Five young athletes from Madison stepped into the national spotlight as they competed in the 2025 USA Field Hockey Junior Nexus Championship, one of the country’s most prestigious developmental tournaments for rising field hockey talent. The event, held in Virginia Beach, Virginia, brought together top players from across the United States to represent their regions and demonstrate their skills in front of national selectors.
The Nexus Championship serves as a stepping stone to elite opportunities within USA Field Hockey’s Olympic development pipeline. For the five Madison athletes, this was more than just a tournament it was a chance to represent their hometown and take a major step forward in their field hockey journeys.
The USA Field Hockey Junior Nexus Championship (NXC) is the final phase of the Nexus athlete development program, designed to identify the top U14, U16, and U19 athletes across the country. Selected players are invited based on their performances at regional training camps, where coaches evaluate technical skill, game IQ, and physical fitness.
This year’s championship took place from July 5–12, 2025, featuring more than 600 athletes from across the nation. Competing in age-based teams, the players were not only vying for championship titles but also hoping to earn spots on the U.S. Women’s Junior National Team training squads.
Representing the Midwest Region, five talented players from Madison earned invitations to the 2025 Junior Nexus Championship. Each of these athletes had previously impressed during regional assessments and were among the few selected from Wisconsin to make it to the national stage.
These five standouts from Madison were:
Each of them played critical roles on their Nexus teams, showing not only strong individual performances but also leadership, adaptability, and team spirit.
The five Madison athletes showcased the city’s deep field hockey talent pool across every area of the field.
Emma Larsen, known for her quick decision-making and excellent passing accuracy, anchored the midfield. Her vision and communication skills helped her U16 team control possession and transition smoothly from defense to offense.
Chloe Sanderson, playing as a central defender, displayed poise under pressure. Her well-timed tackles and ability to read the opponent’s plays contributed significantly to her team’s low goals-against average.
Sofia Miles, one of the youngest on the Madison roster, was electric in the attacking third. The U14 forward scored two goals during pool play and was praised by coaches for her agility and fearless approach against older, more experienced defenders.
Ava Chen, guarding the net in the U19 division, was a standout performer throughout the week. She recorded multiple clean sheets and was instrumental in her team’s advancement to the semifinal round. Her shot-stopping abilities earned her recognition from USA Field Hockey scouts.
Natalie Briggs provided versatility as a utility player, shifting seamlessly between midfield and defense. Her consistency and work rate made her a vital part of her team’s rotation and strategy.
Several Nexus coaches spoke highly of the Madison players, noting their technical ability and strong fundamentals. Many credited local youth programs and school teams for producing such polished athletes.
“These players from Madison came prepared,” said one Nexus coach. “They were disciplined, competitive, and brought positive energy to every match.”
The strong representation from Madison is a testament to the growth of field hockey in the Midwest, where the sport has traditionally received less attention compared to regions like the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
Beyond competition, the Junior Nexus Championship provided a major exposure opportunity for the Madison athletes. Dozens of college recruiters and national team scouts attended the event, looking for players to join Division I, II, and III programs or enter USA Field Hockey’s Olympic Development Pathway.
By performing well at this level, players like Larsen, Chen, and Briggs now have a clearer shot at being invited to future Junior National Team camps. For many, that would be a dream come true and a significant milestone in pursuit of representing Team USA.
Back in Madison, family, friends, and local sports organizations rallied behind the five players. Updates were shared on social media, and several local schools held watch parties to support their athletes.
The attention has also brought more awareness to field hockey in the Madison area, inspiring younger athletes to consider the sport as a competitive and rewarding path.
“Seeing girls from our hometown compete on a national level gives us hope and motivation,” said one youth player from a local club. “We want to be next.”
While the tournament results were important, the greater impact lies in the experience gained and the confidence built. These five Madison players not only competed against the country’s best they proved they belong among them.
As they return home, they’ll bring valuable experience to their high school and club teams, helping raise the overall level of play in the area.
The 2025 Junior Nexus Championship may be over, but for Madison’s rising stars, the journey is only just beginning.
With continued support, training, and determination, it wouldn’t be surprising to see one or several of these athletes wearing a Team USA jersey in the near future.
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