US Junior Women To Open Competition at IHF U20 Women's World Championship in China

The US Women's Junior National Team will take to the court at the IHF U20 Women's World Championships beginning tomorrow, following their preparation camp in Germany last week. 

The United States qualified for the World Championship through a silver medal finish at last year’s NACHC U19 Women’s Championship, continuing the growth and international progression of the women’s junior national team pathway.

The U.S. will compete in Group F alongside Montenegro, Czechia, and Iceland.

Preliminary Round Schedule

Wednesday, June 24 — United States vs. Czechia — 2:00 p.m. local / 2:00 a.m. ET
Thursday, June 25 — United States vs. Montenegro — 11:45 a.m. local / Wednesday, June 24, 11:45 p.m. ET
Saturday, June 27 — United States vs. Iceland — 11:45 a.m. local / Friday, June 26, 11:45 p.m. ET

All three U.S. preliminary-round matches are scheduled to be played at City Gymnasium in Jinzhong.

U.S. Women’s Junior National Team Roster

Lucie Braschofollowing their preparation camp in Germany last weekss
Zina Chaouch
Brittney Coon
Isabella Da Cruz
Maggie Doherty Dahllof
Ia Mathilde Hannevik
Jana Marques Molins
Hajnalka Penszki
Leopoldina Poerschke
Lisa Ready
Doreen Sanchez
Leya Schlaepfer
Hanna Schlueter
Amelina Schulz
Milia Tomlin
Rafailia Varytimiadou

Staff

Head Coach: Thomas Baeckmann
Assistant Coach / Team Leader: Elizabeth Hartnett-Wyatt
Assistant Coach: Pauline Marangoni
Athletic Trainer: Chris Meny

The 2026 IHF Women’s Junior World Championship marks another important opportunity for the United States to continue building its women’s national team pipeline, with athletes gaining valuable experience against top junior programs from around the world.

USA Team Handball congratulates all selected athletes and staff and wishes the team success in China.