Suzi Lindquist’s path to representing the United States at the Women’s World Floorball Championships runs straight through Richmond.

The 2008 Henrico High School graduate was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024 for field hockey and will lead Team USA into her third World Championships when competition begins Dec. 6 in Czechia. It’s a journey that started on Richmond ice rinks and field hockey fields before taking her to France’s national floorball league, where she has become one of the most accomplished American players abroad. 

“Playing ice hockey and field hockey in Richmond formed the basis of my floorball skills, allowing me to pick it up easily and — since 2019 — compete on the European level and now for the third time on the world stage,” Lindquist said. “The fact that Richmond is helping drive it forward in the U.S. makes this all the more special.” 

Floorball — a fast-paced stick-and-ball sport often described as modern floor hockey — is played without skates or pads, making it more accessible than traditional hockey. And it’s taking root in Virginia, thanks in part to the nonprofit Richmond Floorball Club. 

RFC’s inaugural summer season drew more than 200 registrations across two tournaments, a 10-week adult league, youth camps and open community days. The USA Floorball Association reported that Virginia membership nearly tripled over the summer, with women now making up 31% of players in the state — more than double the national average. 

Lindquist has spent recent years building her reputation in France, where she has tallied more than 100 goals in 56 league games, earned 16 “Most Valuable Player of the Match” selections and helped her team reach three consecutive finals, including a national championship in 2023. 

She’s not the only Richmond connection on the national scene. Team USA veteran Michelle Walton now anchors RFC’s youth programs while serving as USA Floorball’s Mid-Atlantic regional director. VCU student Aylla DeSantiago balanced playing for the U.S. Women’s Team at nationals in Texas this summer with running Richmond’s outreach campaigns as RFC’s communications intern. 

“Floorball has given me opportunities I never imagined,” DeSantiago said. “I began here in Richmond as a player, and this summer I had the chance to wear the U.S. jersey while helping the sport grow at home.” 

As the U.S. squad prepares for worlds, each athlete faces more than $3,000 in costs for travel, lodging, meals and competition. RFC is hosting a fundraiser at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14 at Barton Memorial Rink in Hanover. All drop-in fees and donations will support the U.S. Women’s National Team, with RFC covering rental costs. 

“These players commit themselves to the team — compete at the highest level and, at times, literally pay their own way,” said Nick Baldaino, RFC president and USA Floorball sponsorship committee lead. “One night may not cover every bill, but RFC can do what it’s always done for the sport and community — show up.” 

Supporters can also contribute to the team’s tax-deductible GoFundMe campaign.