‘I focus on my primary task, which is to stop the ball,’ USWNT goalkeeper Kelsey Bing on being the last line of defense in the 2026 FIH World Cup
Kelsey Bing huddles with her teammates in the FIH Nations Cup. Photo: USA Field Hockey
You never know when opportunity will open up — or who will still be standing ready when it does.
For USA Women’s National Team goalkeepers Kelsey Bing and Jenny Rizzo, that chance now comes at the 2026 FIH World Cup, where the United States has an opportunity to show how far the program has come.
The U.S. opens World Cup play Saturday, Aug. 15, at 11:30 a.m. EST against No. 2 Argentina.
Since 2018, the Americans have climbed to No. 11 in the world under head coach David Passmore, rebuilding their confidence and identity along the way.
Bing and Rizzo have been part of that return from the back of the field, where goalkeepers see everything develop and where trust is built.
“I grew up playing with Kelsey Bing,” Rizzo told Female Athlete News. “She was definitely a step above me. When I made the team, I had a sense of being at home because I was stepping into a training environment I already knew. We understand each other’s needs. I was so excited to take that step from college to the international stage. It is all about timing.”
That timing matters in a position defined by pressure. Goalkeepers organize from the back, steady the defenders in front of them and absorb the split-second moments that can change a match.
Where to watch: Live (Watch.Hockey) or (Delayed) CBSSportsNetwork
Bing has long been one of the program’s anchors. A former Stanford goalkeeper from Texas Pride Field Hockey Club, she has ranked among the world’s top goalkeepers and follows a U.S. lineage that includes Jackie Briggs, Alesha Widdall, Jess Jecko and Lauren Blazing.
“What excites me the most about the World Cup is the opportunity for our team,” Bing told Female Athlete News. “We’ve shown a lot of growth over the last year and a half, and I’m excited to see where we are against such great opponents. It will be a great experience for our team and an opportunity to continue to learn and showcase our hockey.”
That growth suits Bing’s detail-driven style. Earlier this summer, University of California head coach Tara Jelley Danielson, also former Stanford coach, called her “clinical” in goal — an apt description for a goalkeeper who is also an engineer.
“Engineering requires an analytical approach, and I often bring that same approach to hockey,” Bing said. “It has given me a framework to continuously iterate, maintain a growth mindset and find marginal gains so I can keep learning as a goalkeeper.”
The same attention to detail has shaped the team’s preparation. Bing said the group has spent recent weeks sharpening its mental approach, revisiting key match moments and defining the habits it wants to carry into high-pressure games.
Kelsey Bing is pictured suited up at the FIH Nations Cup. Photo: USA Field Hockey
After earning bronze at the FIH Nations Cup, the U.S. gained another measure of belief — and another chance to test its progress against the world’s best.
“We have focused a lot on mental preparation and development,” Bing said. “We have done a good job defining our cultural identity, so we know what it looks like when we’re playing our best and how to connect with each other. Our tight-knit culture is something we can lean into throughout the tournament.”
From the cage, that culture becomes practical. Every attack demands quick reads, calm decisions and complete trust between the goalkeeper and the defenders working in front of her.
“At the international level, there are many great attackers with different strengths and skills,” Bing said. “For me, I focus on my primary task, which is to stop the ball. Every player has tendencies, but it’s less about each individual and more about playing the game in front of me and defending together with my teammates.”
Even when the recognition is individual, Bing frames it through the team.
Where to watch: Live (Watch.Hockey) or (Delayed) CBSSportsNetwork
“It was a huge honor to be named on that list,” Bing said of being ranked among the world’s best goalkeepers a few years ago. “But good goalkeeping comes from good defense. It is more a reflection of what our team can achieve together. My teammates give me confidence and connection.”
That collective mindset will be tested against the world’s most dynamic attacking teams.
“The Dutch, when they are connecting, passing and receiving on the move, bring some of the best attacking hockey to watch and some of the hardest to play against,” Bing said. “They are so dynamic on and off the ball that they create a lot of opportunities.”
Still, Bing does not want the stage to become heavier than the game itself.
“My goalkeeping bag is mainly practical pieces,” Bing said. “I bring my jerseys and tools to fix my equipment in case anything breaks. I also keep our little stuffed Eagle on the bench. His name is Edgar — something fun to spark a little joy and remind us to enjoy the game we get to play.”
Thank you for reading Female Athlete News. Reach us at femaleathletenews@gmail.com with a tip or story idea.
