A roster of rising stars in the field hockey world are about to join Team Canada as the sport makes its debut at the Junior Pan American Games – and six of them are from the North Shore.
On July 18, Field Hockey Canada announced the 16-athlete rosters for the junior women’s and men’s teams that will compete at the 2025 Games in Asunción, Paraguay, Aug. 10 to 19.
FHC said this marks a historic milestone for Team Canada and field hockey at large, as it’s the first time the sport will be featured at the multi-sport event.
Six North Shore women were named to the Canadian roster.
Those include midfielder Olive Bodel, who hails from her hometown’s West Vancouver Field Hockey Club, and plays at the NCAA Division I level for Wake Forest University.
Also a product of WVFHC is goalkeeper Robyn Goh, who’s from North Vancouver. She plays for the UBC Thunderbirds.
Fellow Thunderbirds Sydney Le (forward) and Kaitlyn Pennefather (midfielder) are on the squad. They’re both North Vancouverites and part of the Sea-to-Sky Field Hockey Club.
Forward Kate Martin is from North Van and is part of the Sea-to-Sky club. She plays for the Queen’s University Gaels.
Scarlett Kotar is a reserve goalkeeper from North Van. She’s also a Sea-to-Sky member and plays for York University.
The selected athletes were drawn from a group of previously identified top junior prospects following a competitive spring training and evaluation period, according to a statement from Field Hockey Canada.
“These final rosters represent the next generation of Canadian field hockey talent and reflect the depth and promise of the national development pathway,” FHC said.
Several athletes from last summer’s Junior Pan American Championship in Surrey are returning to the team, “bringing valuable international experience and leadership.”
Goh played in the Surrey tournament, where Canada placed fifth overall.
The 2025 Junior Pan American Games will host more than 4,000 athletes from 41 countries competing across 28 sports. The event is a key stepping stone toward the 2027 Pan American Games and future Olympics, FHC said.
“Field Hockey Canada congratulates all selected athletes and looks forward to supporting them as they represent the red and white in Paraguay.”
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