Meet the Team: 2026 Masters World Cup, USA Women's O-35
In anticipation of the upcoming 2026 WMH World Cup, USA Field Hockey is highlighting athletes from each team.
The Women’s O-35 team will compete at HC Schiedam in Schiedam, Netherlands from July 23 to August 1. The team will be led by head coach Michelle Finegan and assistant coach Kelsi Lykens. Click here for the full roster.
From the USA Women's O-35 team, meet Hillary Paul Metcalf.
About Hillary Paul Metcalf
Hometown: Concord, N.H.
Lives in: Chelsea, Mass.
Age Division: Women's O-35
Position: Forward/Midfield
Club Team: Minutemen
College: Stevens Institute of Technology
Occupation: Designer and Project Manager in Education
How and when did field hockey first become your game?
In sixth grade, they had sign-ups and the uniforms had skirts, so I was in. I’d never played a field sport before, but it turns out I LOVE being on a team, running around, and bashing things with a stick.
What's the field hockey moment you'll never forget?
It’s always the moments that meant the most to the team. In college, I scored the game-winning goal against a ranked team early in my senior season. The game meant a lot to the team because we wanted to be ranked so badly. That season, we made it to the rankings and to the Round of 16 in the NCAA tournament. I won’t forget the lobster dinner we had before Bowdoin annihilated us 3-0 on their water based astroturf; we’d only played on field turf before that game, but we had fun and were so proud of our growth. There was so much joy and camaraderie on that team.
What does it mean to you to still be lacing up — and to wear the USA jersey — at the Masters level?
It’s hard to put into words what this means to me. After my three children were born, I didn’t know if my body would be able to get back to a competitive place. “Athlete” is part of my identity, and the patience it took to get back was hard to bear. I’m so grateful for the body I live in, and I’m proud of how strong I’ve become. I’m most excited though to be part of something bigger than myself. It’s an honor to get to play at this level with the best of the U.S.!
What would you tell someone who's on the fence about giving Masters a try?
What are you waiting for?! Come have some fun! I’m struck by how supported I feel by this group and how much I’ve improved in only a year of engagement. If you love the game, come play it with us.
If you had a moment to thank the people and places that keep you on the field, who would you name?
The Minutemen Club and Dave, my husband.
The Minutemen club has been a warm and welcoming home to me for 12 years - even as I dipped in and out having babies. Whether it’s pick up or summer league, everyone is trying to build their skills, help each other, and have fun. My fellow mom-boss at Minutemen, Marisa, who I’ve known since high school, is my stalwart partner in co-captaining teams and hockey fun. Together, it’s not overwhelming, it’s fun; it’s never work, it’s play! I’m excited to cheer her on as she joins the O40s on the pitch! I appreciate all of the things big and small that the Club and its members have done for the game and for our community.
Dave is my ride or die. He believes in my hard work and shows his support for my efforts in everything he does. Whether it’s handling bedtime solo (a 1v3) for a league game, or quietly making sure the car is charged for a training trip, or counting eggs in the fridge to make sure there’s always some for breakfast, he’s thinking about how he can help me (“Us!” he’d say) do this big, fun thing. When I asked him what I should do with all my spare time after the World Cup, he said “keep going!!” He’s a joy machine and I’m grateful for his patience, his solid presence, and his commitment to fun.
USA will also have a Women's O-35 International Masters Cup (IMC) team competing at HC Rotterdam in Rotterdam, Netherlands from July 23 to August 1. The team will be led by head coach Nina Klein and assistant coach Karlie Kisha.
From the USA Women's O-35 IMC team, meet Patricia Zini and Cathy Callahan.
About Patricia Zini
Hometown: Holland, Mass.
Lives in: Wrentham, Mass.
Age Division: Women's O-35 IMC
Position: Forward
College: Trinity College
Occupation: Homeschool Mom
How and when did field hockey first become your game?
When I was growing up, you couldn’t play field hockey until 9th grade, there were no youth programs or junior high programs in the area. My mom had played field hockey and encouraged me to switch from soccer. I attended camp the summer before 9th grade and went into my freshman season thinking I’d probably switch back to soccer the next year. I scored a goal in one of my first games and knew from that moment that I’d found the sport I loved.
