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All the news for Tuesday 11 May 2021

Team culture is at heart of Germany's performance



German goalkeeper Mark Appel has been a member of the national senior squad since 2017 and in that time, has seen the squad go through some changes in personnel and approach. The past few months of lockdown have been instrumental in helping Head Coach Kais Al Saadi to build a new culture within the squad. Recent FIH Hockey Pro League performances suggest the work on the team’s culture is paying dividends.

“We are developing an identity again which had been missing because there were major changes after the 2016 Rio Olympics,” says Appel. “Bringing young players in now, is the best thing to do, to get the young players into the high performance environment, even if they won’t go to Tokyo this time around.”

Against the Netherlands and Argentina in their previous two FIH Hockey Pro League encounters, Germany played with a defensive strength and attacking verve that both provided winning results but also demonstrated that this is a squad that is building momentum ahead of the dual challenge of the EuroHockey Championships and the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

“We have made huge improvements to our team on and off the pitch,” says Appel, as he reflects on the past few months. “During the Corona lockdown, we made some big steps. We spent a lot of time together because we couldn’t meet anyone else. As a team we got better.

“We talked about what we want to be as a team and how we see ourselves. We looked at how we identify as a team. Importantly we have talked about things - that is something we didn’t really used to do.

“The most important thing is for us to look back and see where we came from. We had a high drop in performance in matches against India and Belgium earlier this year. We must bear that in mind and think about it. That is a motivation to push forwards.

“We need to keep in mind what we have done this year but we also need to look forward. No game is just a test match now. Nothing is just a development game. Everything is geared up to selection for the Olympic Games. We have to be ‘on’ for every game.”

Regarding the forthcoming matches against Great Britain, Appel says: “Every nation needs every game to perform at 100 per cent. The time to the Olympics is very close and these matches are our last official games before the EuroHockey Championships. Great Britain will have their best team because they, like every other team, needs to get their players on the pitch.”

There are many teams competing at the Olympics who have not been seen very much on the international stage. For Appel, this is a concern. “Take India for example. They beat us up, if I’m honest, when they played us recently. This is what can happen. We still don’t know what is going on there in terms of squad preparation. We just don’t know what steps teams such as Australia or New Zealand have or haven’t made. This could be a major factor at the Olympics, you could get a lot of surprises, particularly in the group matches. For me, India is the perfect example of this, they have made huge improvements since last year.

“For these two matches against Great Britain, we will be looking to maintain a high base level of performance, especially with a lot of new guys. It is important that they can all identify themselves within the team and we can get the mentality of playing for the German team as high as possible.”

To see the full interview with Mark Appel, visit here.

#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site

Maddie Hinch reveals depression battle after ‘dreading’ putting on hockey pads


Top stopper Maddie Hinch PIC: WORLDSPORTPICS

Great Britain star Maddie Hinch has revealed that she was diagnosed for depression last year following the expectations heaped on her to deliver as the world’s best hockey goalkeeper.

Hinch, 32, is in the GB squad ahead of the Pro League games this week in London but admitted that she “dreaded” putting on her pads and was “scared of making mistakes” in the aftermath of Olympic gold.

“It has been tough but I’m glad I have a diagnosis where I know what is going on inside my head,” she told the Daily Mail.

“There were honestly times when I dreaded putting on my pads. If you hurt your knee, you get help and it should be the same for your head. I wish I had done it years ago.”

“I was living up to an expectation to be some kind of superhero. That is what I was reading and seeing and, after a while, it became a pressure. By 2018, it had become an obsession. In my head, I had to stop everything, I had to put in that perfect performance every time I played.”


Maddie Hinch reacts to the fans at the Women’s World Cup PIC: Worldsportpics

Hinch took several months out of the game during a 2018 sabbatical while she admitted to mental health concerns during GB’s trip down under last February when she revealed that she felt like isolating away from the team.

Those who have followed Hinch’s career and her usually beaming outlook will know that is not in her personality but she admitted that the “harsh reality of elite sport” had contributed to her being diagnosed.

She added: “Now I am trying to readjust what is important. I still want to be the best, stop every shot, but I want to give more to the group. I was a selfish athlete but now I enjoy having the younger guys ask me advice. That is all helping.”

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The Hockey Paper

ProLeague: Top Ten women Hockey players

s2h team



OLIVIA MERRY: Two four-goal hauls. Top scorer with 10 goals. You can’t escape the conclusion that New Zealand’s Olivia Merry is the leading performer in the FIH Pro League women’s competition. One quadruple strike came against a team no less than Argentina which the Black Sticks won 5-3. In an earlier encounter against Belgium, Olivia scored all in a 4-1 win. At 1.82m, Olivia stands tall literally and figuratively and seems to carry on with scoring from the first edition in 2019 when she finished top scorer with 15 goals. The Covid-19 pandemic has put the brakes on New Zealand’s – and Olivia’s – progress but one dare says the tall striker will be back to scourge defences when the league gathers steam once again.

