Josie George Worthington '72 Represents U.S.A. at Field Hockey World Cup

Getting to the World Cup was an accomplishment in and of itself. Women from around the country gathered in Philadelphia last year for tryouts. Fifteen players made the World Cup roster, and Josie, who plays forward and midfield, was a member of this special group. With just a few partial-team practices, Team U.S.A. headed to South Africa on September 28, 2022.

This story begins before the formation of Team U.S.A. We need to go back to 1970 when an Eleventh Age, Josie, picked up a field hockey stick for the first time. The setting was the field across Tuscany Road from Calvert's Lower School (now known as Brown Field). The coach was Harry Marcoplos. Mr. Marcoplos himself was quite familiar with international field hockey competitions. He played on the 1948 and 1956 U.S. Olympic teams. The spark ignited that Eleventh Age girl, who would grow up with a passion for the sport and eventually go on to represent her country just like her first coach. 

Before putting on the red, white, and blue, however, Josie donned the light blue and dark blue as a member of the Garrison Forest field hockey team. She then went on to play collegiate hockey at Wheaton College and joined the Baltimore Field Hockey Association in her late 20s. She serves on the BFHA Board and continues to be an active player today.

Hockey is really about "basics and connection on the field," Josie said. "Like I learned at Calvert: make good decisions, make a commitment, and try to do the best you can." The best aspects are her teammates and their camaraderie. "The women are amazing," she shared. "I love being part of a team. You all work together for a common goal."

What makes representing her country on the field so special? "Nothing about it is about you," said Josie. "It's about doing your part to accomplish the team's goals."

Coached by former Olympian Stefanie Fee, the U.S.A. O-60 team played six games during the World Cup Masters tournament in South Africa this October. Between team workouts, film study, and games, the team had two days off to explore Cape Town and experience the local South African culture. Josie visited iconic landmarks such as the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. It was a stunning backdrop for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

This experience did not happen by chance. Josie is undoubtedly a naturally gifted athlete. Complementing this talent are years of hard work and dedication to the sport. These unseen moments are when champions are made, like when Josie would come home from work and grab the last moments of daylight to practice her stick skills. "If you want to be successful at something, you must put in the work," Josie said.

Successful, indeed. Congratulations, Josie and Team U.S.A.!