Daniel to Umpire at Nkosi Cup, Mikelson Upgraded to FIH High Potential Panel

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Field Hockey is pleased to announce that Amy Daniel has been appointed to the 2025 Nkosi Cup, and that Allie Mikelson has been upgraded to the FIH High Potential Panel. 

The Nkosi Cup is a men’s and women’s indoor event, set to take place in Cape Town, South Africa from December 12 to 16. This will be Daniel’s first international sanctioned appointment. She was selected to the NCAA Division II Championship umpiring team this fall, and officiated at the friendly series between the U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team and Ireland this past June in Spring City, Pa. Daniel, who has officiated numerous NCAA games and USA Field Hockey events, previously competed on the Indoor USWNT, appearing in the Can-Am Indoor Series in 2013 and 2014. 

Following her outstanding performances at her last few international events, including the 2025 Pan American Cup in Montevideo, Uruguay and 2025 FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup in Santiago, Chile, Mikelson has been upgraded to the FIH High Potential Panel. She is currently umpiring in Santiago, Chile at her first FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup. 

"Congratulations to Amy and Allie on their appointment and promotion respectively," said USA Field Hockey’s Director of Officials, Sean Rapaport. "Both ladies have been rewarded for consistently high-quality performances at various levels of the game over an extended period. It is also pleasing to see two former players developing into top umpires, something that we hope will inspire many others to pick up a whistle after (or during) their playing careers"