University of Delaware Athletics
Five Former Field Hockey Players Represent the Red, White, and Blue & Gold
2/29/2024 11:51:00 AM | Field Hockey
"I think a lot of young athletes dream of wearing the USA on their jersey and I was no different," University of Delaware field hockey alumnae Jenn Judy (formerly Fotiou) '02 said.Â
Judy and four other University of Delaware alumni were provided the opportunity to represent not only the Red, White, and Blue, but the Blue & Gold in the Inaugural 2023 World Masters Hockey Pan American Continental Cup in Buenos Aires back in December.
Masters Field Hockey is a faction of the greater umbrella that is USA Field Hockey and is for every adult field hockey player aged 35 and over. The U.S. Men's and Women's Masters Committees work in conjunction with USA Field Hockey to grow the sport for masters field hockey domestically and globally. They are committed to growing the number of players over the age of 35 and emphasize fielding strong, competitive international teams with an improved selection process, development of its players, and prioritizing fitness to play at an elite level.Â
"In field hockey we have limited post-grad opportunities. I was thrilled to learn of the masters community back in 2018 - not surprisingly, from a fellow Blue Hen alum who had represented the USA in Spain for the Masters World Cup that year," Judy said.
Judy's fellow UD alumnae was her former high school and college teammate Kelly Williamson (Cawley) '98. "Not only were we teammates at UD, but Jenn and I are also from the same hometown and played together in high school," said Williamson. "This is the third set of uniforms we had the opportunity to play together in. It was definitely a special opportunity for us."Â
Judy and Williamson were joined on the over 40s team by Patti Webb (Fichter) '94, while Lindsey Heppner (Piester) '07 played on the over 35s, and Michelle Finnegan (Reilly) '84 played on the over 60s team.Â
Each former Blue Hen prepared differently for their competition whether it was CrossFit training or workouts shared from coaches, they all had the same goals in mind: reconnect with former teammates, travel the world, and play competitive hockey again.Â
"The experience in Buenos Aires was incredible," Judy said with excitement. "The draw to these opportunities is the chance to travel with friends all over the world, and experience international hockey, new cultures, and feed that competitive bug at the same time."
Williamson expressed the same excitement and gratitude for the experience as her teammate Jenn. "The experience was absolutely amazing. I love the connections and friendships created through field hockey," said Williamson. "Experiencing Buenos Aires and traveling briefly to Uruguay was epic. The trip was an experience I may not have had the opportunity to do without USA Masters Field Hockey; I am truly grateful."
She went on to gush over the food, coffee and the wine in South America and simply described it all as, "Amazing." The group even stayed in the same hotel as Argentina's new president. There is something about Delaware field hockey and presidents, á la when the 2016 National Champion Blue Hens paid then Vice-President and current President, Joe Biden '65 a visit at the White House.
Judy and Williamson had previously represented the USA in prior Master's tournaments in 2018 and 2022, but for Michelle Finnegan, her time within USA Field Hockey goes back to the 1980s when she tried out and made the US National Team.Â
"In 1978 and '79 Delaware was second in the nation. In 1980 we were third in the nation. Since we competed at such a high level, it influenced me to try out," Finnegan said. Thanks to a weekly workout routine and playing in a local league, Finnegan felt prepared for competition in the Southern Hemisphere.Â
Finnegan certainly didn't let her age stop her. "I look forward to getting out on the field and being an athlete, whether we move slower or not, the thrill of competition never disappears," Finnegan said. And she wasn't wrong. The former Blue Hen scored a goal in their first game against Canada and despite the final standings from the pool, Finnegan was simply thrilled with playing hockey. "My favorite part of the Master's is to continue to play the game I love." And for the last six decades, that is exactly what Michelle Finnegan has been doing.Â
From the competitive itch that gets scratched to the joy of traveling the world with friends and former teammates, one theme of playing Master's field hockey stands out from the rest: no matter what, never stop playing hockey.Â
"I would encourage any and all alumni to take advantage of these opportunities as soon as they turn 35, said Judy. "We've met so many amazing women who still love to compete and are so driven and kicking butt as moms and professionals. We're growing the game at all levels and representing the USA well. It's very inspiring to watch even women who are 70-plus still running around these fields and enjoying this game!"
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