JANNE MUELLER-WIELAND: At 34, Janne Mueller-Wieland is still the bulwark of the German defence. A veteran of 313 international matches which includes three Olympics – 20018 Beijing, 2012 London and 2016 Rio – Janne brings to the fore her vast experience as well as vision and organization stemming from being an entrepreneur and a successful businesswoman. She won the Player of the match accolade against Belgium in Dusseldorf last September after a 2-0 win.

MARGOT VAN GEFFEN: One hopes the influential midfielder/defender in the Netherlands recovers completely from an ice skating fall which fractured her elbow. Margot van Geffen, the 32-year-old emerged player of the match against Great Britain in Amstelveen in an FIH Pro League match Netherlands won in a shootout after a 1-1 draw. Van Geffen has collected 204 caps and has gold medals from the 2012 Olympics and 2014 World Cup. Those go along with silver from the 2016 Rio Olympics.

LAURA NUNNINK (THE NETHERLANDS): A midfielder, Laura Nunnink’s telling cross set up Fredrique Malta to score against Germany to level scores at 1-1. The Dutch went on to win their FIH Pro League match in Amstelveen 2-1 and enable coach Alyson Annan achieve her 100th victory as coach. The 25-year-old was adjudged player of the match for a sprightly display and is expected to play a significant role in the midfield as the Netherlands, leaders by far, aspire to retain their title.

LIDEWJ WELTEN (NETHERLANDS): Seldom does Lidewj Welten miss an opportunity to score and her lethal opportunism in front of goal has made for many a Dutch victory. Like she did on two occasions against arch rivals Germany in the FIH Pro League match in March to propel her team to a 3-0 win and a 12 point lead over nearest rivals Argentina. Welten’s showcase glitters with gold – top prizes with the Oranje at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics as well as the 2014 The Hague and 2018 London World Cups. The 2015 FIH Player of the Year and best player at the 2018 London World Cup has collected 217 caps and is nearing the 100 goal-scoring mark making her one of the best strikers in the world.

HANNAH GABLAC (GERMANY): An out-and-out striker who believes scoring is her job, Hannah Gablac is an avowed team player. She scored the equaliser against Belgium in an FIH Pro League match in Dusseldorf in September last year to help Germany win 3-1. The 26-year-old medical student has collected 90 international caps since 2013 when she made her debut and is a constant threat to defences, positioning herself at the second post and frequenting the area in and around the penalty stroke spot.

VICTORIA GRANATTO (ARGENTINA): Victoria Granatto, elder sister of Las Leonas star forward Maria, scored a gem of a goal against Australia in the FIH Pro League match in Perth in March 2020. She jinked past several defenders before beating Ashley Wells in the Australian goal with a precise shot to put her team 1-0 ahead en route to a 2-0 victory. The Covid-19 pandemic has restricted Argentina from being active in the league since that encounter with matches set for early April 2021 against Germany and one expects Victoria to be in the thick of action again.

AUGUSTINA ALBERTARRIO: Her constant threats upfront did much to secure Argentina a remarkable victory over World Cup champions The Netherlands in an FIH Pro League match in Buenos Aires. Las Leonas won 2-0 and although Augustina, now capped 166 times, didn’t get on the scoresheet, her influence in the attack did much to create opportunities for teammates Augustina Gorzelany and Delfina Merino to score.

CHARLOTTE STAPENHORST: The 25-year-old striker is a star striker for Germany and key to the team’s chances of a good finish in the FIH Pro League. She made her debut as an 18-year-old and has since grown from strength to strength. She scored six goals in the inaugural Pro League edition in 2019 but with the Covid-19 pandemic affecting Germany’s schedule she hasn’t had too much opportunity to showcase her prowess in 2020-21. ‘Stapy’, owner of 102 caps, has a repertoire of skills, not least the 3-D variety and has changed character and technique over the years from a defensive mindset to initiating attacks.

MADDIE HINCH (GREAT BRITAIN): Goalkeeper par excellence, Maddie Hinch was the central figure in England’s EuroHockey championship triumph at London 2015 and Great Britain’s 2016 Rio Olympic gold medal success. Hinch proved to be the stumbling block for The Netherlands in either final which went into the shootout. The 32-year-old veteran of 93 international matches was adjudged FIH Goalkeeper of the Year for 2016, 2017 and 2018 and will be a vital cog for Geat Britain in the ongoing FIH Pro League as well as the postponed Tokyo Olympics.

