Clemons Puts Pads Away, Retires from International Hockey

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Following more than a decade long playing career, featuring eight years representing Australia and two with the USA, goalkeeper Tristan Clemons (Hattiesburg Miss.) has decided to retire from international competition with the U.S. Men’s National Team.

Originally from Bunbury, Australia, Clemons got his start as a goalkeeper for his sixth grade school team because he missed the sign-up day for the football team and the only spot left was the field hockey goalkeeper. His older brother, Jordan, and early coaches were major influences in getting him started in the game.

As a junior, Clemons played for the South West Strikers and Melville City Hockey Club’s before being selected to play at the national level for both the West Australian Thundersticks and the Tasmania Tigers in the Australian Hockey League – winning titles in 2009, 2011, and 2014. He was named to the Australia Men’s National Team in 2011 and registered 51 international caps with the Kookaburras. His most notable achievements were finishing second at the 2013 Rabobank Hockey World League Semifinal and 2015 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, and winning gold at the 2015 and 2017 Oceania Cup and 2017 Odisha Men’s Hockey World League Final.

Clemons stepped away from the senior Kookaburras in 2018 and moved to the United States to continue his career in chemistry as a post-doctoral research scientist at Northwestern University. While there, he served as the volunteer assistant coach for the Wildcats, working primarily with the goalkeepers. In 2022, he had a desire to get involved in coaching within the USA system and reached out to then coach Harry Singh about potentially coaching and supporting the junior development of goalkeepers. It was at this time that Singh realized that Clemons held a dual citizenship, and since he played his last game for Australia in 2018, he was eligible to compete for another nation by the end of 2022.

Clemons notes that returning to play for Team USA was an interesting story. He goes on to say, “So Harry really planted to seed of potentially playing and then once I was able to convince Claire (wife) it would be a good idea we were off. Being able to sing the Star Spangled Banner alongside my mates, with the U.S. flag on your chest is really special and I am humbled to have had that opportunity knowing that is a privilege only few get to experience.”

“Importantly, my decision to come back and play for USA has always been about ensuring the program is on the right path,” added Clemons. “I am excited for the Wolves on their journey to LA28 and beyond. I am sure the program, the playing group and Allan are on the right path, which gives me comfort in stepping away.”

Clemons was added to the U.S. Men’s National Team in March 2023 and recorded his first cap on June 30 in the 3-Nations Tournament against Italy. Although he only had a short stint with the Wolves, where he registered two international caps, he was instrumental and a huge part of the senior groups’ success. He was a provisional athlete at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile and was recently on the squad at the 2025 FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 in Muscat, Oman.

In June 2023, Clemons was the starting goalkeeper for the U.S. Men’s National Hockey5s Team at the inaugural Hockey5s Pan American Cup in Kingston, Jamaica. He helped the Wolves secure gold and World Cup qualification following an impressive performance during the challenge shootout that went into the sudden victory round. Tied 2-2, USA tallied first before Clemons came up big making the initial save with the resuming shot going wide, giving them the win.

When asked what his most memorable highlight of his career was, Clemons explained, “My first senior international event with the USMNT was the Hockey5s Pan American Cup. It was a special tour to make your ‘come back’ at and with a great group of guys in Kingston, Jamaica. The experience was awesome but then to win in the style we did (a save in the shootout in the final) was special. I have been fortunate to have many fond memories from my hockey career but that one is right up there. Your mates are what make it all worthwhile and I think the friendships I have made in this group are also highlights for me.”

In late 2023 and in early 2024, Clemons was a contracted goalkeeping coach with the senior U.S. Women’s National Team and was in India with the squad prior to their Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualification.

Clemons has a long list of individuals he would like to thank, starting with his family. First to his daughters, Tilly (6) and Mack (4), who had to deal with their dad being away for extended periods of time, but most importantly to his wife, Claire. As his biggest supporter, she held down the fort when he was on tour and allowed him to follow his passion. He goes on to express thanks to the Northwestern Field Hockey team and staff, especially Tracey Fuchs, in supporting him in getting back in the pads and allowing him to coach. Next, to The University of Southern Mississippi community – from students to the president – who devotedly followed his journey on Team USA. Lastly, to his sponsor Gryphon Hockey for always supplying him with the best goalkeeping gear to keep him safe.

Clemons currently resides in Hattiesburg, Miss. with his family where he operates his research lab, The Clemons Lab, at The University of Southern Mississippi. He holds a PhD in materials science, conducted research focusing on polymer chemistry, supramolecular assembly, and biomaterials for therapeutic applications for the treatment of disease and injury.

When asked if he sees more field hockey in his future, Clemon remarked, “I have dedicated almost 20 years of my life to being at the elite level for hockey, so I am excited about investing that time and energy into other pursuits. Importantly, I want to spend time with my family more, I am on a mission to explore as many U.S. National Parks as I can with my girls. I want to give my wife the chance to pursue some exciting opportunities she has in her own business, and I have a few passion projects brewing but you will have to stay tuned for those.”

USA Field Hockey would like to wish Clemons, and his family, the best in the future.