ASHLAND, Va. -- The Randolph-Macon College Field Hockey staff had an incredible opportunity to work closely with the International Federation of Hockey (FIH) and the Chilean Federation of Hockey during the Junior World Cup games in Santiago, Chile this past December. With the anticipation around the Summer Olympics finally here, and the excitement around USA Field Hockey's trip to Paris, Head Coach Jess Weiss and Assistant Coach Teresita Ambrogi-Torres reflect on the unique opportunity they had to work with the highest level of Junior Hockey in the world.
 
"Overall, this was an incredible experience," said Weiss. "Immersing ourselves in the highest level of hockey, watching the world's best U21 players, was a learning experience and allowed us to create new connections in the hockey world. I am very thankful to Teresita, Rosita and their family for the hospitality in Santiago and our adventures across Chile. It was truly the trip of a lifetime."
 
The Junior World Cup involves practices and competition, all of which took place over a three-week period. Coach Weiss and Coach Ambrogi-Torres joined Rosita Torres-Ambrogi, a Chilean born citizen, avid field hockey fan, and Yellow Jacket parent in Santiago, Chile. All three volunteered their time in different ways and while each had specific jobs, they also helped out wherever they could, taking advantage of their time there. After communicating with the FIH and the Chilean Federation of Hockey, Rosita and Teresita, being bilingual, were assigned as attachés for Team USA and Team Japan, respectively. Ambrogi-Torres and Weiss were tasked with conducting FIH interviews on live television with the coaches of each team at halftime and post-game and speaking with the player of the match from the winning team. They were integrated into the tournament, working behind the scenes, watching matches and training, and learning more about different cultures and approaches to the game along the way! 
 
Ambrogi-Torres echoed Weiss, stating "this opportunity taught me so much about field hockey, my Chilean roots, different cultures around the world, and myself. I had such a great time working with the FIH and Chile Hockey and serving the sport I love so much!" 
 
The staff says it was especially great to watch the USA U21 team compete, as the team is composed of current collegiate players. Being able to support NCAA student-athletes in their Olympic hopeful journey was a special experience. They were tough competitors and finished the tournament in 10th place.
 
USA Field Hockey begins their Olympic journey this Saturday at 1:45PM EST against Argentina. Weiss and Ambrogi-Torres are looking forward to supporting Team USA into August and can't wait to begin preseason with RMC Field Hockey shortly after!