Sept. 20, 2011

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Former Terrapin standout Katie O'Donnell was named to USA Field Hockey's Pan American team announced last week. She is one of 16 athletes to head to Guadalajara, Mexico to compete for an Olympic bid.

The Pan American games occur every four years and will take place this year from Oct. 19-28. They mark the first opportunity for a team to earn an Olympic berth. Only the winner of the eight-team tournament receives its Olympic ticket.

"I am so excited to head to my first Pan Am games with this team," O'Donnell said. "We've been working so hard to be strong competitors in this tournament. There is a lot on the line with an Olympic bid at stake for the winner."

The Americans must face tough competition in the Pan Am Games in top-ranked Argentina, Chile and Canada. Only 12 teams will earn Olympic bids over the next few months.

"I truly think this is the team that can and will upset Argentina for that spot," O'Donnell said.

For more information on the U.S. team, log on to usafieldhockey.com