COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - August 24, 2018 - The U.S. Women's National Team will be without one more familiar face. Today, midfielder Loren Shealy (Charlotte, N.C.) has officially announced her retirement from the program. Shealy joined the USWNT in 2015 and appeared in 52 international caps for Team USA.

“Shealy was a player who was always willing to do what was needed,” said Janneke Schopman, USWNT Head Coach. “Starting as a forward she made the transition to the midfield where she would play the role the team needed her to play. She always worked hard, had a great shot and an ability to be at the right spot in the circle at the right time.”

A North Carolina native, Shealy fell in love with the game in middle school, seeing comparisons in field hockey to her first sport love, golf, but in a team oriented setting. She wove her way through the Futures Program before moving on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2011, and helped lead the Tar Heels to the NCAA Final Four and Finals twice each. She also earned the prestigious Sports Illustrated College Athlete of the Year for the 2012-13 season. 

After joining the USWNT in 2015, she appeared in test series matches against England and Japan. She also appeared in the series against Canada and Chile in 2016, the Hawke’s Bay Cup and International Festival of Hockey in 2017. She was a member of the USWNT that claimed bronze at the 2017 women’s Pan American Cup and gold in the FIH Hockey world League Semifinals in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

Among all her appearances in the red, white and blue, nothing beat playing in front of the home crowd at Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster, Pa.

“Getting to play at home in Lancaster, in front of a great crowd was always a highlight,” added Shealy. There is nothing like singing the national anthem, under the lights and in front of a huge home crowd. I will also really miss the little things, moments in practice and just hanging out with my teammates all over the world.”

Shealy recently accepted a position in New York City. She would also like to thank her family friends, teammates, coaches and everyone that has supported her over the years.

“This experience was made possible by so many people pouring their time and energy into investing in me as both a player and person since I was young,” said Shealy. “Thank you for your unwavering support and constant encouragement.”

USA Field Hockey would like to wish Shealy all the best in her future endeavors!