Ottawa, August 19 – Field Hockey Canada is pleased to announce the Women’s National Team nominated to the Canadian Olympic Committee to compete at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, October 14 – 30. This will be the first opportunity for Canada to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
“Our goal is simple: to reach the podium,” says Head Coach Louis Mendonca. “We are well prepared in all areas to meet our objective.”
After a year of targeted preparation, including multiple matches against opposing Pan American teams, the women are ready to compete at their best in Mexico. Mendonca has high expectations of the team, a blend of rising young players and seasoned veterans.
Only three team members competed at the last Pan American Games in 2007: Team Captain Katie Baker, Azelia Liu and Stephanie Jameson. As Coach Mendonca continues with his renewal of the team, the experience and leadership of the three veterans provides a solid anchor for this young team. Strong, new talented players have proven to be a significant asset and have worked hard to compete for a spot on this team. This includes Hannah Haughn, the youngest player on the team at seventeen years old.
“We have a young team,” says Team Captain Katie Baker. “However, in the past three years, these young players have had a considerable amount of experience, often stepping into crucial roles on the field.”
In addition to gaining experience on the pitch, the Women’s National Team has been preparing for Guadalajara by integrating a number of important sport science elements.
“The results are evident in our health, fitness and team cohesion,” says Baker. “The coaching staff provides the tactical training, then it is our job to put it all together on the field. I feel confident that we can work our way into the finals.”
The Canadian Women enter the tournament as the 4th ranked Pan American team and placed 5th at the 2007 Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Athletes Nominated to compete for Team Canada:
| Name | Hometown |
| Abigail Raye | Kelowna, BC |
| Azelia Liu | Scarborough, ON |
| Danielle Hennig | Kelowna, BC |
| Diana Roemer | Mill Bay, BC |
| Hannah Haughn | North Vancouver, BC |
| Jessalyn Walkey | Cheltenham, ON |
| Kate Gillis | Kingston, ON |
| Katie Baker | Argyle Shore, PEI |
| Kaitlyn Williams | White Rock, BC |
| Kristine Wishart | Hamilton, ON |
| Natalie Sourisseau | Kelowna, BC |
| Samantha Smith | North Vancouver, BC |
| Sara McManus | South Delta, BC |
| Stephanie Jameson | Vancouver, BC |
| Thea Culley | Rossland, BC |
| Tyla Flexman | Vancouver, BC |
| Staff | |
| Louis Mendonca, Head Coach | Thornhill, ON |
| Paul Bundy, Coach | Vancouver, BC |
| Sheena Scott, Manager | Vancouver, BC |
| Noreen Ortilla, Athletic Therapist | Nanaimo, BC |
| John DeSouza, Video Tech | Toronto, ON |
| Reserves | |
| Bea Francisco | Richmond, BC |
| Brienne Stairs | Kitchener, ON |
| Cailie O'Hara | Toronto, ON |
| Maddie Secco | Victoria, BC |
| Marian Dickinson | Calgary, AB |
| Poonam Sandhu | Vancouver, BC |
The Canadian Men’s National Team will announce their nominated roster on September 18, following a test series against Australia ‘A’. The Canadian Olympic Committee will confirm the men’s and women’s nominations in an official announcement in late September.
Field Hockey Canada (FHC) is the Canadian sport federation responsible, with their Provincial partners, for the development and growth of field hockey in Canada. FHC’s primary role is to provide top coaching, training, and competitive opportunities to prepare our men's and women's National Teams to compete against the world's best field hockey nations. In Canada, 15,000 competitive and recreational players enjoy the game. Field hockey, as in other parts of the world, continues to grow throughout Canada.
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For more information: www.fieldhockey.ca
