Hall of Fame Induction
The upcoming 2026 Hall of Fame ceremony will enshrine Jaclyn Kintzer Briggs, a name that has become synonymous with excellence between the posts. Her induction celebrates not only personal achievement but also the broader impact she has had on the sport in the United States and beyond.
Briggs first rose to prominence as a two‑time first‑team All‑American and a national champion during her collegiate years. While at the University of North Carolina, she contributed as a volunteer assistant coach for three seasons, honing the skills that would later define her international presence.
Her professional trajectory featured 184 appearances for the U.S. Women’s National Team, a record that includes participation in the Rio 2016 Olympics as the starting goalkeeper. Earlier, she had been a reserve for the London 2012 squad, and she helped the team secure gold at the 2015 Pan American Games while also earning a silver medal at the 2011 Pan American Games in Dublin.
Briggs’ medal cabinet reflects a decade of international success: gold at the 2008 Junior Pan American Championship, a championship run at the 2013 FIH Hockey World League Round 2 in Rio de Janeiro, and a fourth‑place finish with the 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup squad. Additional accolades include bronze medals at the 2016 Champions Trophy and the 2017 women’s Pan American Cup, as well as being named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the 2017 FIH Hockey World League Semifinals.
Recognition continued beyond the field as she was nominated for the 2017 FIH Hockey Stars Awards Female Goalkeeper of the Year. In 2023, she transitioned to coaching, assuming the role of associate head coach for the Wake Forest field hockey program while remaining deeply involved with the USWNT, where she mentors goalkeepers and assists with the U‑16 development team.
A New Chapter in Coaching
The shift from player to coach has allowed Briggs to shape the next generation of talent. At Wake Forest University, she leverages her extensive playing experience to guide student‑athletes both on and off the pitch. Her work with the USWNT’s goalkeeping corps and youth programs underscores a commitment to nurturing future leaders in the sport.
Beyond the technical aspects of the game, Briggs emphasizes leadership, resilience, and community service. Her induction into the Hall of Fame is viewed as a milestone that reflects the broader narrative of women’s sports in the United States, illustrating how dedication and excellence can translate across playing and coaching realms.