The move lifts Gey from her previous spot with the U.S. developmental squad. Gey earned selection to the developmental team in June following her performance at the 2007 Women's National Championship and made a pair of appearances with the National Team during the USA's October series with Japan.

"Jesse has performed well in the National Championships, was exposed to international hockey in the Japan Series and has followed this up with being one of the dominant performers in NCAA Division I competition," said Bodimeade on Gey's promotion. "This progression has highlighted the need for her to be elevated into the National Squad. Her speed and understanding of the game have stood out and we feel that she could be a valuable addition to our Olympic build up if she can improve in other areas of her game that need development."

Currently a senior at the Univ. of North Carolina, Gey helped lead the Tar Heels to a No. 1 ranking and a spot in the NCAA I semifinals. Gey is one of three National Squad members on the Carolina roster joining USA teammates Rachel Dawson (Berlin, N.J.) and Katelyn Falgowski (Landenberg, Pa.).

The U.S. squad will continue its preparations for their Olympic Qualifying Tournament when the team reconvenes for training at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. in January. The USA will compete in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, April 19-27, 2008 in Kazan, Russia. The USA must win the six-team tournament that includes Belgium, Chinese Taipei, India, Netherlands Antilles and host Russia to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games.

www.usafieldhockey.com

Sun Safe Play! Campaign
Initiated in June 2007 in memory of former USA Field Hockey teammate Maria Whitehead, the Sun Safe Play! Campaign is an effort by the USA Field Hockey National Team and the Melanoma International Foundation to provide athletes who regularly play, practice and compete in the sun with educational information on melanoma and skin cancer prevention. A former member of USA Field Hockey teams and a college coach, Whitehead died from melanoma in November of 2006.

USA Field Hockey’s Sun Safe Play! Campaign encourages all outdoor athletes to practice sun safe habits and make healthy decisions while playing in the sun.