May 29, 2011

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Three former Maryland field hockey players were named to the U.S. national team earlier this weekend, after playing in the High Performance National Championships at American University last week.

Brianna Davies, Katie O'Donnell and Keli Smith all earned spots on 28-member Team USA. Current Terrapin Jill Witmer was named to the 13-member U.S. Developmental Squad. The athletes selected have the potential to represent the United States on the world stage over the next 18 months at the Pan American and 2012 Olympic Games.

O'Donnell and Smith return to the National Team after years of service. Davies was named to the National Team after being on the Developmental Squad.

O'Donnell was also named U.S. Player of the Year for her performances with the U.S. team this past year. The award is presented to the player with the most "Player of the Match" performances.

In the High Performance championships, six regional teams compete for a title, with athletes earning spots on the U.S. team. Incoming freshman Katie Gerzabek and former Terp Meredith Long competed on the title-winning team from New Jersey.

Associate Head Coach Tjerk van Herwaarden coached the Mid-Atlantic team that included Brianna Davies, Maxine Fluharty, Ali McEvoy, Katie O'Donnell, current assistant Dina Rizzo, Jill Witmer and Melissa Vassalotti.

The National Championship for High Performance is a great way for our athletes to get a feel for international hockey," Van Herwaarden said. "Playing a competition within an FIH setting and playing with and against the top national team players is a great developmental tool for our athletes. The tournament showcases the best of the best in individual skills level, speed, athleticism and tactical awareness and therefore it was great to have a good number of Maryland players represent the Mid Atlantic Region."