Chasing Olympic Dreams: The Rise of USA Women's Handball

Rylee White joins USA Handball's national residency program after a viral TikTok sparked interest. Over 150 women attended tryouts, aiming to represent the U.S. at the 2028 Olympics. Handball, popular in Europe, faces funding challenges in the U.S., but athletes are determined to revive the sport.

In a surprising twist, the fast-paced sport of handball has captured the attention of American athletes, thanks to a viral TikTok video. Rylee White, a screenwriter, is among those pursuing this newfound passion, having relocated to Florida to join USA Handball's national residency program. She aspires to represent the U.S. at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Handball may be a lesser-known sport in America, but it enjoys immense popularity in countries like Germany, France, and Denmark. Despite its obscurity in the U.S., more than 150 women attended the recent tryouts in Los Angeles, a significant increase from previous years. This surge represents a renewed hope for the development of a competitive U.S. women's handball team.

Sarah Gascon, the new head coach, is tasked with revitalizing the program. However, the team faces formidable challenges, primarily financial, as USA Handball receives no support from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Volunteers, including Gascon, are determined to overcome these obstacles, betting on athletes' versatility and cross-sport skills to pave their path to the Olympics.