Hello! My name is Lilly Hodges, and recently I've been selected for team USA on the U-20 women's team for the World Junior Ultimate Championships in Logroño, Spain from July 11th-18th, 2026! I'm so excited for this opportunity to play and experience a dream I've had and worked towards for years.
My parents play and had encouraged me into the sport for my whole life but never forced me to play. So I didn’t until one day in eighth grade I was convinced to go to a high school girls practice just to meet the team. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with it and played with determination and hard work each day get better everyday. I have found a home within this sport gaining confidence, incredible connections and strong friendships across the country.
I learned about US U-20 teams through my friends and teammates watching every game the summer of 2022. When I saw these games I knew wanted to play at the level I was watching on my screen. With the work I put in I now have the chance to be the athlete on your screen!
While this is an amazing opportunity it is certainly not free to play in a country across the world. As a college student the price of this tournament is a large commitment financially. So, I am fundraising to try to mitigate as much of that cost as possible. That's where you come in! Any donations will go directly to this trip covering the following expenses:
- 2026 USAU MEMBERSHIP dues $70
- Training weekend in June $300
- Transportation to training weekend $200-400
- Coaching and Medical personnel $900-1000
- WJUC player participation fee $400
- Transport training camp $200-400
- Training camp housing/food/fields/transportation $800-900
- Flights to WJUC $800-1000
- Tournament Housing/food/transportation $800-900
- Flight home $800-1000
APPROX Total $5,270-6,370
Your support will help significantly to attend this life long dream!
Lastly, I'm so thankful for the teammates, coaches and organizations that have backed me on my journey to this achievement: PADA, Strath Haven High School (Back-to-back state champs), Philadelphia Pythons, Philadelphia Forge, Zephyr, AMP and most recently University of Oregon Fugue. Because of them I've become surrounded with an amazing community and incredible people.
Please consider donating to my lifelong dream and spread the word! Any amount helps!
Thank you so much,
Lilly Hodges
Photo Credits to @Buzzbeat