Celebrating Will Byrne: A Leader on the Field and in the Field Hockey Community

Manahawkin, NJ -​ In celebration of National Volunteer Month, the NFHCA proudly spotlights Will Byrne — assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Northwestern University’s field hockey program — whose passion for the sport and dedication to its growth extends far beyond the field.

Byrne, a vital part of Northwestern’s 2024 and 2021 National Championship teams and the 2021, 2023, and 2024 NFHCA National Coaching Staff of the Year, has earned accolades for his coaching excellence. But this year, he was also recognized for his significant contributions off the turf — receiving the President’s Award at the 2025 NFHCA Annual Convention.

As Chair of the NFHCA Video and Technology Committee, Byrne played a pivotal role in guiding the association through the transition to a new collegiate film exchange platform — a major lift with far-reaching impact for programs across divisions. Through his steady leadership, Byrne helped ensure a smooth shift during a time of technological change, maintaining open communication with the platform vendor and advocating for member needs.

“I love our community, and I’m motivated to try and make our sport and community the best we can be,” Byrne said when asked about what drives him to volunteer with the NFHCA.

His resume of service is impressive: from working with the Video Exchange and Technology Committee to serving on the Collegiate Senior Team Committee, Byrne continues to give his time and expertise generously. For him, volunteering has also been a journey of personal growth.

“Volunteering with committees has been a great way to meet and interact with folks from different divisions, backgrounds, and experiences. Learning how to find and utilize what each individual has to offer is a unique challenge, and taught me a different type of leadership.”

That collaborative mindset is central to Byrne’s coaching philosophy as well. As he puts it, “Even as we are competing with each other each weekend, we are all part of a greater community that thrives together. When we’re collectively engaged and excited to make our community better, there’s opportunity for real progress.”

When asked why other college coaches should get involved, Byrne’s response is simple but powerful: “It’s fun to connect with those outside your individual universities, and rewarding to contribute to the greater community.”

Behind every great coach is often another great coach. Byrne credits Virginia Commonwealth Head Coach Stacey Bean as one of his biggest mentors: “Her approach to coaching and her dedication to our community is incredible. Plus she’s hilarious!”

And while his resume is full of accolades, it’s a personal memory that stands above the rest. When asked about his most memorable field hockey moment, Byrne didn’t hesitate: “Pulling my daughter up onto my shoulders after we won the Natty in 2021.”

As we recognize the volunteers who make our community stronger, the NFHCA proudly honors Will Byrne — a coach, a leader, and a tireless advocate for the game.

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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.