Masters

Meet the Team: 2026 Masters World Cup, USA Men's O-65

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In anticipation of the upcoming 2026 WMH World Cup, USA Field Hockey is highlighting athletes from each team.

The Men's O-65 team will compete at BHV Push in Breda, Netherlands from August 7 to 16. The team will be led by head coach Mathew Thomas and assistant coach Amir Akhtar. Click here for the full roster.

From the USA Men's O-65 team, meet Mahesh Saraswat and Rene Herrera.

  • About Mahesh Saraswat

    Hometown: Agra, India

    Lives in: Northridge, Calif.

    Age Division: Men's O-65

    Position: Forward / Midfield

    Club: Moorpark

    Occupation: IT Consultant

  • How and when did field hockey first become your game?

    We lived very close to a large stadium that frequently hosted high‑level hockey tournaments. Watching those matches drew me to the sport, and I began playing at the age of 12.

  • What does it mean to you to still be lacing up — and to wear the USA jersey — at the Masters level?

    Masters field hockey is growing quickly in the USA, and having opportunities to compete at events like the Masters World Cup, Indoor World Cup, PanAm, and the Euro Championships keeps me motivated. Wearing the USA jersey at this level pushes me to stay committed and continue improving my performance.

  • What's the field hockey moment you'll never forget?

    I have a few unforgettable moments, but the most memorable was playing my first international game on the Tokyo Olympic pitch and scoring a goal.

  • What would you tell someone who's on the fence about giving Masters a try?

    I play in the Moorpark FHF spring and fall leagues and share Masters‑related updates with teammates. It has motivated a few players to consider trying out for Masters.

  • How has your game changed over the years — what do you rely on now versus in your 20s?

    During my college years, my approach to hockey was purely competitive, but later it became a recreational activity. Discovering the Masters program renewed my competitive drive, and since then I’ve worked on steadily elevating my game year after year.

  • About Rene Herrera

    Hometown: Show Low, Ariz.

    Lives in: Show Low, Ariz.

    Age Division: Men's O-65

    Position: Goalkeeper

    Club: Phoenix Scorpions Field Hockey Club

    Occupation: Correctional Educational Program Teacher

  • How and when did field hockey first become your game?

    I went to school at the University of Arizona. I took a field hockey class for physical education and members of the field hockey club reached out to those students in the class to see if they wanted to continue playing through the club team. So I joined and started playing.

  • What's the field hockey moment you'll never forget?

    In my first field hockey match as a player at the Master's level we just finished playing against the Netherlands and our two teams gathered together after the match to socialize. The Dutch captain told of his team's tradition of choosing a Man of the Match as voted by his team and I was chosen.

  • What does it mean to you to still be lacing up — and to wear the USA jersey — at the Masters level?

    It has been a dream come true to represent the USA in international competition. We are the oldest team and are setting the standard for our teams to follow.

  • Favorite pump-up song?

    Toby Keith, “How Do You Like Me Now”

    Favorite place you've traveled?

    Nottingham

     Who's your longest-standing hockey friend or teammate?

    Phil Danaher. We played together in college

  • What would you tell someone who's on the fence about giving Masters a try?

    The opportunity to play hockey and represent your country as well as travel and meet fellow competitors from around the world and share a common bond is one of the most satisfying experiences of my hockey career.

  • If you had a moment to thank the people and places that keep you on the field, who would you name?

    I would like to thank the Phoenix Scorpions Field Hockey Club because they gave me a chance to come out and play with them. I had not played for about 35 years but they welcomed me with open arms both at the Masters Level and with the (young) adults. They made me feel a part of the team but also a part of the hockey family and their community.

  • Men's O-65 Schedule

    Fri., Aug. 7 | 5:05 AM | USA vs. Belgium

    Sun., Aug. 9 | 4:50 AM | France vs. USA

    Mon., Aug. 10 | 9:00 AM | England vs. USA

    Thurs., Aug. 13 | Quart4finals

    Sat., Aug. 15 | Semifinals

    Sun., Aug. 16 | Finals