Volunteering with the NFHCA: A Coach’s Perspective with Meg Dudek

Manahawkin, NJ -​ Volunteering within a sports association can be a deeply fulfilling experience, bridging passion for the game with opportunities to give back and grow. For one dedicated coach, Meg Dudek, the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) has been the cornerstone of her volunteer journey, offering insights, connections, and personal growth.

Dudek, a multi-year NFHCA Campfire Mentor, is the current head coach at Broad Run High School in Ashburn, Virginia. She is also the founder and U19 coach of Hammers Field Hockey Club.

When asked about her motivation to volunteer with NFHCA, she reflected on past experiences with coach mentoring programs, eagerly embracing NFHCA’s Campfire program upon its launch. “I wanted to continue connecting with coaches,” she shared, highlighting NFHCA’s commitment to gathering feedback from mentors and mentees to strengthen the program continuously.

Dudek has been an active member of the Campfire Mentoring Program for three years, where she’s seen firsthand the impact of mentorship in fostering a supportive coaching community.

Volunteering has also been a journey of self-discovery. She discovered a profound joy in connecting people and expanding their horizons through shared experiences. “No matter where you are, so many of us experience the same things,” she noted, emphasizing the universal bonds within the coaching fraternity.

Reflecting on mentors who shaped her journey, she credited Jesse Larson, coach at Indian Creek School in Maryland and former men’s national team player, and Craig Parnham, Olympian and current director of High Performance of the U.S. Women’s National Team, for pivotal lessons. Dudek said Jesse instilled a belief in embracing the unknown as opportunities for growth, while Craig challenged her to refine her coaching methods and communication skills during a rigorous certification course.

As both a scholastic head coach and club coach, she recognizes NFHCA’s pivotal role in the field hockey community. The association provides invaluable resources such as a Job Board,  comprehensive drill and video library library, and professional development opportunities through the year. 

When asked why other scholastic coaches should consider volunteering with NFHCA, her response was unequivocal: “It’s a rewarding way to give back to the coaching community directly, share your voice, and make more connections. And it is fun!”

Looking ahead, Dudek envisions NFHCA expanding its reach among scholastic coaches, hoping to see as many involved as their collegiate counterparts, both as members and volunteers on committees.

Her parting wisdom encapsulated her coaching philosophy: “Making mistakes is important to growth, and this is just as important for coaches as it is for players.” Embracing challenges and pushing oneself beyond comfort zones are pathways to continual improvement, a lesson she lives and coaches by.

Volunteering with NFHCA isn’t just about giving time; it’s about enriching one’s coaching journey, fostering connections, and contributing to the growth of the sport. For coaches like her, the NFHCA isn’t just an association; it’s a supportive community that nurtures passion and dedication, on and off the field.

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The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) is a nonprofit organization serving field hockey coaches and supporters of the game from across the United States. The mission of the organization is to champion, strengthen, and celebrate field hockey coaches and the game. The NFHCA strives to cultivate and recognize the professional contributions of its membership and to foster and promote the growth of the sport. The NFHCA is responsible for providing a recognizable presence and voice in regard to legislation affecting the sport as well as interscholastic and intercollegiate programs.