What's the field hockey moment you'll never forget?
I have a lot of field hockey moments that are unforgettable. Highlights include scoring both goals during my senior game of high school, earning a starting spot in college, and stepping onto the field in Cape Town (2024 Masters World Cup) for the first time as a member of the USA Masters team.
What does it mean to you to still be lacing up — and to wear the USA jersey — at the Masters level?
Getting to wear a USA jersey and to be a part of the USA Masters team is an incredible honor and privilege. Being able to play field hockey at a highly competitive level so many years after I fell in love with the game is deeply fulfilling. Representing the United States at an international level with other talented and dedicated women is both humbling and motivating. I am looking forward to playing with my amazing teammates who are just as passionate about the sport as I am.
What would you tell someone who's on the fence about giving Masters a try?
I would definitely encourage someone to try it - it can be hard and daunting but it is so much fun. When I went to my first in-person training in 2023 I was unsure about the whole program but walking on a field and seeing 100+ women who all loved field hockey as much as I did was such a cool feeling.
If you had a moment to thank the people and places that keep you on the field, who would you name?
The first and biggest thank you is to my husband and kids who are my staunchest supporters. Their love and encouragement are paramount to my ability to play with Masters. Thanks to my parents and in-laws who help take care of the kids while I travel. I’m also blessed to have family and friends who have been extremely supportive of my training by encouraging me, checking in with me, and feeding me and housing me when I’m training in the Philly area (hey Bakers!).
Is there a teammate or friend the sport has brought into your life?
Yes! Traveling and playing competitive hockey with someone bonds you in a different way. You are there for each other’s highs and lows over the tournament and it’s such a unique situation that it makes it easy to show the real you. We all work so hard to get to wear the USA jersey and there’s an understanding between your teammates because you’ve all put in the same kind of blood, sweat and tears as you train. I have three friends who I knew before Masters that I am lucky enough to play with now and I have new friends that I met because of Masters.
How do you give back to the sport?
I run Turf Burn Field Hockey which is a summer league with a high school and women’s division. I started Turf Burn in 2003 when I was in college and in 2005, and I started a second location at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. which is still running today. We’ve grown from having an average of 20 participants in the women’s league when we started to
averaging 75 participants this year. I’m very proud of the quality of Turf Masters, the women’s division; we have a very high level of play, an elite playing surface, and excellent umpires. We have mostly college athletes but our number of post-college and Masters players is growing. I try to encourage the college athletes to continue in the game after they graduate because I think the women’s hockey community is so special. I’ve had girls play in my high school division, play with Turf Masters through their college career, and then continue to play with us post-graduation, which I think is awesome. In 2023, I started offering a women’s league in Walpole, Mass. and our numbers are growing there as well.
About Cathy Callahan
Hometown: East Hartford, Conn.
Lives in: West Hartford, Conn.
Age Division: Women's O-35 IMC
Position: Forward
College: Southern Conn. State University
Occupation: Elementary PE teacher / Field hockey coach
How and when did field hockey first become your game?
When I was going into high school my mom finally said that I could play a sport. I never got to play when I was younger because my mom worked two jobs, and financially we couldn't swing sports. My brother mentioned that I should try field hockey. But we laughed because I would have to wear a skirt. I was like well what is field hockey? I never heard of it. I asked my best friend at the time if she woul play and she said yes. My aunt brought me to play it again to get the gear. I bought used cleats, one blue ball, padded shin guards, a bag and a wood stick. That afternoon I set up two cinderblocks in my grandma's back yard and practiced all day. I just wanted to get it in the goal. When tryouts came around I realized i was really good at field hockey. I remember getting in my mom's car and I looked at her and said “I think I'm going to make varsity”, and then I did. The rest was history.
What's the field hockey moment you'll never forget?
There are so many amazing field hockey moments that I have had as a forward. Playing in high school being the leading scorer and scoring on strokes, a senior all-star game, and in college the same. Lots of breakaways to end the tie in overtime. But one of my most recent hockey moments that I will never forget is scoring my first goal in the 2024 Masters World Cup game in South Africa vs. Chile. I received an amazing pass from my teammate from outside the circle and I was open and it was a textbook deflection into the goal. I was elated as were my teammates and I got lots of hugs and high fives all around. Also everyone at home was watching and it meant so much to have all their support from home too.
