USA Field Hockey National Umpire Award - is presented to a USA Field Hockey Umpire Member who has shown integrity and love of the game on and off the field of play. This recipient has treated players, coaches and fans with respect while enforcing the rules and keeping the game safe and fair.
Erika Barbera #
- Had a breakthrough year with many debut appearances as an umpire
- Officiated at the 2024 Pan American Challenge in Bermuda in September – her first international tournament
- Officiated at the 2024 National Club Championship in June, calling the U-19 final
- Officiated at the 2024 Nexus Championship in July, calling the U-18 final
Maggie Giddens #
- On the FIH Outdoor Umpire Leading Panel, the highest ranked panel
- Has been an umpire in the FIH Hockey Pro League since its first season in 2019. Will officiate in the 2024-25 FIH Hockey Pro League in February in Argentina.
- Officiated in the women’s 2023-24 FIH Hockey Pro League season
- Officiated at the women’s 2024 FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier which took place in Spain in January
- Junior Premier Hockey Director of Umpiring, a new role she was appointed to in 2024
- Nexus Umpire Manager
- Officiated at the 2024 Big Ten Tournament in the quarterfinals, semifinals and final
- Officiated at the NCAA Division I Championship in Ann Arbor, Mich. Was assigned to the Final, her 9th title match appearance
Lurah Hess #
- On FIH Technical Officials Leading panel, the highest ranked panel
- FIH Hockey Pro League Match Manager in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons for the men and women
- Technical Delegate at the 2024 Nations Cup (Women) in Spain in June
- Technical Delegate at the 2024 Pan American Challenge in Peru in September
- On the PAHF and FIH Umpiring Committees
- Continues to serve as a technical delegate for Junior Premier Hockey and Big Apple events
Allie Mikelson #
- On the FIH Outdoor Umpire International Panel
- Officiated at the men’s and women’s 2024 Junior Pan American Championships which took place in Canada in July. Was appointed to the women’s bronze medal game.
- Officiated at the men’s and women’s 2024 Indoor Pan American Cup which took place in Canada in March. Was appointed to the men’s gold medal match.
- Umpire for many Big Apple events
- Assigned to the Ivy League Tournament. Was the video umpire on the final.
- Officiated in the NCAA Tournament First Round in Philadelphia, Pa.
- Was a reserve at the NCAA Division I Championship in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Ben Peters #
- On the FIH Outdoor Umpire High Potential Panel
- Made his debut in the FIH Hockey Pro League during the 2023-24 season, doing both men and women.
- Will officiate in the 2024-25 FIH Hockey Pro League in December in Argentina
- Officiated at the 2024 Nations Cup (Men) in Poland in May
- Nexus umpire manager
- Officiated at the 2024 Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament in the quarterfinals.
- Officiated at the 2024 Big Ten Tournament in the quarterfinals, semifinals and final
- Officiated in the NCAA Tournament First and Second Rounds in Evanston, Ill.
- Officiated at the NCAA Division I Championship in Ann Arbor, Mich. Was assigned to the Final.
