Danae Andrada becomes the first woman to lead the Pan American Hockey Federation

November 15, 2025

Uruguay’s Danae Andrada made history this Saturday by becoming the first-ever female President of the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF). She was elected during the PAHF Ordinary Congress, held on 15 November in Miami, USA, and will serve a four-year term succeeding Alberto “Coco” Budeisky of Argentina, who led the Federation for the past 12 years.

Andrada currently serves as President of the Uruguayan Hockey Federation and is a member of the Executive Board of the Uruguayan Olympic Committee, bringing extensive experience and leadership within the sport both nationally and regionally.

Strong recognition from the FIH President

FIH President Tayyab Ikram attended the Congress and offered high praise for the newly elected PAHF President:

“In my personal name, and on behalf of the Executive Board of the FIH and the global hockey community, I extend my warmest congratulations to Danae Andrada for being elected as the first-ever female President of the Pan American Hockey Federation.”

He also highlighted the shared years of working together for the development of hockey in the region and worldwide:

“Danae and I have worked together for many years. I know she will be a highly committed, determined, and forward-thinking President who will always give her very best for the good of hockey.”

President Ikram also presented a special recognition to outgoing PAHF President Alberto Budeisky, thanking him for his “immense contribution to the growth of hockey across the Americas” and acknowledging his continued service as FIH Vice-President and member of the Executive Board.

Board Elections

The Congress also confirmed new members of the PAHF Board:

Chip Roger (USA) – elected
Ademir Montenegro (PAN) – re-elected
Norma Fernández (PAR) – elected

The Federation also acknowledged the conclusion of Walter Kramer’s (CHI) term on the Board.

Screenshot 2025-11-15 at 18.09.32.png

Awards and Recognitions

President’s Awards

Adrián Della Mattia (ARG)
Laura Pigretti (ARG)
René Zelkin (USA)

Tony von Ondarza Award

El Salvador Hockey Federation
Gissele Toro Santibáñez (CHI)

Other news

What goes through a president’s mind and soul?

After a presidential term, the evaluations begin. The numbers, the statistics, the charts. What we often call the “hard” side of any assessment. But what about the “soft” side? What do we do with everything that can’t be measured but often carries much greater value? How do we explain the legacy—sometimes intangible—left by those who lead? Alberto “Coco” Budeisky spent 12 years as President of the Pan American Hockey Federation. It wasn’t simply a mix of good and bad moments. It was a journey that reshaped the course of hockey across the continent—and reshaped Coco himself, forever.

November 14, 2025

A Historic Milestone for Hockey in Guatemala

It is with deep pride and a great sense of solemnity that the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) is pleased to announce a momentous moment for the sport in theregion. What for years was a shared vision and a desire, today is consolidated as a tangible project: the prompt construction of the first official hockey field in Guatemala. Which isvery important for the development of Hockey in Central America.

November 12, 2025

FIH awards Thomas Bach for his legacy in sport

At its final Executive Board meeting of the year, held in the picturesque French town of Évian-les-Bains, across the lake from the Olympic capital, Lausanne, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and its President, Tayyab Ikram, presented IOC Honorary President Thomas Bach with the prestigious FIH Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his remarkable impact on sport and the Olympic Movement.

News