What does it mean to you to still be lacing up — and to wear the USA jersey — at the Masters level?
Wearing the USA jersey and playing at the Masters level means everything to me. I am extremely grateful for all that I have and work for in my life. My goal in life was to get a USA jersey and every time I put it on I think of younger me believing and working hard for her dreams. When I put it on now too I think of the role model I can be for all girls and women who want to achieve their dreams when you put in the hard work and don't give up. Playing at the Masters level is a dream because I love the intensity, competition and the friends I'm making on my team and on other teams. I love the fact that I have something to wake up for and pursue in the morning as I work out. Its not just exercise, it's training when we are getting ready for the World Cup. And that to me is something I really cherish and I am always excited to tell people about what and where I’m playing, and they are always so supportive.
How do you balance hockey with career, family, and everything else?
I have two daughters, and I’m a PE teacher so balancing is about discipline during the school year. It means getting up at 4 a.m. so I can lift or run before making lunches driving my girls to school and then being a PE teacher all days. Then coming home, shooting on my goal, and then making dinner, doing laundry, doing dishes, and spending time with my daughters at night. My kids know when I'm training they might see a bit less of me but I'm still there for them all the time. Then balancing friendships, trainings etc. require other family members to step in and help out. I think being an athlete helped me to be a good mom because it helped me to stay focused on the things I love and value and that is what matters in life.
What would you tell someone who's on the fence about giving Masters a try?
Masters field hockey is going to change your life for the better. It's a community of women who want to see each other win. It's a community that women who absolutely love field hockey need to be apart of. It's a community where you can be you, and be accepted. It's a community where being intense, loving field hockey, valuing training, valuing love for our sport and building community is what its all about. Where teammates and your coaches support you and you can be you outside of your “normal” life. Being on team USA will change your life. You will create more friendships in our own country but in other countries too. It's important to continue to build new friendships as we age and have like mineded women around and that is exactly what Masters is about. Lastly, it gives you the opportunity to use your field hockey skills still at a higher level which make you feel amazing.
If you had a moment to thank the people and places that keep you on the field, who would you name?
I would and will forever thank my college coach at Southern CT State University, Kelley Frassinelli, my mom, and my daughters, who allow me to be me and stay flexible with my practice, training and traveling schedule. And lastly my town and school community.
Coach Fraz always believed in me from day one and was my role model. She taught me how to work hard for my team and myself and also give back to the field hockey community.
My mom, who never missed a game, taught me that love is shown in different ways. She made me believe in myself and when I finally told her that I just wanted to be myself she accepted me as me and love me.
To my daughters, who are now 12 and 13 - thank you for coming to so many of my games, supporting me but also being flexible with my training, traveling and practice schedules. We continue to talk about what is means to be yourself and live a life of meaning.
To my field hockey community in West Hartford - thank you for always believing in my coaching and athletic abilities and surrounding me with the love I needed when i go on my world cup adventures. To my school whose support has meant so much to me, thank you.
Women's O-35 Schedule
HC Schiedam
Thurs., July 23 | 10:20 AM | USA vs. Australia
Fri., July 24 | 12:10 PM | Paraguay vs. USA
Sun., July 26 | 4:50 AM | England vs. USA
Mon., July 27 | 6:40 AM | USA vs. Ireland
Wed., July 29 | Quarterfinals
Thurs., July 30 | Crossovers
Fri., July 31 | Semifinals
Sat., Aug. 1 | Finals
Women's O-35 IMC Schedule
HC Rotterdam
Thurs., July 23 | 10:35 AM | Alliance O35 vs. USA
Sat., July 25 | 3:00 AM | USA vs. Alliance Purple O40
Mon., July 27 | 8:30 AM | Argentina B O40 vs. USA
Tues., July 28 | 6:40 AM | USA vs. Australia B O35
Thurs., July 30 | Crossovers
Sat., Aug. 1 | Finals
