The Road to Schiedam
The 2026 WMH World Cup is set to transform the field hockey landscape as the USA Men’s O‑35 squad descends on Schiedam, Netherlands, for a month‑long tournament that runs from July 23 to August 1. The event will bring together veteran competitors from across the globe, but the American contingent arrives with a story that blends transatlantic roots, personal resilience, and a shared hunger for glory.
At the heart of the American lineup are two athletes whose journeys reflect the diverse tapestry of the sport. Robbert Schenk, a native of Leiderdorp who now calls Greenwood, South Carolina, home, brings a decade‑plus of experience as a midfield/forward, while Darian Isla, a Cuban‑born forward now based in Baldwin, Maryland, adds a fresh burst of talent honed on the courts of a Cuban sports academy.
Schenk’s early affinity for the game was nurtured by a family steeped in hockey; his father and sisters played in the Netherlands, and the encouragement of his wife Nicole proved pivotal in convincing him to return to competition after years away. Her steadfast support, he says, has been the catalyst that reignited his ambition to represent the United States on the world stage.
Isla’s path took a different turn when scouts discovered his athletic potential during a soccer tryout, leading him to a prestigious academy in Cuba where he transitioned to field hockey. A highlight of his career came in 2018 when he traveled with the U.S. Men’s National Team to Chile and Argentina, an experience he describes as unforgettable. Gratitude flows to his friend Manuel Morales and his family, whose backing has kept his dream alive, while his wife’s company, MarketWise, recently secured a Silver‑Level sponsorship that elevated the O‑35M team to a premier partner of USA Field Hockey.
The team’s schedule reads like a gauntlet of elite opponents: opening matches against New Zealand and the Netherlands, followed by showdowns with Australia and Spain, before the finals on August 1. Each game promises a test of strategy and stamina, and the players are acutely aware that every pass could shape their legacy.
Beyond the scoresheet, the narratives of Schenk and Isla underscore a broader theme of perseverance. Their stories illustrate how personal connections, community sponsorship, and a willingness to embrace new challenges can converge to produce moments of athletic brilliance on an international stage.