USA Field Hockey Increases Investment in Sport Development
by USA Field Hockey
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The arrival of 2023 means that the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games are just five years away. USA Field Hockey is using LA28 as a call to action and has begun preparation for the Games on and off the field. The organization is greatly appreciative of the support from both the USA Field Hockey Foundation and U.S. Men’s Field Hockey Foundation and many donors, clubs, schools and volunteers who help create field hockey opportunities across the country. USA Field Hockey’s mission is to Grow the Game, Serve and Inspire Membership and Succeed Internationally, and this cannot be achieved without the help and support of field hockey leaders and enthusiasts.
With the Olympic Games returning to Los Angeles in 2028, USA Field Hockey recognizes the opportunity and need to grow field hockey and the men’s side of the sport for all in and around the region in advance. To achieve this, USA Field Hockey is investing more resources into Sport Development than ever before, both as a sport for all, sport for life and specifically targeting growth of the game in and around Los Angeles.
Sally Goggin, USA Field Hockey’s National Development Director, will continue to oversee the Sport Development team. She will be joined by a growing support staff as outlined below.
In 2023, Marc Bakerman, USA Field Hockey’s Boys Development Manager, will take on additional responsibilities as the Los Angeles Field Hockey Manager. Bakerman has been a leader in field hockey for many years, serving as the chair of California Cup, one of the longest running international field hockey events in the world. Bakerman is a native and resident of southern California and has been cultivating relationships with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and schools throughout California to promote field hockey for boys and girls.
Kendra Lucking will be taking on additional responsibilities in sport development as the Lifetime Engagement Manager, moving from a part to full-time role in 2023. Lucking’s primary focus will be on fueling growth in adult participation and engagement, by investing in infrastructure and supporting the leaders in adult field hockey, U.S. Masters Transition Team and current State Chapter Leaders. Also executing on strategic plans for major State Chapter expansion in 2023. Lucking brings extensive experience as the founder of the United States Field Hockey League, a USA Field Hockey sanctioned adult league, and as former owner of Limelight, a recruiting showcase event.
Jenna Ortega will continue in her part-time role as Youth Development Manager. Ortega is finishing her doctorate in Occupational Therapy, completing her doctoral capstone on inclusive and adaptative sports, supporting the new All Starz Field Hockey program, USA Field Hockey’s inclusive program designed to create more opportunities that make the sport more accessible to athletes of all ability levels.
“USA Field Hockey is grateful for and appreciative of all the volunteers and of the generous donations from the Foundations to support our mission,” stated Simon Hoskin, USA Field Hockey’s Executive Director. “These funds are critical to supporting our national teams and expanding our investment in growing hockey as a sport for all, sport for life. The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games present a unique opportunity to raise awareness, interest and get more people in the game. Thanks to our volunteers, Foundations and all donors for their continued generosity, dedication and expertise.
If you would like more information about USA Field Hockey’s Sport Development programs including State Chapters, or the Foundations who support the organization, please contact:
Pam Stuper - Pstuper@usafieldhockey.com
Bob Hindy - roberthindy@gmail.com