In a display of Duke field hockey prowess, four Blue Devils have been selected for the U-21 U.S. Women's National Team following an intense training camp in Charlotte, North Carolina.
This selection showcases Duke's strong presence in the sport, with current players Sofia Fidalgo-Schioppa, Callie Rogers, and Shae Wozniak making the cut, alongside future Blue Devil Abigail Gerdeman. Meanwhile, Madison Beach and Alessia Cicuto are set to attend another camp for further evaluation.
The U-21 squad will gather at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte from March 6 to 8, 2026, to fine-tune their skills before the final roster is announced for the 2026 Junior Pan American Championship (JPAC) in Santiago, Chile. Competing from April 7 to 18, the women's division will feature teams from Argentina, Canada, Chile, Mexico, the United States, and Uruguay. The top performers will secure a spot in the 2027 FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup.
Ange Bradley, the U-21 USWNT Head Coach, expressed enthusiasm about the team's potential, highlighting the blend of high school talent, first-year collegiate players, and seasoned returners. "Our environment will challenge them to take ownership of their development, raise their standards, and accelerate their growth," Bradley noted, emphasizing the rigorous preparation for the 2027 Junior World Cup qualification.
The Blue Devils bring significant experience to the table. Madison Beach recently played a crucial role in securing a silver medal for the United States at the Junior Pan American Games.
Fidalgo-Schioppa and Wozniak both had impressive freshman seasons with Duke, anchoring the midfield with notable performances. Wozniak tallied four goals and an assist despite an early season setback, while Fidalgo-Schioppa contributed two goals over 21 games.
Rogers, a fresh face in the Blue Devil lineup, joins after two successful seasons at Maryland, where she started 12 of 18 games. Her accolades include being named the 2023 MAX Field Hockey Virginia Player of the Year and a MAX Field Hockey All-American in both 2022 and 2023.
Looking ahead, the U-21 USWNT will participate in another training camp in May. Select members will then compete in the 4 Nations Tournament in England from July 7 to 15. Those not traveling will take part in the Senior Nexus Championship in Virginia Beach, Virginia, ensuring all players remain sharp and competitive.