Rising Stars: The Journey of the U.S. Olympic Women's Handball Team
A TikTok video has caused a surge of interest in the U.S. Olympic women's handball team, attracting many newcomers like Rylee White, who discovered the sport through a viral clip promoting trials in Los Angeles. The call for athletes with no experience necessary drew over 150 women to the January trials, a significant increase from previous turnouts. White and a select few have since relocated to Florida to join USA Handball's national residency program, aiming to compete at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Handball, a fast-paced sport popular in Europe, is relatively unknown in the U.S. The last time the country had a women's handball team at the Olympics was in 1996. Funding and resources are constant challenges for fielding a competitive U.S. team, with many athletes being dual citizens from Europe. Despite the sport's popularity in other countries, handball athletes in the U.S. often transition to the sport later in life, with the game involving two teams of six players using their hands to pass a ball into the opponent's goal.
The residency program aims to prepare players to play professionally overseas, with the ultimate goal of representing the U.S. at the Olympics. While the roster for the Olympic team won't be finalized until closer to the Games, only a limited number of players can compete. Head coach Sarah Gascon, a former national team player, is focused on rebuilding the team and program in the U.S. to improve its competitiveness on the international stage. The team faces challenges due to limited resources and lack of funding from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
Athletes like Devyn Holbrook, who had never heard of handball before the trials, have embraced the sport and the opportunity to pursue their Olympic dreams. With a background in various sports, Holbrook quickly became passionate about handball and is determined to give her all to make the Olympic team. The athletes in the residency program are dedicated to honing their skills and overcoming challenges to achieve their goal of representing the U.S. at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.