Heilman makes US Field Hockey U21 team

Indiana sophomore forward/midfielder Audra Heilman has been named to the U.S. Field Hockey Under-21 team, USA Field Hockey announced Tuesday.

The selection of Heilman to the U21 team comes after she competed June 1-8 at the USA Field Hockey’s High Performance Center’s Women’s National Championship in Maryland.

Heilman played for the Midwest team at the championship, which featured elite field hockey athletes, including collegiate all-stars, current National Team members and members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team.

“Audra has committed herself to improving and competing at the top U.S. level for her age,” IU field hockey Head Coach Amy Robertson said in a release. “Earlier this summer she had the opportunity to try out and make the Midwest High Performance team which placed her on a path to have a chance for selection to the U21 squad competing in the Pan American games in September. Although she did not get chosen for this team she has already been pre-selected to be on the U21 squad that will compete in the Junior World Cup next year.

“She has worked really hard and taken advantage of this opportunity by continuing to learn new things and improve her game.  She is closer to being in a position to achieve her dream.”

Heilman started all 17 games her freshman season, compiling six goals and four assists for 16 points, fifth most on the team. She recorded a .765 shot on goal percentage and also scored one game-winning goal.

– Joe Popely