DUDLEY, Mass. – Nichols College field hockey graduate student Liza Phillips has been named to the Open Women's Field Hockey Team and will compete at the 21^st Maccabiah next summer in Israel for the United States.

Phillips was a four-year member of the Nichols College field hockey program (2017-21) who appeared in 67 career matches (41 starts) on defense for the Bison. The Simsbury, Connecticut native has twice been named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division III National Academic Squad and scored her first collegiate goal last spring against Lasell.

"I am extremely blessed and honored to have been chosen for this team," said Phillips. "I am beyond excited to join this group and represent the United States in Israel. I would like to thank coach Lane for presenting me with this opportunity and the Nichols field hockey program for always pushing me to be the best player and teammate possible."

A team captain this past season, Phillips received her bachelor's degree in Sport Management this past May and is currently pursuing her master's degree in Organizational Leadership. She also received the Richard Scheffler Sixth Man Award from the college at the conclusion of the 2020-21 academic year.

Nichols field hockey head coach Laura-Ann Lane added, "Traveling to play field hockey internationally is always a fantastic experience. And, having the opportunity to represent the United States, by putting on the red, white and blue is a dream for many. The final piece to this is that she will be representing her faith in Israel, which I know for her is an important part of her life. I am incredibly proud of Liza and am counting the days until I can cheer her on!  I know she will represent Nichols College and Bison Pride while on the pitch this summer. Let's Go USA!"
 
The first Maccabiah was held in in Ramat Gan in 1932 with 390 athletes from 18 countries taking part. Traditionally held every four years, interrupted only by the Second World War, by 2017 the Games had grown to include nearly 10,000 Jewish athletes from more than 75 countries competing in 40 sports, making it the third largest international multi-sport event in the world following only the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. The Maccabi USA delegation to the 20th Maccabiah in the summer of 2017 numbered 1,131 members, the largest traveling delegation in the history of not just Jewish sporting events but all international multi-sport competitions.

Maccabi USA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that uses sports to build Jewish pride, identity, community, and connection to Israel. It is the official sponsor of the United States delegation to the Maccabiah and Maccabi Youth Games in Israel, and the Pan-American and European Maccabi Games hosted in rotating countries every four years.

Maccabi USA develops, promotes and supports international, national and regional athletic-based activities and facilities.  It strives to provide Jewish athletes all over the world the opportunity to share their heritage and customs in competitive athletic settings.  The organization supports programs that embody the Maccabi ideals of Jewish pride, continuity, Zionism, and excellence in sport.

Maccabi USA is a US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Affiliate Organization. The organization is one of only 38 Affiliates nationwide to be recognized by the USOPC for its ability to cultivate a national interest in sport and increase opportunities for participation internationally, nationally, and at the grassroots level.