2023 USA Field Hockey National Umpire Award Winner: Allie Mikelson

Born in Allentown, Pa., Mikelson grew up in the Lehigh Valley and attended Emmaus High School, where she played field hockey all four years, winning the PIAA 3A State Championship in 2010. She went on to play collegiately at the University of Delaware from 2012 to 2016, winning three Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) titles As a Blue Hen, she earned three all-CAA honors, CAA Most Outstanding Performer (2014), two-time Team MVP and team co-captain for the 2014 and 2015 seasons.

Mikelson began her umpiring journey at her home club, Firestyx, in 2014. From there, she discovered a new passion within her love for the game. Her interest only continued to grow as she began to officiate many different ages and levels of events both indoor and outdoor through USA Field Hockey.

In 2019, she had her first NCAA appearance when she officiated all divisions while completing her master’s in occupational therapy. After graduation, she took an outpatient neuro-rehabilitation position at Priority Physical Therapy that allows her to continue to pursue her passion for officiating but also coaching. She is a current volunteer assistant coach at her alma mater, Emmaus High School. In 2023, alongside her former coach Sue Buz-Stavin, the team won the PIAA-3A State Championship.

Mikelson had her first international appointment in 2022 when she was selected to represent the USA at the Central American and Caribbean Qualifiers in Bermuda. This was followed by the Junior Pan American Games (2023) and Hockey5 Pan American Cups (2023). Domestically, she was selected to officiate the Ivy League tournament as well as the first and second rounds of the Division I NCAA Tournament. She was appointed as the reserve official in the 2023 National Championship game.

“I’m still in shock to be nominated, let alone selected,” commented Mikelson. “There are many people involved in my development over the years and I can’t thank them enough; without them, I would not be in the current position I am in. I am beyond grateful to be provided the opportunities I have been given thus far and to be able to pursue the sport I love in a different capacity that not only keeps me involved but keeps me motivated, growing, developing new friendships and giving back to the sport that has already given me so much.”

Congratulations once again to Allie Mikelson for winning the 2023 USA Field Hockey National Umpire Award.