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Claire Danahy Selected for USA women’s National field hockey team
Charlotte — May 9, 2025 — Claire Danahy of the University of Massachusetts has earned selection to the U.S. Women’s national Field Hockey team, as announced on Thursday. The proclamation came after an outstanding collegiate career. danahy’s selection to the USWNT marks a significant achievement for her and the UMass field hockey program, representing years of dedication. For more on this, see tomorrow’s sports section.
Claire Danahy Selected for USA women’s National Field Hockey team
Charlotte, N.C. – Claire Danahy, a University of Massachusetts field hockey alumna, has achieved a notable milestone in her career. USA Field Hockey announced Thursday that Danahy has earned her first selection to the USA Women’s National Team. This achievement marks a notable moment for the UMass field hockey programme, as Danahy becomes the first Minutewoman to join the U.S. Senior National Team since Hannah Prince, who represented Team USA from 2014 through 2021.
A Stellar Collegiate Career
Hailing from Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Danahy distinguished herself as a five-year starter for the Minutewomen. Her leadership was instrumental in the team’s impressive run to the 2024 NCAA Final Four. Danahy concluded her collegiate career on a high note, receiving NFHCA first team All-American honors. She showcased her offensive prowess by leading Massachusetts and ranking fifth in the Atlantic 10 (A-10) conference with 29 points.
In addition to her All-American recognition, Danahy earned All-Atlantic 10 First Team honors and was named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team.Her playmaking abilities were notably noteworthy, as she led the A-10 and ranked seventh nationally with 13 assists.
Key Contributions and Game-Winning Moments
Danahy’s impact extended beyond statistics. She served as a crucial offensive catalyst, scoring five game-winning goals during the 2024 campaign. One of her most memorable moments came against Harvard, where she scored the decisive goal to secure Massachusetts’s first Final Four berth in over three decades.
Her outstanding 2024 season also earned her NFHCA Northeast First Team All-Region and All-ECAC First team honors, further solidifying her reputation as one of the top field hockey players in the nation.
Joining the National Team and Preparing for International Competition
Danahy will join a 24-athlete squad set to compete in the Cathy Bessant International Series against No. 11 Ireland. The series includes two International Hockey Federation (FIH) sanctioned matches scheduled for saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, both commencing at 10:00 a.m. ET.
These matches against Ireland are critical in our readiness for the Pan American Cup. They will provide the athletes the prospect to compete against a higher-ranked opponent, while also allowing the staff to assess performances, the integration of newer and collegiate athletes into different formations and positions, and measure our progress in these important weeks ahead.
David Passmore, U.S.Women’s National Team Head Coach
The team comprises a blend of experienced players, including eight Olympians, and emerging talent. Five athletes recently made thier debuts in January during the New Zealand Series, while Reese D’Ariano debuted in February at the Nations Cup. Danahy’s addition to the USWNT followed a trial in April.For each sanctioned match, the competing squad will be narrowed to 18 athletes.
