Meet the Team: 2026 Masters World Cup, USA Women's O-50
In anticipation of the upcoming 2026 WMH World Cup, USA Field Hockey is highlighting athletes from each team.
The Women’s O-50 team will compete at HC Rotterdam in Rotterdam, Netherlands from July 24 to August 1. The team will be led by head coach Heidi Lewis and assistant coach Dana Hubbard. Click here for the full roster.
From the USA Women's O-50 team, meet Melissa Emery and Megan Callahan.
About Melissa Emery
Hometown: Berwick, Maine
Lives in: Big Sky, Montana
Age Division: Women's O-50
Position: Defense
Club: Sharkbait and Santa Monica
College: University of Southern Maine
Occupation: Barn Beverage Supervisor, Yellowstone Club
How and when did field hockey first become your game?
We grew up watching our aunts play! As soon as I could play in high school that was the official start!
What's the field hockey moment you'll never forget?
Selected as Player of the Game in the match against New Zealand in 2016 Masters World Cup.
What does it mean to you to still be lacing up — and to wear the USA jersey — at the Masters level?
The USA is the cherry on top... being able to travel and see all my hockey friends on the trip is my favorite part!
If you had a moment to thank the people and places that keep you on the field, who would you name?
Obviously without family there is no World Cup travel for me! Add in the Phoenix Hockey Club for always welcoming me to their practices and allowing me to use their turf anytime I was in town! And Sandy with Santa Monica for giving me a “ local” club to play tournaments with!
What would you tell someone who's on the fence about giving Masters a try?
If you love to play, give it a go!!!
How has your game changed over the years?
I was center midfield until around 2008, then as I slowed down I realized I am a very good defender and communicate a lot from the back, so I became center back for my previous World Cups!
Who's your longest-standing hockey friend or teammate?
Suzanne Bourgault has been playing with me and Sharkbait for about 25 plus years! She is here in her first World Cup.
About Megan Callahan
Hometown: Oxford, Md.
Lives in: Baltimore, Md.
Age Division: Women's O-50
Position: Defense
Club Team: PHUN
College: University of Maryland
Occupation: NCAA Coach
How and when did field hockey first become your game?
I played with my older sister in the backyard. I had to wait two years before I was old enough to play for my middle school team. My 6th grade teacher was also my coach and she taught me to love the game.
Women's O-50 Schedule
HC Schiedam
Fri., July 24 | 5:05 AM | USA vs. Argentina
Sat., July 25 | 3:15 AM | Wales vs. USA
Sun. July 26 | 8:30 AM | USA vs. England
Tues., July 28 | 10:35 AM | Belgium vs. USA
Wed., July 29 | Quarterfinals
Fri., July 31 | Semifinals
Sat., Aug. 1 | Finals