Megan Callahan Competes on the World Stage Through USA Masters Program

BALTIMORE, MD – For over a decade, Goucher's field hockey head coach, Megan Callahan, has been proving that competitive play doesn't end after college. Since 2014, she has proudly represented the United States in the USA Field Hockey Masters Program, competing in international tournaments around the globe.

Callahan's journey began with the inaugural opportunity to try out for the Masters World Cup in Holland in 2014, when the minimum age for Masters participation was 40+, whereas now it has been lowered to 35+. She made the team and has been a committed participant ever since, competing regularly in the World Cup every two years, along with additional events both indoor and outdoor.

Over the years, she has played against international teams including Russia, Italy, and many others. Depending on participation in each age bracket, competitions are structured with pool play leading into medal rounds. Some brackets, like the 40s and 50s, draw more teams, adding depth and intensity to the tournament field.

In addition to outdoor events, Callahan has taken part in indoor competitions and USA-based Masters events like the Shooting Star tournament and Beach Bash in Delaware, helping grow the domestic presence of the Masters program. These opportunities keep athletes engaged in the sport while supporting recruiting efforts and community development.

While the 2020 Outdoor Masters World Cup, scheduled to be hosted in Virginia Beach, was unfortunately canceled due to the global pandemic, she continues to train and compete. Before 2024, the most recent outdoor World Cup was held in Barcelona in 2018. But upcoming events are already on Callahan's radar.

What drives her participation isn't just competition, it's the opportunity to continue learning. As a coach, she finds value in being coached herself, gaining insight from international colleagues and adapting to new rule changes, since they come from FIH before they reach the college level. She applies this experience directly to her coaching, emphasizing understanding the holistic athlete experience, from managing nerves and handling mistakes to building team culture with empathy and resilience.

The Masters program also offers inspiration beyond the field. Seeing women in their 60s, 70s, and even into their 80s continue to compete fuels her own dedication and drive. With the addition of Grand Masters divisions for players 80+, the message is clear: the game truly never ends.

As she continues to compete, coach, and travel the world through field hockey, her story stands as a testament to lifelong athleticism, learning, and leadership.