A Controversial Commentary
A video that surfaced recently captured two senior officials of USA Ball Hockey making dismissive remarks about the U.S. women’s national team shortly after they captured a gold medal at the 2024 World Championships.
Cory Herschk, who serves as the organization’s Director of Hockey Operations, and Mike Albright, its Assistant Director, were heard mocking the team’s achievement and questioning the legitimacy of their success.
The backlash was swift. Players, partners and advocacy groups condemned the language as overtly sexist and indicative of a broader culture that undervalues women in the sport.
In response, USA Ball Hockey released a public apology, with Herschk acknowledging that his words fell far short of the respect owed to the athletes who had brought international attention to the organization.
Calls for Reform
Stakeholders across the hockey community have urged the leadership to implement concrete measures that guarantee equal treatment and investment for women’s programs, warning that continued neglect could erode the sport’s credibility on the world stage.
The apology came amid a growing chorus of concern that the federation has historically relegated female participants to secondary roles, a pattern that includes the abrupt removal of Alessandra Glista, a pioneering figure who founded the United Women’s Ball Hockey Foundation and once led the sport’s development for women.
Critics argue that the organization’s programming to bring more women and girls into the sport has been stonewalled by men in leadership roles, raising questions about governance and accountability.
International Reaction
The International Street & Ball Hockey Federation, which governs the sport globally, has been approached for comment, but the federation has yet to issue a public response.
The episode underscores a pivotal moment for USA Ball Hockey: a chance to confront entrenched biases and to rebuild trust with a generation of female athletes and supporters who are demanding accountability.