Stick2Hockey.com

AUS-NZL to be played in June



The International Hockey Federation (FIH), Hockey Australia and Hockey New Zealand are pleased to announce that the FIH Hockey Pro League matches between both countries, which were postponed because of the current global COVID-19 pandemic, will now be played on 26-27 June in Perth, Australia.

This has been made possible thanks to the Trans-Tasman bubble put in place last month and allowing quarantine free travel between Australia and New Zealand.

The FIH Hockey Pro League double-headers between both Oceania rivals were originally scheduled to be played on the ANZAC Day weekend (24-25 April).

The FIH Hockey Pro League revised match schedule is available here and the current standings here.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on the FIH Hockey Pro League via the Watch.Hockeyapp, event website and through FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

#FIHProLeague
#HockeyInvites
#PlayHockeyStayHealthy

Official FIH Pro League Site

Hockeyroos and Kookaburras confirmed for Pro League matches



Australia’s flagship national hockey teams, the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras, will play matches against New Zealand on 26/27 June in Perth.

The matches are set to be the teams’ last on Australian soil before the Tokyo Olympics.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) ratified the weekend of Pro League double headers following collaboration between Hockey Australia and Hockey New Zealand. The matches have been made possible because of the Trans-Tasman travel bubble.

“Together with Hockey New Zealand, we are delighted these FIH Pro League matches will go ahead before the Olympics,” said Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier.

“Playing these matches within weeks of the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras heading to Tokyo will provide an opportunity for the people of Perth to come and support the players and give them a fitting farewell.

“Considering there will be no overseas spectators at the Games, it would be fantastic to see a big crowd creating an electric atmosphere at the Perth Hockey Stadium on both days.”

The matches in Perth will follow the four-match series between the two nations to be played in New Zealand at the end of this month.

Both the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras have been starved of international competition due to COVID. Their last matches were on 7 March 2020.

Being their final international hit outs before heading to Tokyo, the Pro League matches will be crucial in the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras’ final Olympic preparations.

“To have these matches locked in is great and will be an opportunity for us to replicate matches on back-to-back days which is what we will experience in Tokyo,” said Kookaburras Head Coach Colin Batch.

“The group has been training and working incredibly hard and shown outstanding dedication and resilience throughout this period without any international matches.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to play against New Zealand in Perth and look forward to putting into action what we have been doing in training and getting a gauge of where we are at.”

The situation is similar for the Hockeyroos, who continue their Olympic preparations under new Head Coach Katrina Powell.

“These matches will give us an indication of how we are tracking and help to identify areas of our game that are progressing well and those that need more attention,” said Powell.

“I have been impressed by the squad’s application, commitment and attitude over the past month and playing against the Black Sticks will give us some crucial match conditioning leading up to what is going to be a totally unique Olympics.”

“We are really looking forward to playing against an international opponent in front of a home crowd – it has been a long time coming.”

The FIH Pro League double headers between the Trans-Tasman rivals were originally scheduled to be played on the ANZAC Day weekend (24/25 April).

With the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos Olympic teams of 16 athletes set to be announced on 14 June, these Pro League matches will be valuable lead into Tokyo.

The FIH Hockey Pro League is the annual global home and away league involving the world’s best men’s and women’s international hockey nations.

Tickets will go on sale from 3pm AEST tomorrow.

FIH Pro League - Australia v New Zealand
26/27 June 2021
Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University

Saturday 26 June 2021
Kookaburras v New Zealand 12.30pm local time (2.30pm AEST)
Hockeyroos v New Zealand 3.00pm local time (5.00pm AEST)

Sunday 27 June 2021
Kookaburras v New Zealand 12.30pm local time (2.30pm AEST)
Hockeyroos v New Zealand 3.00pm local time (5.00pm AEST)

Ticketing details will be released tomorrow.

Hockey Australia media release

More Trans-Tasman action for Vantage Black Sticks

 

The Vantage Black Sticks will head to Perth to face the Hockeyroos and the Kookaburras in a two-match series on 26 and 27 June.

Today’s news follows Friday’s announcement of a four match Sentinel Homes Trans-Tasman series in Palmerston North later this month – the first internationals in New Zealand since the FIH Pro League was interrupted by Covid-19 in March last year.

The two doubleheaders in Perth are the postponed FIH Pro League matches between the two nations that were originally scheduled to be played around Anzac Day this year.

Hockey New Zealand High Performance Director Tony Hanks said the Perth matches would be the ideal next step in the teams’ Olympic preparations.

“We’ve maximised the opportunities we’ve had at home with the North v South series and with the women playing men’s and boys’ teams.

