Three incoming first-year players from Yale's field hockey team, Sophie Buchowski, Angelina Che, and Lucy Pigg, have been selected for USA Field Hockey's 2026 Junior Nexus Championship. They are among 107 U-21 athletes chosen after regional selection camps. This marks the fourth consecutive year Yale has had athletes participate in this program, which serves as a key step towards joining the Junior U.S. National Teams. The championships will take place from July 17-19 at the USA Field Hockey Regional Training Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

By the Numbers
  • 107 athletes invited to compete at U-21 level.
  • Sophie Buchowski: Selected for Nexus 4 times; All-state and all-region honoree.
  • Angelina Che: Selected for Nexus 6 times; Three-time all-region selection.
  • Lucy Pigg: Selected for Nexus 4 times; Two-time all-state selection.
State of Play
  • The Junior Nexus Championship serves as an Olympic Development Pathway for young athletes.
  • Top performers will be invited to future Junior National Team camps.
  • Senior Nexus selections will be announced later this month.
What's Next

The Junior Nexus Championship is set to take place soon, with potential implications for the selected athletes' future in U.S. field hockey. Performances may lead to further opportunities with the Junior National Teams.

Bottom Line

Yale's field hockey program continues to showcase emerging talents, contributing to the growth of athletes on a national stage, reinforcing the university's reputation in collegiate athletics.