NFHCA Opens 2026 Board Nominations & Honors Outgoing Leaders
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) has opened nominations for its 2026 Board of Directors, inviting coaches across all levels to step forward and help guide the future of the association.
The nomination period is open now through Jan. 21. Elections will follow in late January and run through mid-February, with results verified and confirmed by the NFHCA Nominating Committee. Elected board members will serve a three-year term beginning March 1, 2026, and concluding Feb. 28, 2029.
Coaches are encouraged to nominate a colleague or self-nominate. Board members play an integral role in the growth and sustainability of the NFHCA by providing strategic direction, representing their respective divisions or constituencies, supporting association initiatives, ensuring financial oversight, and actively participating in board meetings and NFHCA events. Eligibility requirements and full role descriptions are available in the NFHCA Bylaws.
Available Board Positions
The following positions are elected roles and go through the formal nomination and election process:
- Vice President of Sport Development
- Division I Representative
- Club Representative
The following positions are appointed roles, recommended to the Board through their respective councils or committees with final board approval:
- Coaches of Color Council Representative
- DEI Committee Representative
To appear on the official ballot for elected positions, candidates must complete the board nomination form by the Jan. 21 deadline.
Eligibility Requirements
Per the NFHCA Bylaws, to be eligible to hold a position on the NFHCA Board of Directors, candidates must be at least 21 years of age and an active NFHCA coach member in good standing for a minimum of two consecutive years.
Service on the NFHCA Executive Committee requires additional experience, including a minimum age of 25, at least five years as an active NFHCA coach member in good standing, and prior service to the association through NFHCA committee work or representation on an NCAA committee. Complete eligibility details are outlined in the NFHCA Bylaws.
Honoring Outgoing Board Members
As the association looks ahead, the NFHCA also recognizes and thanks several board members whose terms conclude this year, honoring their leadership during a period of significant organizational progress.
Completing their second terms and rolling off the Board are Lauren Cornthwaite, Club Representative (Aim Field Hockey Club Owner & coach); Mimi Smith, Coaches of Color Council Representative (Old Dominion University assistant coach); and Courtney Deena, DEI Representative (Jersey Intensity Field Hockey Club coach).
Also completing her first term is Annie Fowler, Vassar College head coach and Vice President of Sport Development, who has elected not to run for a second term in order to focus on her family and other field hockey priorities.
The NFHCA also notes that Laura Gebhart, Fairfield University head coach, who stepped into the Division I Representative role last spring when Georgia Holland transitioned into the Vice President for Finance position, has declared her intent to run for a full term when elections open.
Lasting Impact and Leadership
During the tenure of the outgoing board members, the NFHCA advanced several cornerstone initiatives that continue to shape the association’s direction. These include the transition to new bylaws, the implementation of a comprehensive three-year strategic plan, the introduction of a Giving Program, and the launch of new professional development offerings such as Campfire Mentoring and the Aspire Coaches Academy.
The Board also expanded awards and recognition programming, reinforcing the NFHCA’s mission to celebrate excellence within the coaching profession. Lauren Cornthwaite reflected on her experience serving two consecutive terms on the Board:
“It was an incredibly enriching experience,” Cornthwaite said. “The quality of leadership and the caliber of individuals on the board made it truly inspiring to serve alongside them. The mission to strengthen and celebrate field hockey coaches remains at the heart of everything the NFHCA does, and the board carries that mission forward with clear intention and purpose. I have met amazing people through this community and am honored to have served in this capacity.”
Diversity, equity and inclusion efforts also grew during the tenure of the outgoing board members, through enhanced Convention education, virtual Coaches Corner programming, the development of an NFHCA DEI Resource web page, and the introduction of tools such as the Stand Up to Harassment resource, the DEI Spotlight Recognition program, and the DEI Social Impact Fund.
“I am deeply grateful for the service and leadership of these incredible coaches and women during one of the most transitional and important periods in the association’s recent past” said Cate Clark, executive director of the NFHCA. “Their willingness to lead with intention, thoughtfulness and professionalism helped guide the association through meaningful initiatives while staying grounded in our mission. The work they did will continue to strengthen the NFHCA for years to come.”
A Call to Serve
The NFHCA encourages eligible coaches to consider board service as a meaningful way to give back to the profession, influence the future of the sport, and help advance initiatives that support coaches at every level.
Nominations close Jan. 21, with elections to follow in late January. Members may self-nominate or nominate a colleague through the Forms section of the NFHCA member portal.
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