Join USA Field Hockey Foundation Virtual Town Hall on October 14

Dear USA Field Hockey Community,

I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the USA Field Hockey Foundation.

I’m joining the Foundation at an exciting moment for our sport. With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games on the horizon, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to put field hockey in front of millions of Americans – and to use the momentum of our U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams to grow the game at every level.

That opportunity starts with our U.S. National Teams.

Unlike many of the countries we compete against on the international stage, the United States does not have a government-funded system that supports the U.S. National Teams. Our athletes and programs rely heavily on philanthropic support to have the resources necessary to compete at the highest level.

The Foundation, which was founded after the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic, has a primary focus of supporting the men’s and women’s national team athletes as they prepare to return to LA. That means helping provide the resources they need to train, compete, travel, eat, recover and perform at their very best. It also means creating opportunities for athletes to gain experience, pursue jobs, and build sustainable lives while representing our country.

But our vision extends beyond the Olympic Games.

When our U.S. National Teams succeed, field hockey succeeds. Their stories can inspire a young athlete to pick up a stick for the first time. Their success can bring new families and communities in. It can help us retain athletes who might otherwise walk away. And it can create deeper, lasting connections between the grassroots and the athletes who represent all of us.

The Foundation exists to help make that possible – in alignment with USA Field Hockey and for the long term. But we can’t do it without a community of passionate field hockey supporters.

As I step into this role, one of my priorities is ensure the USA Field Hockey members are aware of the the Foundation’s goals and that, whether you are an athlete, parent, coach, official, club leader, Masters player, former National Team or simply someone who loves field hockey, you are invited to join the effort.

While it may seem far away to most of us, for the men and women vying to compete in LA in less than two years, training and preparation is underway. To back the team, the Foundation is launching Pave the Way to LA, a fund to raise the resources needed for our team to do their best in 2028.

I hope you’ll join me for our USA Field Hockey Foundation Town Hall on Wednesday, October 14. I’ll share more about the Foundation, our vision for Pave the Way to LA, where the funding goes, and, most importantly, answer your questions. Plus (and most fun), you’ll hear U.S. National Team Coaches and Athletes, and Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey's CEO.

With gratitude,

Jennie Trayes
Executive Director
USA Field Hockey Foundation