Meet the Team: 2026 Masters World Cup, USA Women's O-55
In anticipation of the upcoming 2026 WMH World Cup, USA Field Hockey is highlighting athletes from each team.
The Women's O-55 team will compete at KHC Dragons in Brasschaat, Belgium from August 7 to 16. The team will be led by head coach Caroline Nelson-Nichols and assistant coach Jessica Weiss. Click here for the full roster.
From the USA Women's O-55 team, meet Clara Ambrose and Florencia Manero.
About Clara Ambrose
Hometown: Irvington, N.Y.
Lives in: Westport, Conn.
Age Division: Women's O-55
Position: Forward / Midfield
Club: AGH
College: Wesleyan University
Occupation: Coach, Business
How and when did field hockey first become your game?
I started playing field hockey in middle school in New York but became very interested in high school when I realized there was more, playing for the first time in the Empire State Games for Hudson Valley.
What does it mean to you to still be lacing up — and to wear the USA jersey — at the Masters level?
I feel so privileged to be able to represent the U.S., it is more than wearing the uniform, the camaraderie and seeing other cultures is an amazing opportunity.
What's the field hockey moment you'll never forget?
There are so many, but I will never forget playing in college against my sister and my parents were watching us cheering both of us on!
If you had a moment to thank the people and places that keep you on the field, who would you name?
I would thank my family...my parents and my four kids, my coaches growing up, starting with coach German and my college coach Patti Klecha Porter who had such joy when she played it was infectious. More recently, I would thank my business partner Alex Gheorghe and our third amigo Abdel Elkettani who have been inseparable in our field hockey life the last 10 years. And of course my lively and lovely daughter Laine who shares this love for the sport and continues to play at the collegiate and club level.
Nickname?
Pac-Man… always snacking
Favorite place you've traveled?
South Africa
Your field hockey idol or biggest influence?
My idol is Jamie Dwyer :)
Hockey goal on your bucket list?
To win a medal at the World Cup
About Florencia Manero
Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Lives in: Miami, Fla.
Age Division: Women's O-55
Position: Defense / Midfield
Club: Key Biscayne Field Hockey
Occupation: Banker
How and when did field hockey first become your game?
I started playing at school and then my PE coach, Dora, invited me to join the club.
What's the field hockey moment you'll never forget?
The first time I played in the first team of my club, it was a moment that I have longed for since I started playing. I can remember every detail of that day.
What would you tell someone who's on the fence about giving Masters a try?
I would tell them to go for it—you have nothing to lose and so much to gain. Masters field hockey is not just about the game; it’s about the friendships, the community, and the joy of continuing to do something you love. No matter your age, experience, or where you are in your journey, there is a place for you.
How do you give back to the sport?
I started a club, Key Biscayne Field Hockey, because I wanted to give back to the sport that has given me so much. What I didn't expect was that field hockey would continue giving back to me in ways I never imagined. Watching players grow, gain confidence, learn from tough losses, and celebrate their victories is one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. Seeing them develop not only as athletes but as people is a privilege, and the joy I get from being part of their journey is greater than anything I could have expected.
What does it mean to you to still be lacing up — and to wear the USA jersey — at the Masters level?
Field Hockey has been the greatest life coach I could have asked for, and being able to continue playing at the Masters level is a gift I never take for granted. When I moved to the United States, field hockey gave me a sense of belonging, lifelong friendships, and a community that quickly became home. I'm incredibly proud to represent the country that welcomed me, gave me so many opportunities, and introduced me to an amazing group of teammates that I can now proudly call friends. I'm grateful for every opportunity this journey has given me and for all the incredible memories we've created together.
If you had a moment to thank the people and places that keep you on the field, who would you name?
First, I'd like to thank my family for always supporting me and putting up with all the practices and trips that take me away from home. I'd also like to thank my Miami Field Hockey teammates (Nicky, Ana, Gabina, Maca, Geo, Labe, Dile, Vero, Male y Luchi), as well as my U14 and U16 players, who showed up to practice with me throughout the summer so I always had someone to train and play with to get ready for the World Cup. I couldn't have done it without their support.
What would you tell your younger playing self?
Hold on tight—you’re about to begin an incredible journey. There will be moments of triumph, moments of frustration, and countless lessons along the way. Hockey will challenge you, shape your character, and give you tools that will stay with you for life. You'll learn something from every coach you have—even the ones you don't always like. Sometimes the toughest coaches teach the most valuable lessons about resilience, perspective, and the kind of leader you want to become. The sport will take you places you never imagined, allow you to travel the world, and introduce you to teammates who will become lifelong friends. Every challenge, every setback, and every victory will help shape the person you become.
Women's O-55 Schedule
KHC Dragons - Brasschaat, Belgium
Fri., Aug. 7 | 2:00 AM | Australia vs. USA
Sun., Aug. 9 | 8:45 AM | USA vs. Germany
Tues., Aug. 11 | 12:10 PM | South Africa vs. USA
Thurs., Aug. 13 | Quarterfinals
Fri., Aug. 14 | Semifinals
Sat., Aug. 15 | Placement
