Mia Schoenbeck, a senior forward from Wake Forest, brought her collegiate experience to an international stage when she concluded her tenure with Team USA at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in Wavre, Belgium. The tournament marked the culmination of a career defined by precision on penalty corners and a knack for timely contributions.
A Tournament of Moments
Across the group stage, Schoenbeck’s penalty corner expertise proved decisive. She opened scoring against Scotland, helping the United States build a two‑goal lead before a late equaliser from the Scots forced a tense finish. The match ultimately swung in America’s favour, showcasing her ability to create breathing room under pressure. The team later drew 1‑1 with both Argentina and New Zealand, and fell 3‑1 to Germany, but each result underscored a resilient spirit.
In the second phase, the United States faced Ireland and secured a 3‑1 victory, with Schoenbeck again finding the net from a penalty corner to take the lead. The win propelled the squad into the final group stage, where a loss to England settled their final standing at tenth place. Though the position was not the ultimate goal, the campaign was punctuated by several performances that highlighted her offensive impact.
Returning Home
After the final whistle, Schoenbeck boarded a flight back to Winston‑Salem, where she would resume her studies and training with Wake Forest. The experience of competing on the world stage, coupled with the camaraderie of her teammates, left a lasting imprint on the senior’s outlook as she transitioned from international duty to campus life.
Schoenbeck’s stint with Team USA not only added a chapter to her personal story but also reinforced the program’s reputation for producing players who can thrive in high‑pressure environments. Her penalty corner accuracy, tactical awareness, and willingness to step up when the moment demanded will be remembered by teammates and coaches alike.