The 33-year-old (pictured top) represented her nation in 179 international matches, including two World Cups and two Pan American Games, as well as the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympics, where they placed eighth and 12th respectively.

"I have many amazing memories from my 10 years on the national team and I will hold the 2008 and 2012 Olympics as my most precious memories," said Smith-Puzo, from Pennsylvania.

"I will also never forget the days that we qualified for both of those Olympics Games.

"The 2008 qualifier was in Russia and I was on the field.

"But, in 2011, the team qualified in Mexico while I watched with my two sons from the couch.

"It was very surreal, in a completely different way."

Combining her athletic achievements with family life, Smith-Puzo married and became a mother of two sons, Xavi and Ian, who were born in 2010 and 2011 respectively.


Five months after the birth of her second child, she rejoined her teammates at a training camp in California before being named as part of Team USA before London 2012.

When asked if the temptation of winning a gold medal will pull her back into future Olympic Games, Smith-Puzo said: "No, I have always feared I wouldn't know when it was time to call it quits.

"Some of my teammates would ask me when they know it's time to leave because they're unsure.

"If you're not sure, you're not ready.

"I'm very lucky to know I'm ready.

"At this point I'm eager to support the team and follow their successes.

"I am hanging up my playing stick but when hockey has been such a huge part of my life for all these year, it's fair to say that I love this game and hope to use the avenue to have a positive impact on young athletes everywhere."


Smith-Puzo's former teammate Carrie Lingo, who was captain of the team and went to Beijing 2008 with her, lead the plaudits for the athlete.

"Keli is one of the fiercest competitors I've ever come up against, but also one of the greatest teammates to play alongside," Lingo said.

"Keli's career on the field has been remarkable.

"From her time at the University of Maryland to working her way from the US junior teams to the senior team and even playing overseas.

"To top off her career, Keli balanced the life of being an elite athlete and a mother.

"Keli is an amazing woman and USA Field Hockey will greatly miss number 13."

USA Field Hockey's executive director Steve Locke added his praise for Smith-Puzo.

"There will be a huge void to fill on the team with the absence of Keli," he said.

"She is a wonderful player, wife and mother and an inspiration to many young athletes."

Smith-Puzo will now focus on enjoying parenthood and spending time with her family, as well as developing her training academy, Field Hockey Life.

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