Giving Back to Grow the Game: Stef Fee’s Journey Through NFHCA Volunteering

Manahawkin, NJ -​ Stef Fee, an Olympian and standout player for Duke University, has transitioned from an elite athlete to an advocate and educator for field hockey, using her platform and expertise to give back to the sport that shaped her life. Her journey from representing the USA at the Rio Olympic Games to becoming a dedicated volunteer within the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) is a testament to her commitment to the growth and development of field hockey.

Fee, a multi-year NFHCA Ready2Coach educator, is also the co-founder of Powerhouse Field Hockey Club. We caught up with her recently to discuss what drives her passion to volunteer within the NFHCA.

“My main motivation for volunteering within the NFHCA is to give back to such an incredible organization that does so much for the sport and the coaching community,” Fee shared. “I aim to be a small part and help spur on NFHCA’s mission to champion, strengthen, and celebrate field hockey coaches and the game.” This sentiment encapsulates her commitment to ensuring that the next generation of coaches and players have the resources and support they need to succeed.

One of her most impactful contributions has been through her involvement with the NFHCA Ready2Coach clinics. “The Ready2Coach was a great group to be a part of within the NFHCA,” Fee explained. “I had the opportunity to impact dozens of coaches with curriculum ideas that focus on the athlete’s fundamentals and tactical decision making for team success.” Her work in this group has helped in shaping coaching strategies that prioritize both skill development and the overall growth of the sport.

In addition to Ready2Coach, she has been involved in the NFHCA’s Sport Development Committee and has served as a mentor for the Redwood Grant program. “Both opportunities support direct action for growth in the sport and support for coaches, which was awesome to be a part of!” she remarked. These roles have allowed her to influence the broader field hockey community, ensuring that coaches at all levels have the tools they need to foster success in their teams.

Volunteering has also been a journey of self-discovery for Fee. “Volunteering for the NFHCA has helped me recognize that I really enjoy the opportunities to expand and grow in my coaching knowledge by listening to the experiences and lessons from the incredible field hockey coaching community around me,” she reflected. This continuous learning and exchange of ideas have been vital in her development as a coach and mentor.

Fee’s journey has not been without guidance. She credits much of her growth to the mentorship of Becca Main, who has played a crucial role in her professional development. “Becca Main has been an incredible mentor throughout the professional side of my field hockey career,” she noted. “She has challenged me to step up in sharing my knowledge of the game, beyond the field, and with coaches at the Annual Convention.” Main’s influence has empowered Fee to take on leadership roles and become a mentor to others, passing on the wisdom she has gained.

As a club founder and coach, she understands the immense value the NFHCA offers. “As a club founder, it has been important for me to seek out all of the opportunities and resources that NFHCA provides,” she said. The connections and resources available through the NFHCA, such as networking opportunities at the Annual Convention and the Ready2Coach clinics, have been instrumental in her success and the success of her club.

Stef is also a strong advocate for volunteerism within the NFHCA, particularly among club coaches. “The field hockey coaching community is hands down, one of the best groups of people you will ever come in contact with,” she emphasized. “It is our job as leaders in the sport to help the sport grow in the United States, and we all need to chip in our resources (time included) to make that happen.” Her call to action is clear: by giving back, coaches can help ensure the future of field hockey is bright and full of opportunities.

Looking ahead, Fee envisions a thriving NFHCA that continues to have a profound impact on the sport. “The NFHCA five years from now will continue the impact that it has on field hockey coaches and the game,” she predicted. “I believe that there will be major growth within the sport and the amount of coaches who will make up the awesome NFHCA community.” Her optimism for the future reflects her belief in the power of community and collaboration.

Fee’s journey with the NFHCA is a testament to the importance of giving back, mentorship, and continuous learning. Her contributions have left  mark on the field hockey community, and her passion for the sport and its growth is an inspiration to all. Through her volunteerism, she is committed to ensuring that the legacy of field hockey continues to thrive for years to come.

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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.