Meet the Team: 2026 Masters World Cup, USA Women's O-60

How and when did field hockey first become your game?

Collingswood School District in New Jersey had a sixth grade program that gave me my first opportunity to play field hockey. There was a long tradition at Collingswood well before I stepped on the field to play. Bea Markwick and Sandy Pope-Ritter are where my thank you’s begin!

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

Representing the U.S. is amazing at all levels and having the opportunity to share the on and off the field comaraderie is the most amazing part of participating in Masters. My new teammates consist of past Rutgers teammates, club teammates, college competitors, and friends of friends. Masters has re-opened the doors to a long ago passion.

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

Linda Polonski and Chris Paradis were my connection back into the game. They planted the seed, got me goalkkeeping equipment and convinced me to try. I am so grateful that my wife, Toni Racanelli was on board and had to hold down the fort while I trained, travelled and played.

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

Don’t doubt yourself and don’t think too hard before showing up to the field. Once you start playing again, you’ll remember how much you missed it and the people and coaches on the field.

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

First, my husband! He pushed me to go on the first tour in 2014 and broke down one by one all my “excuses” not to go! Of course the group of women led by Pam Stuper who got together in 2013 to start this crazy adventure of US Women' s Masters field hockey (we only had an O-40 and O-50 in 2014, and look how we have grown since!). My teammates, the coaching and medical staff… the Masters committee and volunteers who work so hard behind the scenes.

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

The 1989 World Cup B in New Delhi, India. Playing in a big stadium with lots of fans, but also the struggle to make it through the tournament as the “western teams” were being decimated by gastro intestinal illnesses. I remember our coach going around the rooms on game days asking, “who can get out of bed and play today”? I also remember jogging as a team  in New Delhi at 3am, as part of our “wake up routine” before a 7am game… it was surreal!

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

There is no reason to be on the fence, no “excuse” not to give it a try! Add your name to the email list and join the next open practice, you will be amazed by the camaraderie, the feeling of playing on a water based turf with people the same age. Not having played in a few decades is not an excuse! It is so much fun!

How do you give back to the sport?

I started youth hockey in the San Francisco Bay Area in the year 2000, and I coached youth hockey until I left in 2022. I have been umpiring high school, club and college hockey for 25 years. I was part of the Masters Committee for many years. I was on the NFHS field hockey rules committee for 8 years between 2010 and 2022.

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

I'm so grateful to have the Masters program available to continue to play the sport I love. The chance to represent and compete internationally is a dream come true.

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

My sister, Val, for putting a stick in my hand and teaching me the skills she was learning in college while I was still in HS. My coaches who taught and encouraged me. My friends who played club with me over the years. My family who continues to support me and my dad who said I should tryout for Masters.

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

I'm so glad my provided the encouragement I needed. I had nothing to lose and have gained so much!! Masters field hockey is an incredible blessing in my life not just for the playing experience but the friends I've made along the way all across the country!!