University of Delaware Women’s Field Hockey junior forward Taylor Lister was invited to participate in a trial of USA Field Hockey Developmental Squad’s training camp, it will be taking place this weekend at the campus of Duke University.
The Development squad purpose is to nurture the talent of college players who cannot play in U-21 USWNT due to age restrictions but who show they could be future of field hockey.
Blue Hens Field Hockey Coach Rolf van de Kerkhof could not have been prouder of Lister and also appreciated the USA National team recognizing University of Delaware’s field hockey talent.
“Congratulations to Taylor as her outstanding field hockey performance over the past year was also witnessed and appreciated by the U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach Janneke Schopman,” exclaimed Delaware head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof. “The invitation Taylor received from Coach Schopman is a tribute to Taylor’s growth and contribution level as a Blue Hens player. It also provides a clear signal of the level that the University of Delaware field hockey program has risen to and shows the coaching qualities and understanding of where future U.S. National Team hopefuls and players can and will be developed.”
Van de Kerkhof continued, “Taylor’s involvement and interaction with the U.S. National Developmental Squad will be a win-win situation for all; USA field hockey, UD field hockey and Taylor as an individual. I know Taylor is going to enjoy her experience in the upcoming weeks and am positive she will become a better player, leader and person for the Blue Hens and perhaps one day an official member of Team USA.”
Lister is grateful the opportunity and cannot wait to learn from the other coaches and players at the camp.
“I’m very excited for this opportunity because I’ve been involved with USA Field Hockey programs since middle school and it has been a dream to play for Team USA,” Lister remarked. “I haven’t made anything yet, but it’s an amazing honor to be invited for a tryout; this isn’t something that everyone gets to experience. I’m looking forward to learning from the other players and coaches involved with the developmental squad and I know getting a different perspective will only help myself and my Blue Hens team in the long run.”
The junior forward has earned many accolades as a Blue Hen including National Champion, Longstreth/NFHCA Regional First Team All-American, CAA All-First Team, NCAA All-Tournament Team and CAA All-Tournament performer last season. Lister had 21 points on 11 assists and 5 goals in Hens 2016 National Championship winning season.
College Delaware Sports Blitz 