National High School Invitational Field Hockey
Field hockey is a popular sport played in high schools across the United States. The National High School Invitational Field Hockey tournament is a highly-anticipated event that brings together some of the best high school teams in the country. In this article, we will take a closer look at this tournament, its history, and what makes it unique.
History of the National High School Invitational Field Hockey
The National High School Invitational Field Hockey tournament was first held in 2011. It was created by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association to provide a platform for high school field hockey teams to showcase their skills on a national level.
Since then, the tournament has grown in popularity and is now considered one of the premier high school field hockey events in the country. Teams from all over the United States, as well as Canada, have participated in the tournament.
Format of the Tournament
The National High School Invitational Field Hockey tournament is a four-day event that takes place in late October. It features some of the best high school field hockey teams in the country and is held at various locations around the United States.
The tournament is divided into two sections: the Championship Division and the Showcase Division. The Championship Division is for the top 16 teams in the country, while the Showcase Division is for teams that did not qualify for the Championship Division.
Each team is guaranteed four games during the tournament, with the top teams in each division advancing to the championship game on the final day.
Notable Teams and Players
Over the years, the National High School Invitational Field Hockey tournament has featured some of the best high school field hockey teams and players in the country. Many of these players have gone on to have successful college and professional careers.
Some notable teams that have participated in the tournament include the Varsity Field Hockey team from Mount Saint Joseph Academy, the Field Hockey team from Archbishop Spalding High School, and the Field Hockey team from Oak Knoll School.
Some notable players include Katie Bam, who played for the Field Hockey team at Archbishop Spalding High School and went on to play for the United States women's national field hockey team, and Erin Matson, who played for the Varsity Field Hockey team at Mount Saint Joseph Academy and was named the Player of the Year in 2016 and 2017.
Importance of the National High School Invitational Field Hockey
The National High School Invitational Field Hockey tournament plays an important role in the development of high school field hockey players. It provides a platform for players to showcase their skills on a national level and exposes them to college coaches and recruiters.
The tournament also helps raise the profile of high school field hockey and promotes the sport to a wider audience. This exposure can lead to increased participation in the sport and the creation of more opportunities for young athletes to play at the high school and college levels.
Conclusion
The National High School Invitational Field Hockey tournament is an exciting event that brings together some of the best high school field hockey teams in the country. Its history, format, and notable teams and players make it a must-watch event for anyone who loves the sport of field hockey.
Whether you are a player, coach, parent, or simply a fan of the sport, the National High School Invitational Field Hockey tournament is an important event that should not be missed.
