Jill Witmer
U.S. Women’s National field hockey coach Craig Parnham chose four members of the Terrapins field hockey program to play on the national team on Thursday following a week-long selection tournament in Norfolk, Va.
Goalkeeper Natalie Hunter, defender Ali McEvoy, forward Jill Witmer and former Terps forward Katie O’Donnell were among the four named to the 30-player roster.
“We are absolutely thrilled for these four amazing Terps,” coach Missy Meharg said in a release. “We couldn’t be prouder of them and for them to represent our country and the University of Maryland.”
It’s the first National Team selection for Hunter and McEvoy, who anchored a Terps defense that allowed 34 goals last season. Hunter ranked in the top three in shutouts (3) and average goals allowed (1.64) in the ACC. McEvoy was a member of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-Region second team, tallying 10 goals and four assists from the back.
Witmer, an NFHCA and Womensfieldhockey.com second-team All-American last year, notches her second appearance for the U.S. senior team, as it selected her for a Brazil tour in March. The Lancaster, Pa., native led the Terps in goals (15), assists (10) and points (40).
O’Donnell has earned 133 caps for the U.S. throughout her career and competed in the 2012 London Olympics last summer. Now a student assistant coach for the Terps, she is the most decorated player in program history, topping the team’s all-time marks in points (306), goals (99), and assists (108).
“This is a wonderful opportunity for this group of players to learn, develop, grow and build on the progress of the team,” Parnham said in a release. “We are really looking forward to starting this new chapter.”
The U.S. roster will compete in the International Hockey Federation’s World League Semi-Final from June 22-30 in London.
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