“But the Black Sticks know there’s nothing that replaces quality match-play against genuine international competition like Australia, and even better to play them in their conditions.

Hanks added that the Perth series would allow the Black Sticks to replicate some of what they’ll face in Tokyo in terms of having matches on consecutive days and dealing with any Covid-19 counter-measures that may be in place at the Olympics.

Meanwhile, tickets went on sale today for the four doubleheaders in Palmerston North with tickets priced at $30 for adults and $20 for students/Gold Card holders, with children 15 and under free. Series passes are also available. Tickets can be purchased at www.blacksticksnz.co.nz

Match times have also been confirmed as follows:

Sentinel Homes Trans-Tasman series
27 May – 1 June
Massey University, Palmerston North

Thursday 27 May
5.30pm Vantage Black Sticks Men v Kookaburras
7.30pm Vantage Black Sticks Women v Hockeyroos

Friday 28 May
5.30pm Vantage Black Sticks Men v Kookaburras
7.30pm Vantage Black Sticks Women v Hockeyroos

Sunday 30 May
1pm Vantage Black Sticks Women v Hockeyroos
3pm Vantage Black Sticks Men v Kookaburras

Tuesday 1 June
5.30pm Vantage Black Sticks Women v Hockeyroos
7.30pm Vantage Black Sticks Men v Kookaburras

All eight New Zealand-based matches will be broadcast live on SKY Sport.

The Vantage Black Sticks squads of 18 for the Tokyo Olympics will be named in the week after the Trans-Tasman series. Our squads for the Trans-Tasman series will be named on Thursday.

FIH Pro League – Australia v New Zealand
26-27 June
Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University

Saturday 26 June
Kookaburras v Vantage Black Sticks Men12.30pm local time (4.30pm NZT)
Hockeyroos v Vantage Black Sticks Women 3pm local time (7pm NZT)

Sunday 27 June
Kookaburras v Vantage Black Sticks Men12.30pm local time (4.30pm NZT)
Hockeyroos v Vantage Black Sticks Women 3pm local time (7pm NZT)

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Australia and New Zealand set for Hockey Pro League in Perth


Australia and New Zealand have been starved of international hockey

Australia and New Zealand will be well aware of each other come the Tokyo Olympics after Pro League games were set up between the two rivals.

A series will take place in New Zealand at the end of the month while Perth will host double headers for men and women on June 26/27 in front of spectators in rejigged Pro League encounters.

The matches are set to be the teams’ last on Australian soil before the Tokyo Games.

“Playing these matches within weeks of the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras heading to Tokyo will provide an opportunity for the people of Perth to come and support the players and give them a fitting farewell,” said Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier.

“Considering there will be no overseas spectators at the Games, it would be fantastic to see a big crowd creating an electric atmosphere at the Perth Hockey Stadium on both days.”

Both nations have been starved of international competition due to COVID with over a year since their last matches.

“To have these matches locked in is great and will be an opportunity for us to replicate matches on back-to-back days which is what we will experience in Tokyo,” said Kookaburras head coach Colin Batch.

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The Hockey Paper

Green Army take on Scotland in Final Home Preparations for European’s


Great Britain’s Susannah Townsend and Niamh Carey of Ireland Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

The Green Army will take on Scotland this weekend, the 15th and 16th of May, in Queen’s University Belfast. The sides last met in July 2019, with Ireland coming away from the series in Stormont with two wins and a draw.

The uncapped matches will be part of the final home match preparations for this summer’s European Championships in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games. Ireland will face Scotland as part of Pool A in the European Championships in June. Tournament hosts, and World Number One, the Netherlands will also play in Pool A of the Championship, with Spain completing the group.

With the EuroHockey Championships now an integral aspect of the World Cup qualification process, the 2018 silver medallists will be keen to ensure they maximise every opportunity to allow them to perform this summer in Amstelveen not only as a warmup for the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games but also to secure their spot in the 2022 World Cup.

The squad for these matches is as follows:

Speaking on the announcement, Head Coach Sean Dancer, said “These are our final matches ahead of European selection. We’re really looking forward to getting some games under pressure in the lead up to a major tournament”.

These matches will not be lived streamed.

Irish Hockey Association media release

McFerran and Frazer back in the fold


Ayeisha McFerran is back in the fold. Pic: Sinéad Hingston

Ayeisha McFerran and Megan Frazer will both return to the Irish line-up as they take on Scotland at Queen’s next weekend in two test matches that act as a final curtain call for European Championship selection.

McFerran returned to camp following the conclusion of the Dutch Hoofdklasse season where she helped SV Kampong finish eighth overall thanks to a strong late season run.

