Guyana Announces 16-Member U21 Women’s Hockey Team for PAHF Junior Challenge

The Team

The Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) has announced the final 16-player roster for the Under-21 Women’s Hockey team set to compete at the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Junior Challenge in Bridgetown, Barbados, from March 8 to 16, 2025.

Team Composition

The team includes a mix of seasoned and promising newcomers, with four overseas-based players on the roster. Among them is Sarah Klautky, named team captain, alongside Charlie Webb and sisters Georgiana and Madison Fernandes. Klautky and the Fernandes cousins were part of the 2023 Guyana team that secured a 5th-place finish at the Junior Pan American Championships.

The squad features several returning players from the previous U21 team, including defenders Kirsten Gomes, Kazaquah Uzzi, Solana Crum-Ewing, midfielder Clayza Bobb, and striker Makayla Poole.

Newcomers

Strikers Keitana Percival, Rebecca Ferreira, Africo Blackman, and defenders Tinashe Henry and Sara Matthias are joining the team for the first time. Goalkeepers Sarah Harry and Kendra Gordon will also make their international debuts in 2025.

Head Coach’s Comments

Head coach Philip Fernandes, who also serves as the President of the Guyana Hockey Board, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well at the tournament. He highlighted the squad’s blend of experience and youthful energy, noting that five players gained valuable exposure by competing with the senior team in Bermuda last year.

Fernandes praised the new players’ speed and high energy and hoped these attributes would translate into improved scoring.

Tournament Schedule

Guyana will open its campaign against Guatemala on March 8, followed by matches against Mexico, Puerto Rico, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago. A strong performance in the tournament could secure Guyana a spot in the 2025 Junior Pan American Games, which will be held in Paraguay in August.

Squad Roster

Goalkeepers: Sarah Harry and Kendra Gordon
Defenders: Solana Crum-Ewing, Kirsten Gomes, Tinashe Henry, Sara Matthias, and Kazaquah Uzzi
Midfielders: Clayza Bobb, Madison Fernandes, Sarah Klautky (Captain), Charlie Webb
Strikers: Africa Blackman, Georgiana Fernandes, Rebecca Ferreira, Keitana Percival, Makayla Poole

Conclusion

The team is set to face a challenging tournament, but with a mix of experience and youthful energy, they are confident of making a strong impression. The tournament will be a great opportunity for the team to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience.