The Texas State Chapter, organized in 2022 to foster the growth of field hockey in the state,  had several noteworthy firsts characterized within this event:  

• This All Star Game marked the first event hosted by the Texas State Chapter.

• The event was the first game honoring Texas High School athletes nominated by their coaches as ‘All Stars’ of their high school teams.  The tournament was a showcase of skill and a celebration of student athlete excellence and was the first time Texas high school field hockey coaches nominated athlete's for 'All State' honors.

• The celebration was made more special by the athletes participating in the first ever High School Hockey 5’s event, the newest international format for the game.

TEXAS STATE CHAPTER CELEBRATES HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STARS WITH NEW HOCKEY 5’S GAMES.

The Texas State Chapter event to honor Texas High School All Star players marked a significant moment for the student athletes and also showcased the newest international format of hockey, Hockey 5's.  This event marked the first time an all high school athletes tournament played Hockey 5's as their marquee event.  This new format is just catching fire around the world for players and these Texas athletes played on the cutting edge of our sport.

A faster game on a smaller field than the 11 aside played in high schools, Hockey 5's is played with 5 players per side, and the ball does  not leave the pitch across the end lines or the side lines.  USA Field Hockey has sent teams to compete in this new format internationally already, and it is a growing format with World Cup competition coming up in January in Oman for the USA Women and USA Men.

Texas State Chapter event honors the 2023 High School All Stars nominees,  showcases athletes and fosters camaraderie

The athletes who competed in this event were as excited as the coaches on hand to play the new format game of Hockey 5's.   The players remarked at the demand for speed  and enhanced skills to compete in the new game format, which added to the fun for these high achievers.   For the players, the experience went beyond the game itself as well.   They consistently  remarked on the 'fun' last Saturday.  The event was meant to celebrate these young women, their athletic excellence and the work they put into their sport and respective high school teams.   Their reported theme, however, was the joy of playing alongside fellow dedicated hockey athletes from across the state - some of whom traveled over three hours to attend the event.  All of the athletes reported maximum fun, playing with former opponents and sharing a new camaraderie over their shared passion for their sport.

Officials were well prepared to inaugurate Hockey 5’s in Texas.

Hockey 5's represented a challenge with a  new game for the officials to call.  Umpire Ian Chappell invested time with USA Field Hockey’s Director of Umpiring Sean Rapaport to learn how to officiate a Hockey 5’s event, prior to his officiating in Austin.  Rapaport encouraged Chappell to feel comfortable officiating the games as he was in good company - A recent international competition for Hockey 5’s also saw multiple umpires officiating their ‘first ever Hockey 5’s’ event!  All reports are that Chappell did an excellent job, kicking off the event by providing the official introduction to the format for the players and coaches alike.    Both Chappell and volunteer coach Sam Winslett embraced the new format and encouraged athletes enthusiastically along the way.  The Texas State Chapter sees great opportunity for future Hockey 5's events within Texas.

The three competing exhibition teams  played fast games with a 2 minute substitution rotation, keeping everyone in the action.  The event concluded with a presentation to the athletes of mementos and certificates honoring their athletic achievement, being nominated by their high school coaches to attend this High School All Star event.

The Texas State Chapter Board was especially thankful for the support of St. Stephen's Episcopal Associate Director and Field Hockey Program Head Chelsea Richards.  Richards directly supported the State Chapter event organization and execution.  The Texas State Chapter Board is also grateful to all the high school coaches, the dedicated athletes, their families and club coaches for helping grow the game we all love.