America’s Olympic Handball Team Is Being Built From Zero

With the 2028 Olympics coming to Los Angeles, the United States has an automatic spot in every sport, including the obscure (in the US) game of handball, forcing the national program to build a competitive women’s team from almost nothing.

In an unprecedented move, USA Team Handball held open tryouts in Los Angeles, attracting over 100 complete novices—former rugby players, track stars, and other athletes—who were drawn by a social media call to become Olympians.

The tryout, documented by participant Monae Hendrickson, focused not on handball experience but on raw athleticism and competitive drive, as coaches sought to identify talent that could be trained over the next few years.

Head coach Sarah Gascon described the overwhelming turnout as a “massive movement of women supporting women,” but highlighted the program’s severe underfunding, stating it receives “zero money” and that athletes must pay their own way for travel and training.

This grassroots effort represents a race against time to transform total beginners into an Olympic team for a sport that has suddenly become a host-nation obligation.