Former Maryland Field Hockey Stars Earn Spots on Team USA’s 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Roster
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The University of Maryland’s tradition of producing world-class field hockey talent continued this week as two former Terrapins, Emma DeBerdine and Leah Crouse, were named to the United States roster for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. The tournament will be held August 15-30 in Belgium and the Netherlands, where the United States will compete against many of the world’s top national teams.
For Maryland, the announcement is another reminder of why the Terrapins remain one of the premier field hockey programs in the country under legendary head coach Missy Meharg. The program has consistently developed players capable of competing on the sport’s biggest international stages.
Emma DeBerdine Continues International Rise
DeBerdine has become one of Team USA’s most reliable midfielders since finishing her standout collegiate career at Maryland. A five-year Terrapin, she helped lead the program through multiple NCAA Tournament appearances while earning recognition as one of the nation’s top all-around players.
Her international career has accelerated quickly. After stepping away from college competition to pursue Olympic preparation before the Paris Games, DeBerdine has become a fixture in the U.S. lineup. She enters the World Cup with nearly 70 international appearances and has been named one of the team’s captains, highlighting the leadership role she now plays within the national program.
Leah Crouse Returns to the World Stage
Crouse’s journey has been equally impressive. After spending her graduate season at Maryland in 2022, she continued her professional career overseas while remaining a regular member of the United States national team.
Her experience has made her one of the veteran voices on the roster, bringing more than 70 international caps into the World Cup. Competing professionally has allowed Crouse to continue developing against elite competition, making her an important piece of Team USA’s attack.
Maryland’s Legacy in Field Hockey
Maryland has long been synonymous with excellence in field hockey. The Terrapins have captured multiple national championships while producing Olympians, World Cup participants, All-Americans, and professional players.
Under Meharg’s leadership, Maryland has established itself as one of the sport’s gold standards. The continued success of former players on the international stage reinforces the program’s reputation as one of the nation’s premier development pipelines.
Having multiple alumni representing Team USA is nothing new in College Park, but it remains one of the program’s greatest points of pride.
A Huge Opportunity for Team USA
The FIH Hockey World Cup is one of the sport’s premier international events, featuring powerhouse nations including the Netherlands, Belgium, Argentina, Australia, Germany, and England.
For the United States, advancing deep into the tournament would represent another important step in the continued growth of the national program. Veterans like DeBerdine and Crouse will be counted on to provide leadership against some of the world’s strongest competition.
MSB Take
One of the things Maryland Sports Blog enjoys highlighting is when local college athletes continue making an impact long after graduation. Emma DeBerdine and Leah Crouse are outstanding examples of what the Maryland field hockey program has become.
The Terrapins do not simply produce successful college players—they produce international stars. As Team USA prepares to compete for a world championship, Maryland fans have two more reasons to tune in this August.
With one of the richest traditions in collegiate field hockey, the “Maryland” name continues to carry weight around the world, and DeBerdine and Crouse are proudly adding another chapter to that legacy.
