RADFORD, Va. – Becca Devlin (Annapolis, Md./St. Mary’s) is fulfilling her dream of traveling to Israel this summer. Devlin, a sophomore on Radford University’s field hockey squad, will compete in the Maccabiah Games.
The Maccabiah Games, created by Yosef Yekutieli, are held in Israel and are similar to the Olympic Games in that they are hosted every four years. The only difference is that the Maccabiah Games are strictly for Jewish Athletes. This two week sporting competition is considered to be one the largest sporting events in the world.
“I have always wanted to go to Israel since I was little, and I've been trying to figure out things I can do this summer to keep up my stick skills and fitness level,” said Devlin. “When the opportunity arose to play international field hockey in a country I have been dying to visit, I had to try out.”
Devlin originally found out about this great opportunity through Radford University’s field hockey coach Jeff Woods. Woods has been at the helm of the Highlanders’ field hockey squad for 23 seasons and has traveled the world playing and coaching hockey himself.
The International Maccabiah Committee sent out an e-mail to field hockey college coaches divisions I, II and III inviting Jewish field hockey players to tryout for the games. Coach Woods forwarded the e-mail to Devlin to attend the tryouts, and the rest is history. “It’s a great opportunity to play internationally and get more exposure to the game of field hockey,” said Woods. “Becca will gain great experience and confidence from participating in the Maccabiah Games.”
In addition to field hockey, the Maccabiah Games also provide competition for 27 other sporting events. Some of those sports are tennis, soccer, wrestling, table tennis, rugby, karate, water polo, golf, fencing, and volleyball.
Devlin will be representing the US team, and the United States Jewish athletes. Devlin will be on a team of 14 field players and one goal keeper; she will be competing as a forward offensive player.
“I am hoping to gain a religious experience and represent Jewish athletes from America proudly, and hopefully improve my stick skills and come back for pre-season in shape,” said Devlin.
However, before traveling to Israel, Devlin and her Maccabiah Games team will be participating in a tournament in New York over Memorial Day weekend, and then they will leave for Israel on July 2nd. The team will train and travel until the opening ceremonies and start of games on the 13th.