A squad of 16 players has been selected to represent Guyana at the 2025 Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Junior Challenge set to take place in Bridgetown, Barbados from March 8–16. After months of rigorous training, the team has been narrowed down from an initial squad of 23 to the final roster that will compete on the regional stage.
The selection includes four overseas-based players, all of whom were raised in Guyana but are currently studying abroad. Among them is team captain Sarah Klautky, alongside Charlia Webb, Georgiana Fernandes, and Madison Fernandes. Klautky and the Fernandes cousins were part of the 2023 team that finished fifth in the Junior Pan American Championships. Additionally, returning to the squad are defenders Kirsten Gomes, Kazaquah Uzzi, Solana Crumb-Ewing, as well as midfielder Clayza Bobb and striker Makaylah Poole, all of whom bring valuable experience from the previous Under-21 team.
The squad also welcomes several newcomers, including strikers Keitana Percival, Rebecca Ferreira, and Africo Blackman, as well as defenders Tinashe Henry and Sara Matthias. Goalkeepers Sarah Harry and Kendra Gordon will also make their debut at the international level.
Head coach and President of the Guyana Hockey Board, Philip Fernandes, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well at the tournament. He highlighted the experience gained by five players who competed with the senior squad in Bermuda last year, with key midfielders Klautky, Bobb, and Madison Fernandes forming the backbone of the team. Striker Makaylah Poole and defender Kirsten Gomes also bring senior international experience, further strengthening the squad.
Fernandes is particularly excited about the pace and energy brought by the new players, hoping that their attacking prowess will help address Guyana’s previous scoring challenges. As the tournament approaches, the team is focused on refining set plays and tactical strategies during their final weeks of preparation.
Team Guyana will begin their campaign on March 8 against Guatemala before facing Mexico, Puerto Rico, Barbados, and Trinidad & Tobago. A spot in the final will secure their qualification for the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay this August.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Sarah Harry, Kendra Gordon
Defenders: Solana Crumb-Ewing, Kirsten Gomes, Tinashe Henry, Sara Matthias, Kazaquah Uzzi
Midfielders: Clayza Bobb, Madison Fernandes, Sarah Klautky (Captain), Charlia Webb
Strikers: Africo Blackman, Georgiana Fernandes, Rebecca Ferreira, Keitana Percival, Makaylah Poole
