Liberty University Welcomes New Field Hockey Recruits
Liberty University’s field hockey team is excited to add nine new athletes to its roster for the 2026 season. These players come from four different countries: Argentina, the United States, South Africa, and Belgium.
Meet the New Signees
Teshawn De La Rey from Johannesburg, South Africa, is a promising midfielder/forward. She stood out at the 2025 Junior World Cup and played for the South African Women’s 5s team that placed fourth at the 2024 Women’s Hockey5s World Cup. Teshawn expressed her excitement about joining Liberty, noting the chance to grow both academically and spiritually.
Alexia Guedouar is a midfielder/forward from Brussels, Belgium. She plays for the Royal Leopold Club and has enjoyed success, including reaching the Belgian Cup final in 2025. Alexia looks forward to meeting new friends at Liberty.
Natalie Harrison hails from Lovettsville, Virginia. As a versatile midfielder/defender, she left a mark at Woodgrove High School, scoring 52 goals over her four years. Natalie is thrilled to be part of a faith-based program like Liberty’s.
Pia Iapichino from Buenos Aires, Argentina, plays as a forward for Club Atlético River Plate. She is motivated by her values of joy and hard work, and she has experience with the Buenos Aires U16 national team.
Clarisa Iudicello, also from Argentina, is a midfielder/forward who recently helped her U21 national team take gold at the 2026 Junior Pan American Cup. She is eager to develop at Liberty.
Allena Jaworski, a goalkeeper from Mount Airy, Maryland, led her high school team to a state title last season. With impressive stats, including a .914 save percentage, she is excited to embrace the competitive and faith-centered environment at Liberty.
Danielle Lavery comes from New Freedom, Pennsylvania. She has excelled at Susquehannock High School, where her team boasts a strong winning record. Danielle is eager to join a program that emphasizes teamwork and resilience.
Ntsopa Mokoena, a forward from Bethlehem, South Africa, is a seasoned player with international experience, having competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics. She feels grateful for the chance to play in the U.S. and looks forward to joining the Flames.
Martu Sánchez Ros represents Buenos Aires and is a defender/midfielder. She has numerous tournament achievements under her belt and can’t wait to make her mark at Liberty.
Tapping into Field Hockey Trends
The sport is growing globally, particularly among young women. A study by the International Hockey Federation indicated that participation in field hockey is rising, especially in countries like Argentina and South Africa. This increases competition levels and enhances the quality of recruits, highlighting the deep talent pool that Liberty is drawing from.
Community Reactions
Fans and supporters have taken to social media to welcome the new recruits, sharing their excitement with comments and clips. Tweets from the Liberty Field Hockey account express enthusiasm about the new additions and the bright future for the team.
The integration of these new athletes promises to strengthen Liberty’s field hockey program. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences will contribute to a vibrant team culture, helping each player grow both on and off the field.
This fresh wave of talent not only enhances the Flames’ competitive edge but fosters a sense of community that aligns with Liberty’s values. As these young athletes prepare for their journey, they bring with them unique stories and aspirations, poised to leave a lasting impact on the program.
