Adele Iacobucci named to US roster for U-22 Junior Pan Am Championship

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

Virginia field hockey rising junior Adele Iacobucci has been named to the 18-player roster that will compete in the women’s 2021 Junior Pan American Championship.

Taking place Aug. 21-28 at the Prince of Wales Country Club in Santiago, Chile, six nations will gather in the women’s division for this qualifier for the 2021 FIH Hockey Junior World Cup.

“I’m super excited to be able to represent USA at the Junior Pan American Championships,” Iacobucci said. “I’m so grateful for my teammates and staff at UVA as they have helped me develop into the player I am today.”

Iacobucci, an All-Atlantic Region First Team honoree, ranked second on the team in goals (8) and points (17) for the Cavaliers last season, ranking in the top-10 in the conference in both categories. The midfielder was named to the ACC All-Tournament team and was also the ACC Offensive Player of the Week after scoring twice in UVA’s 5-2 victory against James Madison. She also earned a spot on the All-ACC Academic Team and the NFHCA National Academic Squad.

Iacobucci is one of nine players named to the roster who are also members of the US Senior Women’s National Team but are of age to compete at the Junior Pan Am Championship.

At the end of June, a training squad was established following the Young Women’s National Championship. Select athletes from this group participated in a four-game series against Chile from June 30 through July 4 at James Madison University in Harrisonburg for further evaluation and to assist in narrowing the final team.

“Narrowing our squad down from 32 has been extremely difficult and highlighted the depth and talent we have,” Women’s National Team Head Coach Tracey Paul said. “There is a lot of potential in this team and I am very excited to see what this group of not only talented athletes but exceptional young women can bring in Chile. I think we have a balanced squad that poses a huge threat on attack alongside a strong defensive unit, and I am looking forward to seeing them perform at JPAC.”

USA sits in Pool B with Chile and Trinidad and Tobago. They open against Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday, Aug. 21 at 1 p.m. ET and play Chile on Sunday, Aug. 22 at 1 p.m. ET.