SYDNEY, Australia — Penn State’s Laura Gebhart will serve as a co-captain for the U.S. Under-21 national team at the 2013 Australian Youth Olympic Festival.

“I was named a co-captain of the squad, and I'm very honored to be given the opportunity to represent and lead this team,” the NFHCA second-team All-American said. “International field hockey is a fast-paced, high-skilled game. Our opponents are incredible players; they have different tactical elements and skills than what exists in the U.S. I learn so much from the competition we play against, and from the coaches we get to work with.”

Team USA opens the tournament Wednesday against China.