FH News Brief: Week of May 12
Here's what you missed in hockey!
International Hockey
Pearne-Webb Announces Retirement
Hollie Pearne-Webb, a Great Britain & England player, has announced her retirement from hockey. Pearne-Webb scored the winning shootout in the 2016 Olympics to earn Great Britain the Olympic Gold. She retires with a combined 274 caps for the two teams.
Tom Craig Returns from Ban
For those who don’t know, Australian Field Hockey player Tom Craig was banned for 6 months after attempting to purchase drugs at the Paris Olympics following their quarterfinal loss. He spent the night in jail and was suspended by Hockey Australia for 12 months, although 6 of those months were suspended.
He was able to maintain his contract playing with Germany throughout the Hockey Australia ban.
USA Field Hockey
2025 Bessant Grow the Game Grant Awardess Announced
The Bessant Grow the Game Grant is a “grant is designed to support leaders in building “Field Hockey Hot Spots,” defined as places where field hockey is an accessible sport option for people to discover, play, learn, compete, improve, and excel as players, coaches, umpires and fans.” (USA Field Hockey).
This year’s awardees are:
Philip Ariza, South County Royals Field Hockey Club (CA)
Bella Butler, Lewisburg YMCA/Bison Field Hockey Club (PA)
Lauren Chitman, Tidewater/Undertow Field Hockey Club (VA)
Jamie Hoctor, Sandwich Middle High School (MA)
Katilyn Paquin, Cardinals Field Hockey Club (CT)
Alycia Pollinger, Buffalo Field Hockey Club (NY)
Melissa Ponzio, Somers Youth Field Hockey (NY)
Jordan Pruitt, Overtime Athletics of Greater Lexington (KY)
Reshma Sahakian, Charleston Field Hockey (SC)
New National Indoor Festival in Ocean City Announced
USA Field Hockey has announced an additional National Indoor Festival in Ocean City, MD to take place from December 19 to 21. The event will feature U-10 Co-Ed, U-12 Co-Ed, U-14 Co-Ed, U-14 Girls, U-16 Girls, U-19 Girls, and U-19 Boys teams. Event registration for teams will take place on September 10th. More Info
USA Field Hockey to Host Commentating Webinar Series
The first webinar will take place on June 3rd from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. The host will be Simon Mason, who commentates for both the FIH and EuroHockey. More Info & Registration
Note: We more than likely will not have a news brief next Thursday, as I will be traveling!