As recently as March, the Utrecht club were in real relegation trouble but a change in coach and McFerran’s form was pivotal as she kept a number of clean sheets in the run-in.

Frazer, meanwhile, missed the series against Great Britain at Bisham Abbey through injury but is back in the mix.

Missing out for this series, however, are Nicci Daly, Caoimhe Perdue and Niamh Carey who were all on the last trip while Lena Tice is not yet back involved following a foot injury.

These games are the final ones before the European Championship selection will be announced with 20 players set to travel to the Netherlands in June. The Euros also double as a World Cup qualifier.

Ireland women’s squad for Scotland series (May 15-16, Queen’s University): Michelle Carey (UCD), Naomi Carroll (Catholic Institute), Lizzie Colvin (Belfast Harlequins), Deirdre Duke (Old Alex), Nikki Evans (Old Alex), Megan Frazer (Belfast Harlequins), Sarah Hawkshaw (Railway Union), Zara Malseed (Ards), Hannah Matthews (Loreto), Sarah McAuley (Muckross), Shirley McCay (Pegasus), Hannah McLoughlin (UCD), Ayeisha McFerran (SV Kampong), Katie Mullan (Ballymoney), Lizzie Murphy (Loreto), Anna O’Flanagan (Muckross), Grace O’Flanagan (Railway Union), Sarah Torrans (Loreto), Roisin Upton (Catholic Institute), Chloe Watkins (Monkstown)

Saturday, May 15: Ireland v Scotland, 3pm, Queen’s
Sunday, May 16: Ireland v Scotland, 1.30pm, Queen’s

The Hook

COVID-19 infection has not deterred my confidence, focus is on Games, says Navjot Kaur

Navjot Kaur has now recovered from the infection after being in quarantine for 14 days.


Navjot Kaur. Image: Hockey India Media

Bengaluru: Having fully recovered from COVID-19 , Indian women's hockey team forward Navjot Kaur on Monday said the deadly virus couldn't deter her confidence of doing well in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.

Navjot was among the seven women's team players, including skipper Rani Rampal, who had tested positive for the virus after returning to the national camp following a 10-day break.

All the players were asymptomatic and since then had recovered from the infection after being in quarantine for 14 days.

"It was very disappointing when we heard that we had tested positive for COVID-19 . Our immediate concern was how did we get infected despite following all protocols," said Navjot.

"Though we had very mild symptoms, just spending two weeks in isolation was very challenging," she said.

The Tokyo Olympics are to be held from 23 July to 8 August.

While the players have resumed activities on Monday, their return to high intensity training will be done in a phased manner.

"Today we had a light session and it felt really good to be back on the field. Since I didn't have any symptoms, I would do basic movements in the room itself to keep up my fitness and flexibility. I particularly wanted to keep my mind occupied," Navjot said.

"We are not letting these challenges deter our confidence. These are challenging times for all those athletes training for the Olympic Games but it's important to remain focused on the goal and that is same approach we have."

Firstpost

UNC field hockey defeats Michigan in overtime 4-3 to claim third-straight NCAA title

By Kaitlyn Schmidt


UNC field hockey celebrates their third consecutive national championship on Sunday, May 9 in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels triumphed over the Michigan Wolverines 4-3. Photo by Ira Wilder | The Daily Tar Heel

The North Carolina field hockey team defeated Michigan 4-3 to win its third-straight NCAA Championship Sunday evening.

What happened?

After shutting out Stanford and Iowa in its first two games of the NCAA tournament, the No. 1 seed Tar Heels faced No. 2 seed Michigan in Karen Shelton Stadium for the title.

The Wolverines got out to an early lead with a goal that slid past UNC senior goalkeeper Amanda Hendry with five minutes left in the first quarter. Just 33 seconds later, the Tar Heels evened the score with a corner shot off the stick of junior forward Erin Matson.

The second quarter saw an offensive barrage from Michigan, with the Wolverines getting a total of five shots on goal, all unsuccessful. In contrast, UNC had only two shots — the first being a penalty stroke shot by senior forward Bryn Boylan. With Boylan’s smart, low-velocity shot to the right corner of the net, North Carolina earned its second goal of the night.

The lead continued to grow for UNC in the third quarter, as first-year forward Mia Leonardt scored off an assist from Matson to bump the score 3-1. The Wolverines promptly responded with two unanswered goals, tying the score at 3-3.

After the fourth quarter ended with both teams at a standstill, the teams went into a 7-on-7, sudden-victory overtime period.

At almost seven minutes past regulation, UNC was awarded a penalty corner. Set up by senior midfielder Eva Smolenaars, Matson hit a reverse and scored to clinch the team’s third-straight NCAA title.

