Girls Competition Concludes at 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games capped off this summer’s youth events at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa.

The AAU Junior Olympic Games is known as the largest multi-sport event for youth in the United States, providing athletes the opportunity to experience an Olympic-like, multi-sport competition while enjoying the camaraderie and inspiration from top athletes in other featured sports. This year, Girls field hockey featured U-16 and U-18 age divisions.

Athletes earned a spot at the Junior Olympic Games through advancement from Regional Selection Camps as a Nexus participant. At the conclusion of all five Nexus Regional Selections Camps, USA Field Hockey announced both those selected to the Nexus Championship and the Junior Olympics Games. There were six U-16 teams and five U-18 teams.

The event kicked off with competition on August 2, and after three days of play, the winners were crowned in each age division. Also included in the awards ceremony was the Joel Ferrell Outstanding Performance Memorial Award, which recognizes the athletic ability and sportsmanship of an athlete representing each official sport at the AAU Junior Olympic Games.

USA Field Hockey would like to thank all the athletes, coaches, umpires and umpire managers. A special note of thanks to the University of Iowa facilities staff for their outstanding assistance in hosting this event.

The 2027 AAU Junior Olympic Games are slated to be held in the host city of Houston, Texas. Dates of the event will be shared as soon as they become available.