The University of Louisville’s Erin McCrudden has been selected to the U.S. Women’s National Field Hockey team as announced by USA Field Hockey Thursday.
“I feel an unbelievable level of excitement and pride to be joining the USWNT!” said McCrudden in an interview with USA Field Hockey. “To be given this opportunity to wear the red, white and blue is an absolute dream.” The Putnam Valley N.Y. native, who completed her senior season in 2016, went on to thank her family, past and present teammates, coaches and the University of Louisville for supporting her over her four years as a Cardinal to reach this achievement.
After being selected to the U.S. Women’s National Development Squad in January 2017, McCrudden becomes the second player in program history to be named to the U.S. Women’s National Team.
“Erin caught my eye during last college season playing for Louisville, based on her performance,” said United States Women’s National Team head coach Janneke Schopman in an announcement released by USA Field Hockey. “From there, I decided to personally invite her for the USWNT trials and Development Team. In that environment as well as in USWNT training, she showed herself as a player with potential, always working hard and with an understanding about how to play the game. She is also very keen to learn and I am excited to see where her ceiling is.”
McCrudden capped her playing career at Louisville by earning 2016 Longstreth/National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) second team All-America honors. During her senior campaign, the midfielder and team co-captain led the ACC and was second in the nation with 18 assists. She went on to be named to the All-ACC second team and NFHCA Senior Game and garnered Longstreth/NFHCA All-West Region honors for the second straight season.
McCrudden is ranked second on the Louisville’s list for single season assists with 18 in 2016 and finished her career with 22 assists, placing her tied for 10th on the school’s all-time list.
“This is wonderful news for Erin and a testament to all of the hard work she has put in over the last four years,” said UofL head coach Justine Sowry. “Erin has been part of the High Performance National Championship the last few years and has had the goal of representing her country. The last 12 months has culminated into some great individual accomplishments and I am so happy that she has earned this reward and to continue playing the sport she loves at the next level. We are excited to follow her progress on the international stage especially in the coming months where we have multiple Louisville field hockey athletes getting USA and other international opportunities.”
Lori Korte
Assistant Sports Information Director
University of Louisville Athletics