Who stood out?

Matson not only scored North Carolina’s initial shot and game winner, but she led the nation in scoring during the 2020-21 season and was named NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player. As another key offensive contributor, Boylan is four-for-four in penalty strokes on the campaign.

On defense, Hendry had four saves during the game and sophomore back Madison Orobono provided key stops, including one defensive save in North Carolina’s circle.

When was it decided?

Because of the tight offensive matchup, both teams fought relentlessly past regulation. After Leonart’s goal in the third, which put UNC up 3-1, it seemed as though the game was going to end in the Tar Heels’ favor. But when the Wolverines caught up two points in the third, UNC failed to answer in the following period and sent the teams into a climactic overtime.

With Matson’s netted ball, UNC posts a 7-0 record in overtime games this season, breaking the previous school record of six in 2011.

Why does it matter?

This game marks North Carolina’s third consecutive National Championship and ninth all-time — tying UNC with Old Dominion for the most NCAA titles in field hockey history. The Tar Heels finished their 2020-21 season 19-1 overall and 9-1 in conference play, dropping only one game to Louisville in the fall, their first loss since 2017. It's the first time that a UNC team won a title in Chapel Hill since 1993, when women’s soccer took home the trophy in the Mia Hamm era.

The Daily Tar Heel

'Pretty darn special': In Chapel Hill, UNC field hockey wins third-straight NCAA title

By Kaitlyn Schmidt


UNC field hockey won their third consecutive national championship on Sunday, May 9 in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels triumphed over the Michigan Wolverines 4-3. Photo by Ira Wilder | The Daily Tar Heel

In 2018, they won Mary, named after Maryland. In 2019, they won Prince, after Princeton. And in 2020, they won Michelle.

After a 4-3 overtime win over Michigan in the 2020 NCAA Championship game on Sunday, North Carolina field hockey won the chance to name yet another trophy.

Michelle was won after what UNC head coach Karen Shelton said was the toughest game the team has faced in a long time. UNC almost doubled Michigan’s scoring output throughout the fall and spring seasons, 61 to 35. But previous production doesn't matter when facing a defense that had only allowed nine goals throughout the season.

“I knew it was gonna be our offense against their defense, and it sure came down to a game of inches, as it always is,” Shelton said.

With two shutouts against Stanford and Iowa, North Carolina’s defense was startled as Michigan slid in the first goal UNC has allowed throughout the tournament… early in the first.

The Tar Heels were quick to answer on a penalty corner opportunity, with junior forward Erin Matson smashing it past Michigan’s goalkeeper to tie the score.

Senior forward Bryn Boylan snuck in UNC’s second goal of the evening off a penalty stroke early in the second quarter, hitting it with just enough force to roll through the far right side of the net.

In the third, Matson took a shot at Michigan’s goal and first-year Mia Leonhardt clipped it in for another unanswered goal. Though UNC led 3-1 with a quarter and a half left, Michigan’s pressure did not let up.

The Wolverines capitalized on the time they had left and scored back-to-back goals at the tail end of the third. These scores made Sunday's contest the first in NCAA championship game history where both teams scored at least three goals.

After a fast-paced third period, the fourth was brutal.

Lost sticks, green card cautions and possession in limbo summed up the physical battle, with both teams rushing to put pressure on the other to prevent the creation of a play.

“We played a game that was a little bit uncharacteristic for us,” Shelton said. “We had to relieve pressure a lot, and we do that by whacking it to the other end, so it’s not the prettiest of games.”

With no scoring in the fourth, the National Championship went into sudden-death overtime for the ninth time in its history.

The Tar Heels had lost all of their past five NCAA games that reached overtime, but this year was different. Going 6-0 past regulation on the season, Shelton said she was confident going into the overtime period.

Playing its methodic game, North Carolina kept the ball in its possession for the majority of the period, then was awarded back-to-back corners in the 67th minute.

The second, inserted from Eva Smolenaars to Matson, was dribbled around a defender and backhanded straight through the goalkeeper’s legs to the center of the cage.

A Tar Heel victory.

“(UNC assistant coach Robbert Schenk) made the joke that we never practice going on my reverse, but I did it,” Matson said. “I knew to keep it flat and it just worked.”

Then, Matson was flooded by her teammates in an enormous dogpile in the middle of the field.

Senior Mimi Leonard came rushing in behind her teammates with Michelle in hand — Leonard held Michelle up high, and the Tar Heels collectively pushed her further toward the stadium lights.

“Every single time I come out and I’m just like ‘there’s no way,’ and it happens again,” senior goalkeeper Amanda Hendry said. “I still can’t believe we won the first one, let alone this one.”

