COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Four University of Iowa field hockey student-athletes – Olivia Frazier, Annika Herbine, Jacey Wittel and Mia Magnotta – earned invitations to USA Field Hockey’s 2023 U-21 and Development Squad Selection Camp, it was announced Wednesday.
The quartet of Hawkeyes were selected through their performance at the 2022 U-19 Nexus Championship, presented by Osaka Hockey and 2022 Senior Nexus Championship, presented by Osaka Hockey.
“There is a wealth of talented players at this level and the recent Senior Nexus Championship provided a great opportunity for athletes of the Olympic Development Pathway to compete with and against each other,” said Tracey Paul, U-21 USWNT Head Coach. “I believe the future is very optimistic for USA Field Hockey and I’m excited for the players invited to the U-21 and Development Squad Selection Camp as 2023 is going to provide outstanding competitive experiences that will position USA Field Hockey for success.
“For the senior team, the Pan American Games are 15 months away for Olympic qualification and for the U-21 team the Junior Pan American Games are nine months away in Barbados to qualify for the Junior World Cup (Chile 2023).”
The U-21 and Development Squad Selection Camp will take place in December 2022 or January 2023, with specific timing and location to be confirmed. At this Selection Camp, these athletes will be evaluated to be named to the 2023 U-21 and Development Squad.
Once selected, the U-21 squad will prepare for the Junior Pan American Championship in April in Barbados with hopes to qualify for the women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup in December in Chile. The athletes above this age group will be offered opportunities to train with the USWNT as they prepare for the FIH Hockey Pro League matches in 2023.
