Six players from the Mid-Penn Conference have been named to the Junior U.S. Women’s National field hockey teams, as announced by USA Field Hockey. Four players have earned spots on the under-18 team, while two others join the under-16 squad, marking a significant achievement for the athletes and their schools.
The under-18 team includes Chase Strohm from Lower Dauphin, Kendall Longenberger of Boiling Springs, Liberty Olivetti from Mechanicsburg, and Marissa Muza of Cumberland Valley. This team, known as the White Team, will be coached by Jamie Montgomery during a tour in Tonbridge, England. The squad is set to compete in a six-nation tournament from March 30 to April 7, 2024. Participating teams in the tournament include national teams from Belgium, England, the Netherlands, Scotland, the United States, and Wales.
“I am proud of how players challenged themselves and each other during this second stage of selection,” Montgomery stated. “They are growing, learning, and becoming competitors in their own right, and I am excited to see where the hard work they are putting in now will take this group.”
In addition to the under-18 selections, Ellison Pollock of Lower Dauphin and Vivienne Serafin from Camp Hill have been named to the under-16 team. This squad, referred to as the Red Team, will also tour from March 30 to April 7, 2024, and will participate in a four-nation tournament at HOD Valkenswaard in the Netherlands. The tournament will feature teams from Belgium, England, and the Netherlands.
“This group earned their place through a strong showing at camp, demonstrating consistency, competitiveness, and a willingness to push themselves and each other,” said head coach Durante. “Being named to the U-16 USWNT is an important milestone, but the work continues as we prepare for international competition. Our focus now is on building cohesion, raising our standards, and getting ready to compete in the Netherlands.”
The selection of these six athletes highlights the growing talent within the Mid-Penn Conference and underscores the importance of competitive opportunities at the junior level. As these players prepare for international competition, they carry not only their personal aspirations but also the hopes of their communities and teammates. The upcoming tournaments will serve as a platform to showcase their skills on a global stage.