Michelle is not just a trophy; she is a token of victory for the season of adversity that UNC field hockey has faced. This year, the Tar Heels played an exclusively ACC schedule, for the first time, in both fall and spring.

After playing for sparse crowds for a year, UNC saw fans lined from sideline to sideline.

Not only was Michelle won in an unusual year, further solidifying the program as one of the nation's best, but the trophies — Mary, Prince, Michelle — represent a new dynasty for UNC field hockey.

And this new dynasty was coronated in Karen Shelton Stadium.

“It’s very special for us to represent the University of North Carolina, but to win a National Championship on our own field was something that is pretty darn special,” Shelton said.

The Daily Tar Heel

Analysis: The road to UNC field hockey's ninth NCAA Championship

By Lucas Thomae


UNC field hockey celebrates their third consecutive national championship on Sunday, May 9 in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels triumphed over the Michigan Wolverines 4-3. Photo by Ira Wilder | The Daily Tar Heel

The North Carolina field hockey team beat Michigan on Sunday 4-3 to claim its third-straight national championship. With the win — the ninth in program history — UNC is now tied with Old Dominion for the most field hockey titles of all time.

But how did the Tar Heels become such a dominant force in college field hockey?

Here’s a comprehensive timeline of the program's history, from its inception to the 2020-21 NCAA Championship.

1971-1980

Field hockey becomes a varsity sport at UNC. The team cycles through four coaches while playing as a charter member of the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women.

1981

Karen Shelton is hired as head coach of the program at 23 years old. Shelton, a three-time national player of the year at West Chester State and a member of the U.S. National Team, oversaw UNC’s final season in the AIAW before it moved to the NCAA in 1982.

1983

UNC wins the first-ever ACC Field Hockey Tournament, starting a streak of nine-straight conference tourney victories. Of the 37 ACC tournaments to have been played since 1983, the Tar Heels have won 22 of them.

1989

UNC defeats reigning champion Old Dominion in penalty strokes 2-1 to take home its first NCAA title. The Monarchs had won four of the last eight championships, with head coach Beth Anders, a former Olympic teammate of Shelton, at the helm. The game was the last championship match to play through three overtime periods.

1995-1997

UNC wins three-straight NCAA titles, defeating Maryland 5-1, Princeton 3-0 and Old Dominion 3-2. The Tar Heels went undefeated in 1995 for the first perfect season of Shelton’s career.

Nov. 18, 2007

UNC defeats Penn State 3-0 to win its fifth national title and first in 10 years. The Tar Heels finished the year 24-0, marking Shelton’s second perfect season.

Nov. 22, 2009

UNC defeats the previously unbeaten Maryland 3-2 to win the program’s second national title in three years. Down 2-1 in the fourth quarter, Shelton pulled the goalkeeper in favor of an extra field player, and the Tar Heels went on to score twice in the final five minutes to clinch the victory.

Sept. 14, 2015

Erin Matson, the youngest member of the U-21 National Team, commits to UNC at just 15 years old.

Aug. 25, 2018

UNC defeats Michigan 5-1 in the team’s first game in its new stadium, starting a three-season unbeaten streak in the facility. A month later, the stadium was named in honor of Shelton, becoming the first UNC athletic facility to be named after a woman.

Nov. 18, 2018

UNC wins the national championship against Maryland 2-0 after another perfect season with a 23-0 record. Matson, who scored one of the goals, became just the second UNC first-year to earn a first-team All-America selection.

Nov. 24, 2019

UNC plays another undefeated season, this time beating Princeton 6-1 in the title game. Matson is named Most Outstanding Player and goes on to win the Honda Sport Award, given to the nation’s best field hockey player.

Oct. 2, 2020

In the second game of the season, UNC is defeated for the first time since 2017 in a 1-3 loss at Louisville. The Tar Heels went on to win their next 18, including seven overtime games.

Nov. 6, 2020

Shelton reaches 701 career wins with a victory over Syracuse in the ACC Tournament semifinals, surpassing retired UConn coach Nancy Stevens to become the winningest coach in NCAA field hockey history.

May 9, 2021

North Carolina defeats Michigan 4-3 in Karen Shelton Stadium to capture its ninth national title, with Matson scoring the game-winning overtime goal.

The Daily Tar Heel

Field Hockey Canada’s Women’s National Team announces community partnership with Power To Be

Local non-profit partnership strengthens community bonds



Field Hockey Canada is excited to announce a partnership with Power To Be, a British Columbia-based organization offering inclusive experiences in nature.

Based in Victoria and Vancouver, Power To Be is a non-profit organization that believes everyone belongs in nature. The organization offers inclusive and accessible outdoor experiences and works to remove cognitive, physical, and social barriers to the outdoors.

