USA Hockey is staging a series of identification camps at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, that bring together the nation’s most promising girls’ hockey talent across the U‑19, U‑16/17 and U‑15 age groups. The initiative, which runs through the summer, serves as a crucible for players hoping to earn spots on elite national squads.
The U‑19 cohort is vying for selection to the Collegiate Select team that will meet Canada in August, while the younger divisions are competing for places at the U‑18 National Team Festival in Lake Placid, New York. Both events are designed to pressure‑test prospects in a high‑performance environment.
Among the participants are several recent international gold‑medalists, including Jane Daley, who was crowned Best Forward and leading scorer at the U‑18 World Championship, and goaltenders Morgan Stickney and Bianca Birrittieri, both members of the U‑18 gold‑medal roster. Their presence underscores the continuity of excellence within the program.
Defensive standouts such as Maggie Averill and Sloane Hartmetz are slated to join NCAA programs this fall, while alternate captains like Haley Box, a two‑gold‑and‑one‑silver medalist with the U‑18 team, add leadership experience to the mix.
The camps also feature a deep pool of 2010‑born players who have already secured automatic invitations to the National Festival, as well as a wave of 2011‑born prospects — including Bria Schilling, Mackenna Schlieman, Josie Virnig and Audrey Davis — who are being watched closely for future selections.
Pathways to the National Team
Selection committees will use performance data from the camps and the upcoming Lake Placid festival to finalize rosters for the next cycle of international competition. The process emphasizes not only skill but also adaptability and competitive poise under pressure.
Beyond the immediate tournaments, the identification camps serve a broader purpose: they illuminate a pipeline that feeds collegiate programs, professional pathways and future world‑championship teams. As the talent pool expands, USA Hockey’s systematic approach promises a steady infusion of elite female athletes into the sport.