Passmore Names Squad to Compete in New Zealand Series in December

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach David Passmore has confirmed the squad that will compete in the upcoming series against New Zealand. Taking place at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte on Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10, the two match series will serve as a preparation before the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier in January.

"These are idea matches to have at this time although it will be strange playing a team we have also drawn in our pool for the Olympic Qualifier in Ranchi,” commented Passmore. “With so many matches in the early part of the new year (13 in January and February alone) it is important we have depth to our squad. Those who were not with the squad in Chile have clearly been training very hard which has been obvious in our first training sessions, and I see selection being very close again, which is a bonus to have as a coach. We are delighted to be hosting our first matches at our new facility in Charlotte and for the support of the United States Performance Center in making this happen.”

Kelsey Bing (Houston, Texas), Sanne Caarls (Niew-Vennep, Netherlands), Leah Crouse (Virginia Beach, Va.), Charlotte de Vries (Malvern, Pa.), Brooke DeBerdine (Millersville, Pa.), Emma DeBerdine (Millersville, Pa.), Bethany Dykema (Newport News, Va.), Sophia Gladieux (Boyertown, Pa.), Amanda Golini (Randolph, N.J.), Linnea Gonzales (Bel Air, Md.), Fusine Govaert (Bedford, N.Y.), Danielle Grega (Kingston, Pa.), Ally Hammel (Duxbury, Mass.), Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, Pa.), Karlie Kisha (Hamburg, Pa.), Kelee Lepage (Honey Brook, Pa.), Caroline Ramsey (Morristown, N.J.), Jenny Rizzo (Hershey, Pa.), Kealsie Robles (Seaford, Va.), Ashley Sessa (Schwenksville, Pa.), Meredith Sholder (Fleetwood, Pa.), Cassie Sumfest (Lewisburg, Pa.), Megan Valzonis (San Diego, Calif.), Jillian Wolgemuth (Mount Joy, Pa.), Beth Yeager (Greenwich, Conn.), Maddie Zimmer (Hershey, Pa.)

After a great performance at the 2023 Senior Nexus Championship (NXC), Bethany Dykema was invited to a training weekend in early August and has now joined the centralized group. Also invited to participate in these matches is Sophia Gladieux, and other collegiate USWNT members in Charlotte de Vries, who also stood out at the Senior NXC, and Caroline Ramsey.

Abigail Tamer will be with the U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team competing at the 2023 FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile.

“Bethany Dykema really impressed us at the Senior Nexus Championship last summer, did well when she came into the squad for a week in August, and adds physicality and pace to our defensive line,” said Passmore. “It will be interesting to see how she copes with the pace and intensity of international hockey, but I believe she has many of the qualities which will stand her in good stead.”

For each game day, a roster of 18 athletes will be selected to compete. The squads for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier taking place January 13 to 19 in Ranchi, India and FIH Hockey Pro League in Bhubeneswar and Rourkela, India will be named the week after these matches conclude.

Saturday, December 9            2:00 p.m. ET

Sunday, December 10             2:00 p.m. ET

The last time the United Eagles played the Black Sticks was in the 2022-23 FIH Hockey Pro League season in February. In the first contest, USA took the lead in the second quarter, but New Zealand tallied on a late penalty corner in the final minute of regulation to force a shootout. The United Eagles earned the extra point after finishing 2-0 following four rounds. The second meeting, USA entered the final quarter down 1-2 but the determined side saw a goal turned away as they ultimately fell 1-4. The score line didn’t reflect the closeness of this match as New Zealand also converted on an open net on their way to victory.

USA and New Zealand will meet again in January as they both sit in Pool B of the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier.

Both matches are free and open to the public and will be live streamed by HomeTeam Live.

For more information regarding the 2023 USWNT vs. New Zealand Series, visit the event page.