hockey Team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, where the team achieved a fifth-place finish.
In 1988, she was part of the US team that competed in the Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. Unfortunately, the team only managed to finish in eighth and last place.
Tracey Claire Fuchs is a highly experienced field hockey player who has represented the United States on the biggest stage. Her Olympic achievements are a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.
She has been an inspiration to aspiring field hockey players who are looking to achieve similar success.
28. Beth Anders
Elizabeth Rambo “Beth” Anders is an American athlete who achieved success in the sport of field hockey. She was an integral part of the US team that won the bronze medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California.
Growing up, Beth attended Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School where she began her athletic career. During her time there, she excelled as a field hockey sweeper, a position that requires excellent defensive skills.
Beth was able to showcase these impressive talents on a larger scale when she was selected to the US national team to compete in the Summer Olympics. It was here that the team’s hard work and dedication paid off, as they were able to secure the bronze medal.
Beth’s accomplishments as a member of the US field hockey team are a testament to her commitment to excellence.
29. Lauren Moyer
Lauren Moyer is a talented field hockey player who has achieved a great deal of success in her career. Raised in the United States, Moyer was selected for the American national field hockey team in 2017 following her impressive accomplishments on the national junior team.
This promotion to the national team is a significant achievement and one that Moyer is sure to remember for many years to come. She has always been a passionate player of the sport and has dedicated her life to mastering the skills needed to succeed.
Moyer is a role model for aspiring field hockey players everywhere, as she has managed to achieve her dreams despite the obstacles she has faced. Her success serves as an inspiration for many, and her hard work and dedication have certainly paid off.
Conclusion
The United States has some of the best field hockey players in the world. From the current crop of players to legends like Angela Ruggiero and Amy Tran Swensen, the USA has produced some of the greatest players of all time.
These players have all helped to raise the level of the sport in the US and have inspired future generations of players to strive for excellence. The success of these athletes is a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into being a great field hockey player.
