Teammates, Friends, Community Gather at 2026 Hall of Fame Gala
ATLANTA – The USA Field Hockey 2026 Hall of Fame Gala, hosted by the USA Field Hockey Foundation, was an evening to remember! More than 150 individuals gathered at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel in Atlanta yesterday to honor and celebrate the five inductees of the 2026 USA Field Hockey Hall of Fame class, along with both Atlanta 1996 Olympic Field Hockey Teams.
The Gala started with a cocktail hour, sponsored by Capelli Sport, where guests mingled and reconnected with teammates, friends, and others in the field hockey family.
Pam Stuper, USA Field Hockey Foundation Director of Alumni Engagement, kicked off the Gala with a welcome and introduction, speaking on the connection of the sport through teammates, friendships, Olympic memories, and Hall of Fame moments. She emphasized that the attendees had gathered to celebrate those who helped build and grow the game.
This led into Chip Rogers, USA Field Hockey’s Board of Directors Chair, Foundation Trustee, and Hall of Fame Selection Committee Chair, who spoke on Setting the Stage. Thirty years ago the stage was set for the U.S. Olympians to celebrate their dream as they represented their country on home soil. Since that time they have empowered a new generation of athletes, coaches, umpires, and fans to reach for their dreams. Rogers acknowledged that all were there to celebrate their legacy, look ahead to the next iteration of Olympians, and keep driving forward.
Then, Stuper returned to the podium to speak on Atlanta 1996: Honoring the Journey. First, she recognized the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Men’s Field Hockey Team, where the twelve in attendance joined her on stage. Next, the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Women’s Field Hockey Team followed course with 21 athletes and staff. Both were honored with special video tributes. The individuals being recognized represented years of sacrifice, commitment, and pride for USA.
This led to Sarah Kochmond, USA Field Hockey Foundation Chair, who introduced the Pave the Way to LA initiative, which is helping build momentum for the future while honoring those who helped create the path. As the Foundation looks forward to Los Angeles 2028, they will work to build resources, support athletes, and create opportunities.
Following dinner, Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey’s Executive Director, got the official induction program underway. He highlighted the dedication and impact that each inductees has made, and that their continued involvement does not go unnoticed, as their efforts continue to expand countless opportunities.
Together, Hoskins and Stuper honored the five extraordinary inductees whose dedication, leadership, and service has shaped field hockey in the United States.
The first 2026 Hall of Fame inductee that was honored was athlete Jaclyn Kintzer Briggs. Rio 2016 Olympian and London 2012 reserve, Briggs was an outstanding goalkeeper for the U.S. Women’s National Team. She joined the USWNT in 2010 and competed in 184 international matches before retiring in 2017. She was pivotal in USA’s gold medals at the 2011 and 2015 Pan American Games and bronze medals in the 2016 Champions Trophy and 2017 women’s Pan American Cup.
The other athlete inductee was Benjamin John Maruquin, an Atlanta 1996 Olympian and solid defender for the U.S. Men’s National Team. He was a two-time USA Field Hockey Male Athlete of the Year and competed in 213 international matches from 1989 to 1997. In addition to his accomplished playing career, Maruquin made contributions to field hockey by actively promoting and growing the sport for boys and men for more than a decade.
Next, Pam Hixon was the coach inductee. From Olympic coach to industry innovator, her career is a testament to what it means to lead with purpose. Her vision not only elevated teams to podium finishes but also built pathways for countless athletes to pursue their dreams. Hixon was the head coach of the USWNT during a transformative era from 1994 to 1998, while also leading the Atlanta 1996 U.S. Olympic Women’s Field Hockey Team on one of sport’s biggest stages. She led this squad to a bronze medal finish at the 1994 World Cup, as well as a silver medal at the Pan American Games.
Renee Chatas was honored next. One of the most decorated officials in USA Field Hockey history, she represented USA at three Olympic Games and two World Cups during her career from the 1988 to 2000. Not only did her profession reflect a pioneering era for women in officiating, but her presence on the global stage helped set the standard for those who followed. She contributed to the development of the game across regions, officiating two Olympic Qualifiers, and other international tournaments spanning Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas. Domestically, she also played a key role in the game taking the field at multiple NCAA Division I Championships.
The final 2026 Hall of Fame inductee was contributor Alva Francis Serrette. He started as an athlete on the USMNT from 1979 to 1982 and transitioned to serve the sport in nearly every capacity imaginable. He was the Competition Manager for Hockey at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, where he played a critical role in delivering one of the sport’s premier global events. His leadership extended to the USMNT as manager from 2001 to 2003, and as Director of High Performance for USA Field Hockey from 2001 to 2004. He was an umpire at the 1985 U.S Olympic Festival, selector for the USMNT in 1986, and served as a judge at the 1989 Men’s Intercontinental Cup, an Olympic qualifier, where he was appointed to judge the final. Serrette has been a consistent and influential stance within many sport boards and organizations.
To close out the evening, Nori McCargo, four-time U.S. Masters World Cup athlete, spoke on Carrying it Forward, touching on connecting the past with the future. She recognized the legacy that has been established by the 1996 Olympians and those inducted, and that there is a responsibility to carry it forward to the next generation.
USA Field Hockey would like to thank the USA Field Hockey Foundation for their support, effort, and planning for this year’s Hall of Fame celebration. Another special thank you goes to cocktail reception sponsor, Capelli Sport, and table sponsors, Game Six Investments, Georgia Field Hockey Association, Northside Hospital Orthopedics Sports Medicine, and Wrappit Wrappit, for their generosity and support in helping host the Hall of Fame Gala with distinction and pride.
Thank you to each of the sponsors and partners for making the 2026 Hall of Fame event possible.
