Bethany Dykema, a standout alumna of Liberty University, has earned a historic spot on the United States Women's National Team roster for the upcoming 2026 FIH Women's World Cup. Her selection represents the first time a Liberty field hockey player has been chosen for the U.S. squad in this prestigious tournament, underscoring a milestone for the program.
A Career Built on Excellence
During her collegiate career from 2019 to 2023, Dykema amassed 47 career assists, ranking first in Liberty history, and appeared in 97 games. She posted a career‑best 13 assists in 2023 and sits sixth all‑time in points with 101. Her defensive prowess earned her BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week honors in 2020, while her offensive contributions were recognized with BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week in 2023.
The 2026 World Cup will be staged across two European venues — Wavre, Belgium, and Amstelveen, Netherlands — from August 15 through August 30. This edition marks the 16th iteration of the tournament and will be the U.S. team's first appearance since 2018, heightening the significance of Dykema's inclusion.
Heading the U.S. roster is head coach David Passmore, who will guide a squad that also features performance analyst and former Liberty associate head coach Alan Good. Both coaches bring a blend of international experience and a focus on analytical development that could prove decisive in the competition.
Dykema's preparation for the World Cup has been marked by a series of high‑level exposures. She recently competed in the 2025 FIH Nations Cup and participated in the New Zealand Summer of Hockey 3 Nations Tournament in January 2026. Earlier in 2025, she faced Argentina in exhibition matches and trained with the national team after a standout performance at the Senior Nexus Championship in July 2023. In January 2024, she represented the United States at the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Muscat, Oman.
Beyond her on‑field achievements, Dykema's journey reflects a broader narrative of growth for Liberty's hockey program. Her selection not only highlights individual excellence but also signals the increasing visibility of Liberty athletes on the global stage.