A New Jersey‑Heavy Squad Takes the Field
The 2026 World Hockey Youth Festival in Amsterdam concluded with a dramatic final, as the United States U‑16 team battled the Netherlands’ Hurley club in a penalty shootout. The American side emerged with silver medals, and the achievement was amplified by the presence of four standout players hailing from New Jersey.
Abby Agostini, a freshman midfielder from West Essex, contributed nine goals and six assists during the preseason, helping her high school climb to No. 7 in the MAX Field Hockey Preseason Top 25. Her poise in the center of the field has drawn early comparisons to veteran internationals.
Alexandra Beety, headed to Ohio State, capped her high school career at Kingsway Regional with a career‑high 13 goals and 14 assists, steering the team to its fourth consecutive Group 4 championship. Her offensive versatility made her one of the tournament’s most feared attackers.
Lexi Buchanan, a sophomore committed to Michigan, burst onto the scene with 25 goals and 22 assists, guiding West Morris to the North Jersey Group 2 final. Her rapid development has positioned her among the nation’s top prospects.
Mia Morrell, a true freshman at West Deptford, earned 3rd Team All‑State honors after recording six goals and 13 assists in her debut season. Despite her young age, she proved instrumental in the squad’s midfield dynamics.
National Recognition and Future Prospects
All four athletes were listed among the Top 100 Players to Watch by MAX Field Hockey, underscoring the depth of New Jersey’s talent pipeline. Their individual rankings reflect not only personal excellence but also the competitive strength of their high school programs.
The festival itself featured elite Group 1 and Group 2 championship contenders, with New Jersey’s presence at the forefront of preseason rankings. Coaches and analysts noted that the experience gained in Amsterdam will likely accelerate the players’ collegiate and national team aspirations.
While the Netherlands secured gold in a tense shootout, the U.S. silver medal reflects a promising trajectory for these young New Jersey stars. Their next steps—college commitments, regional tournaments, and potential senior national selections—are being closely followed by scouts across the sport.