Schopman will serve as assistant coach under head coach Craig Parnham during the team's journey through to Rio 2016, including the upcoming 2014 World Cup in The Netherlands.

"I am thrilled to bring Janneke onto the coaching staff," said Parnham, a Briton appointed in January 2013.

"She has tremendous hockey experience and I consider her to be one of the most talented female coaches in world hockey.

"She has an outstanding record as a player and her knowledge and experience extends into her coaching."

Janneke Schopman (right) led The Netherlands to the Champions Trophy in 2004, 2005 and 2007 ©AFP/Getty Images



Schopman is a two-time Olympic medalist with the Dutch national team, having been a part of the silver-medal winning squad at Athens 2004 and the gold medal winning squad at Beijing 2008.

She was also a member of the Dutch squad that won gold at the 2006 Women's Hockey World Cup and the Champions Trophy on three occasions in 2004, 2005 and 2007.

"Alongside of Craig, I want US Hockey to continue to stand out in the hockey world and I'm excited to be part of that movement and challenge," said Schopman.

"It's an exciting time for the sport of hockey in the United States.

"I am really looking forward to sharing my knowledge and vision and also learning from the US squad."

Steve Locke, US Hockey's executive director, added: "We were fortunate to attract such strong candidates in our global search for a women's national team assistant coach and are very pleased to announce Janneke Schopman has accepted our offer to become assistant coach and help lead the women's program through to Rio 2016.

"Janneke is a brilliant choice."

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