Field Hockey Canada’s Women’s National Team and Power To Be are forming a community partnership, whereby the WNT will support and participate in Power To Be initiatives and the two organizations will collaborate on joint projects. According to Susan Ahrens, CEO of Field Hockey Canada, these local societal partnerships help strengthen the sporting community and benefit both groups.

“Field Hockey Canada relies heavily on partners, donors, sponsors and fundraising support to drive our national teams,” Ahrens said. “We are grateful for the continued and growing support of our incredible community. In partnering with Power to Be, we are connecting with an organization who shares our values of inclusive and accessible access to communities we are passionate about: field hockey and nature. Our national team athletes are wonderful ambassadors who are delighted to become part of a larger social community and active participants giving back in a cycle of social good.”

Dana Hutchings, COO of Power To Be, said that the partnership is a perfect fit and aligns well with all parties’ values.

“We are honoured to be partnering with the Canadian Women’s National Field Hockey team. Their passion to be involved in the community promoting a healthy, active lifestyle in the outdoors aligns very well with what we do here at Power To Be,” Hutchings said. “We are so looking forward to having the team participate in Power To Summit, our annual fundraising event, and raise awareness for our programs, as well as have the athletes share their stories and connection to nature with our participants. Their leadership and dedication will surely be an inspiration to those breaking through their own barriers.”

Power to Summit

Charities such as Power To Be rely heavily on their fundraising events for revenue to support their mission. During these unprecedented times these causes have had to get creative and reimagine their events to support Covid-19 restrictions and ensure the health and safety of their supporters. One of their primary fundraising initiatives is Power To Summit.

The Field Hockey Canada Women’s National Team has entered two teams into the Power To Summit virtual fundraising initiative. The event is taking place from May 14 – 16, 2021. The teams have three days to “climb” 6190 metres (equivalent to the tallest peak in North America – Mt. Denali) to complete the goal.

Racers can gain elevation anywhere; for example, climbing the stairs in their houses, hiking a trail, or walking up an inclined street. Women’s National Team members Maddie Secco and Alison Lee are captaining the two virtual race teams. According to Secco, the connection with Power To Be is fuelled by the mutual interest in the outdoors and living a healthy lifestyle.

“As national team athletes, we are passionate about healthy living. We are truly honoured to be partnering with an organization that aligns so well with our values,” Secco said, adding that the team is looking forward to the Power To Summit initiative next week. “We will be posting pictures in costumes and making updates as we climb, so stay tuned for some great content!”

Women’s National Team 1: [DONATE HERE]

Alison Lee, Natalie Sourisseau, Alexis De Armond, Sara McManus, Marcia LaPlante, Anna Mollenhauer

Women’s National Team 2: [DONATE HERE]

Maddie Secco, Jordyn Faiczak, Karli Johansen, Elise Wong

Later in the month, Women’s National Team members will take part in a Power To Be speaker series. Members of the team will join virtual programs to share peaks and valleys about; being a strong leader in your community, what it is like to be an elite athlete and their connection to nature. The speaker series is a program based around developing leadership skills for youth and young adults in our programs with a focus on discovering their leadership style, overcoming adversity, and supporting others.

Field Hockey Canada media release

Manawatū holiday programme first of its kind


2020 Hockey New Zealand Community Initiative of the Year – Manawatū Sports Outdoor Holiday Programme (Manawatū)

While Covid was a disruptive force for many sports during 2020, there were a few shining lights one of which was the Manawatū Sports Outdoor Holiday Programme.

The collaborative holiday programme involving cricket, football, hockey, netball and rugby provided young people with an opportunity to be exposed to different sports at one event.

This was the first big collaboration project of its kind in the Manawatū region which saw 117 youngsters aged between five and 18 participate in five outdoor sports and four indoor activities on six days over a two-week period in July.

Those who designed the programme also wanted it to be more than just a participation opportunity. 15 spaces were provided free for families who could not afford the registration fee, and meals were sourced for each participant through a shared sponsor.

Coaches across the sports also shared knowledge and learnings to ensure they delivered the sessions in a way that was beneficial and fun for the participants.

The success of the July programme has led to interest from more sports to join future combined events.

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Amsal wins Online Hockey Skills competition

KARACHI: Muhammad Amsal won Ramadan Online Skills Hockey competition organised by Al-Sagheer Hockey Club.

Syed Shaheer and Bilal Rashid bagged the second and third positions, respectively.

A total of 30 players participated in the competition.

Olympian Syed Sameer Hussain praised Al-Saghir Hockey Club, saying that it was playing an important role in Karachi’s hockey.

The News International