Member Spotlight: Annie Fowler – Creating a Space to Stay in the Game
Manahawkin, NJ - The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) is pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions of Annie Fowler, Head Coach at Vassar College, NFHCA Board Member, and the driving force behind the Green Whistle Project for field hockey.
From Player to Coach: A Career Dedicated to Growth
Annie Fowler was named Head Coach of the Vassar College field hockey program in 2023 after a successful six-year tenure leading Washington College (Md.). Beyond her collegiate coaching, Fowler has been a mentor in the Empower Field Hockey Club since 2020, guiding youth athletes aged 8 to 18 through their development and the college recruiting process.
A Passion for NFHCA and Sport Development
Fowler’s service with the NFHCA began in 2021 when she joined the All-Region Committee. Since then, her passion for field hockey governance and growth has led her to serve on both the All-Region and Sport Development Committees. Through her work as the VP of the NFHCA Sport Development Committee, she has gained a deep appreciation for long-term strategic planning, a skill that has allowed her to balance both immediate coaching responsibilities and the broader vision of field hockey’s future.
Championing the Green Whistle Project
At the forefront of Fowler’s NFHCA contributions is her leadership of the Green Whistle Project—an initiative designed to recruit, support, and retain new field hockey umpires. The project introduces a recognizable green-lanyard whistle to signify new officials, fostering a more supportive and respectful environment for them.
“The inspiration really came from the Sport Development Committee,” Fowler shared. “We wanted to launch a project that would ignite a passion in young people for officiating and ensure that the Green Whistle initiative would be more than just a one-time effort.”
Since its inception, the Green Whistle Project has seen a surge in enthusiasm, with more people reaching out to host events. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding inconsistent training standards across different regions. Fowler continues to push forward, encouraging athletes to attend upcoming summer clinics that will provide essential officiating opportunities.
As a key part of the NFHCA’s Stay in the Game campaign, the Green Whistle Project aligns with the association’s broader efforts to keep former players and coaches engaged in the sport beyond their playing careers. Whether through coaching or officiating, the campaign emphasizes the many ways individuals can continue contributing to field hockey’s growth.
Encouraging Volunteerism Among Coaches
Fowler is a firm believer in the importance of volunteering within the NFHCA, urging other coaches to give back to the sport that shaped them.
“All of us who played field hockey owe some part of our experience to NFHCA volunteers. Whether it’s a coaching drill picked up at the Annual Convention, an All-American selection, or academic recognition, volunteers make it happen. It’s a great feeling to put that energy back into the sport and help create future opportunities for athletes.”
Join the Movement
For those interested in supporting the Green Whistle Project, Fowler encourages coaches to send their athletes to officiating clinics. “We have a great summer slate of clinics coming soon. Encourage your players to stay involved in the game even after their playing careers end!”
For further details on the Green Whistle Project, click here. Registration opens at the end of March.
Fowler’s passion, leadership, and commitment to the sport continue to make an impact on and off the field. The NFHCA is grateful for her dedication to coaching, mentorship, and officiating development, ensuring a bright future for field hockey.
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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.