UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; July 28, 2022 (portions courtesy of USA Field Hockey) – Penn State field hockey, which was well represented at the 2022 Senior Nexus Championship, continued to haul in the honors, accolades and team invites during USA Field Hockey's 2022 season. Junior Sophia Gladieux (Boyertown, Pa.) and graduate student Grace Wallis (Blue Bell, Pa.) both earned honors after the tournament's six-day run.
Gladieux was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2022 Senior Nexus Championships, held Virginia. Gladieux was one of five Nittany Lions to attend the event (joined by teammates Sofia Acosta, Mackenzie Allessie, Brie Barraco and Wallis).
Athletes participated in the Senior NXC from July 17 through July 22 at the Virginia Beach Regional Training Center in Virginia Beach, Va., for four intense days of competition and two training days as the opportunity for selection was on the line. The pool of athletes consisted of top elite high school, collegiate and post-collegiate players and members of the 2021-22 U.S. Rise and U-21 Women's National Teams, U.S. National Development Team and USWNT.
Gladieux is a two-time first team All-Big Ten selection, a two-time first team All-Region pick, was a second team All-American in 2020 and a first team All-American last year (2021). She helped guide Penn State to the NCAA tournament in 2021 with 38 points off 18 goals and two assists. She enters her junior campaign with 64 career points, 30 career goals and four career assists.
Wallis has been invited to the USA Field Hockey Development Squad Selection Camp. The Development Squad Selection Camp will take place in December 2022 or January 2023, with specific timing and location to be confirmed. At this Selection Camp, these athletes will be evaluated to be named to the Development Squad. Once selected, the athletes will be offered opportunities to train with the USWNT as they prepare for the FIH Hockey Pro League matches in 2023.
Wallis was named to the US Women's National U-21 squad in 2019 and was a member of the U.S. U-19 National Team in 2018. She heads into her fifth collegiate season, having opted to come back for a final year, with 25 career points off seven goals and 11 assists.
Fans are encouraged to follow the Nittany Lion field hockey team online at www.GoPSUsports.com (click teams, click field hockey), on twitter @pennstateFH and on facebook at www.facebook.com/pennstatefieldhockey.
