Kentucky Goes All In for Field Hockey at Exciting Kentucky State Chapter Launch Event

From a 3-year-old attendee to Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, some attendees picked up a stick for the very first time. Collegiate coaches Justine Sowry, Will Holt, Devanny Boisvert, Grace Goodbarn and Alex Piekarz, along with members of the Kentucky High School Coaches Association and the four club teams, put on clinics for attendees. Louisville native and member of the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) Sekayi Charasika got in on the clinic action by showing off his skills, working with the athletes, and sharing about his own experience. For Cherasika, this event was an important opportunity to display to other young players, especially boys, what they can aspire to.

“Just to grow the game of boys field hockey is really important to me,” said Cherasika. “Just because I was kind of the first one (from Louisville) so I want to give back and hopefully help some other boys who want to play.”

Another important piece of the event was showcasing the lifelong participation opportunities that are available. The local Umpire Association hosted an “Ask the Umpire” tent to engage and educate fans. The Umpire Association also ran a beginner umpire clinic, which trained nine current high school students interested in joining the ranks next season through Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA)’s Junior Umpire program.

The day was capped off with an exciting adult field hockey game. Malachi Mahan, U.S. Masters Team athlete, felt the event’s importance reaches well beyond the youth game.

“It gets the word out about field hockey in Kentucky and grows the game and shows it can be a lifelong sport,” commented Mahan. “I think it’s important to realize you can play the sport forever.”

Louisville’s very own Suzanne Bush was in attendance for the adult game to cover all the action on the microphone. Bush, who is a Louisville Field Hockey alumna and calls many field hockey matches on both the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Network and ESPN, has recently been announced as the color analyst for this summer’s Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 

Many companies were inspired to sponsor the Kentucky State Chapter and their launch event to grow field hockey in the state. These sponsors include YMCA of Greater Louisville, IFHCK High Performance Program, Bluegrass Premier Field Hockey Club, Stealth Field Hockey, DMLO CPAs in Louisville, ROAR Hockey Company, Magic Field Hockey Club, Hikes Point Honey, and Bridget and Scott Trager.

A number of top companies which included Capelli Sport, Longstreth, Alani Prime, and BSN Sports also helped to support the event with consigned items, donated items, and discounts. Thank you to the sponsors and donors for helping make the event a success!

As the Kentucky State Chapter Launches into a new era of field hockey, their goal is to connect members of the community with opportunity and support for growth. In the coming months they hope to utilize the excitement of the Launch Party, along with the buzz surrounding the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, to continue the rising excitement surrounding field hockey. If you are interested in getting connected to the Kentucky State Chapter or exciting future offerings, visit their website or follow them on Instagram @kyfieldhockeyusa.