VANTAGE BLACK STICKS WOMEN 2025 USA TOUR SQUAD
Hockey New Zealand is proud to confirm the Vantage Black Sticks Women’s squad selected for the upcoming USA Series in Charlotte, North Carolina, running from 25 June to 11 July.
The series marks a critical stage in the team’s preparation ahead of the 2025 Oceania Cup, where they will battle Australia for direct qualification to the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.
Fresh off a gold medal campaign at the 2025 FIH Nations Cup in Chile, the team enters this tour in red-hot form and full of confidence. With the aim to build on fundamental skill execution, decision making under pressure, and game plan execution in a tough away environment.
A standout selection is NINA MURPHY, who earns her debut after a brilliant Junior Hockey League performance earlier this year where she was named tournament MVP. Her selection reflects the strength of the next generation pushing through.
The USA were last in New Zealand in January 2025, where the Vantage Black Sticks Women won both test matches 2–0. This return tour flips the script, now it’s our turn to head into their backyard with the goal of staying undefeated.
“Another exciting opportunity for our still fairly inexperienced group to live and breathe hockey in a high performance environment. We are looking to progress and refine our way of play after recent Nations Cup success.” Head Coach Phil Burrows.
The Vantage Black Sticks Women’s squad for the 2025 USA Tour:
JESSIE ANDERSON, REBECCA BAKER, HANNAH COTTER, KAITLIN COTTER, ANNA CROWLEY, CASEY CROWLEY, EMMA FINDLAY, EMMA RAINEY, JULIA GLUYAS, HANNAH GRAVENALL, ELLA HYATT-BROWN, TESSA JOPP, KIRSTY NATION, NINA MURPHY, HOLLY PEARSON, RIANA PHO, TESSA REID, OLIVIA SHANNON ©, BRITT WANG, ANNA WILLOCKS
The series will include five matches against the United States, including two official test matches. The two test matches will be LIVE and FREE on TVNZ+.
Thursday 3 July 10.00am NZT vs USA (practice match)
Sunday 6 July 2.00am NZT vs USA (test match)
Monday 7 July 2.00am NZT vs USA (test match)
Wednesday 9 July 10.00am NZT vs USA (practice match)
Friday 11 July 2.00am NZT vs USA (practice match)