USA Field Hockey and the nonprofit Classroom Champions have teamed up to bring five members of the U.S. National Team into classrooms for the 2026‑2027 school year. The athletes will spend time in K‑8 schools, sharing the discipline, resilience and teamwork that have defined their international careers.
Mentors with a Mission
Their role goes far beyond teaching the mechanics of the sport. By weaving personal stories of triumph and setback into lessons, the players aim to help youngsters build confidence, perseverance and leadership skills that extend into every corner of their lives.
The mentor group includes Makenna Webster, a St. Louis native and gold‑medalist at the 2026 3 Nations Tournament; Annabel Skubisz, a Houston‑born former U‑17 Women’s National Team star and two‑time gold‑medalist at the Junior Pan American Championship; Jenny Rizzo, a Hershey‑based silver‑medalist at the Pan American Cup; Christian DeAngelis, a Doylestown native with multiple international caps and a Pan American Cup silver medalist; and Alberto Montilla, an Allen, Texas, teammate also decorated with a Pan American Cup silver.
Curriculum That Connects
Through Classroom Champions’ proven K‑8 curriculum, the athletes will be paired with classrooms that focus on social‑emotional growth. The program blends interactive modules with real‑world examples from elite sport, giving students concrete frameworks for setting goals, overcoming obstacles and collaborating with peers.
Leadership Beyond the Pitch
Simon Hoskins, CEO of USA Field Hockey, says the athletes have the power to inspire far beyond competition, while Seth Rosenzweig, CEO of Classroom Champions, sees the partnership as a natural next step to reach more classrooms in meaningful ways. Makenna Webster adds that joining Classroom Champions gives her the opportunity to impact students beyond the game, reinforcing the idea that athletic excellence can translate into everyday leadership.
The initiative underscores a growing recognition that sport can serve as a catalyst for youth development, and it promises to leave a lasting imprint on the thousands of students who will interact with these role models over the coming school year.