By Jawwad Qamar
Marc Bakerman
Marc Bakerman has been appointed the Sport Manager for Hockey for the LA28 Olympic Games, effective August 4, 2025. This appointment highlights Bakerman’s exceptional leadership and transformative contributions to field hockey, particularly during his four-year tenure as USA Field Hockey’s National Boys Engagement Manager & LA28 Manager.
A fourth-generation Los Angeleno, Bakerman brings unparalleled passion and expertise to LA28, where he will oversee all aspects of operational planning for hockey. Reporting to a Sport Group Senior Manager, he will collaborate with the FIH, National Governing Bodies, and LA28’s centralized sport planning team, as well as functions like Venues, Ticketing, Hospitality, Transportation, and Athlete Relations. The 2028 Los Angeles Games are expected to host 15,000 athletes, 15 million spectators, and numerous heads of state.
Bakerman’s innovative work with USA Field Hockey has reshaped boys’ field hockey in the U.S., challenging the misconception that hockey is primarily a girls’ sport. His initiatives include launching the Volunteer National Boys Engagement Team, creating the Tom Harris Boys Play Field Hockey Grant Program to foster “Boys Field Hockey Hot Spots,” and securing a boys’ division in the AAU Junior Olympic Games in 2024 and 2025. Creating innovative strategic partnerships with LA Recreation & Parks’ PLAYLA program and the Skyhawks Sports Academy have introduced field hockey to thousands of children, while his school-based field hockey initiatives have expanded their reach and continue to thrive in Southern California.
“I am thrilled to lead hockey as the LA28 Sport Manager, collaborating with FIH and USA Field Hockey to deliver an Olympic experience that showcases the world’s best teams and inspires future generations,” said Bakerman. “At LA28, I’m committed to creating a world-class stage at Carson Fields that captivates global fans and leaves a lasting legacy for our sport.”
Bakerman’s 15+ years of leadership in international field hockey, including his role as Chairman and Tournament Director of the California Cup International Field Hockey Tournament and as a Board Member of the United States Men’s Field Hockey Foundation, underscore his qualifications. His work collaborating and supporting with the Paris 2024 Olympics infrastructure and promoting innovative formats like Hockey5s further cements his readiness for this role.
“Marc is an excellent choice for this important position for LA28 Olympics,” said Tom Harris, Cal Cup tournament’s founder. “His knowledge, work ethic and passion will elevate the sport we all love, during the LA Olympics and beyond.”
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