Emma Mawn – Staying in the Game
By Cassidy Strittmatter, NFHCA Digital Communications Team
Manchester, N.H. – Winning the 2025 NFHCA Division II Regional Coaching Staff of the Year honor does not happen by chance. It reflects a growth mindset, a willingness to pursue new opportunities, and a commitment to continued learning.
As an assistant coach at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, Emma Mawn has drawn on lived experience and professional development opportunities to make a meaningful impact on student-athletes. To further strengthen her contributions to the program, Mawn enrolled in the NFHCA Aspire Coaches Academy last year, where she developed a more intentional approach to coaching and leadership.
“The Aspire Coaches Academy challenged me to clearly define my values, coaching philosophy, and long-term goals while also sharpening my communication and leadership skills,” Mawn shared.
Mawn’s Journey from Player to Coach
A 2022 graduate of Stonehill College, Mawn earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in Mediated Communications. She competed as a four-year member of the Skyhawks field hockey program, gaining valuable experience as a student-athlete that continues to inform her coaching philosophy today.
Before joining the Saint Anselm Hawks, Mawn served as head field hockey coach at Nichols College from 2022 to 2023. During her tenure, she led the Bison to their first postseason appearance since 2013. That immediate impact as a head coach proved valuable and supported her transition to the Saint Anselm staff in 2025.
In her first season with the Hawks, Mawn and head coach Carolyn King-Robitaille guided the program to a Northeast-10 Conference championship and a 16-6 record in 2025. Reflecting on her coaching journey, Mawn noted the value of experiencing multiple roles early in her career.
“Leading a program early in my career as a head coach gave me valuable perspective on leadership, decision-making, and program building,” Mawn said. “Stepping into an assistant role at Saint Anselm has allowed me to deepen my understanding of the game through mentorship and collaboration.”
Staying in The Game
Mawn continues to grow as a leader within the Saint Anselm program and is shaping a promising future in the profession. Her journey reflects the purpose of the NFHCA Stay in the Game initiative, which highlights coaching as a meaningful pathway for those who want to remain connected to the sport.
For those exploring a future in coaching or beginning their careers, Mawn emphasizes the value of professional learning and community through opportunities such as the NFHCA Aspire Coaches Academy.
“Aspire creates space for young coaches to learn from experienced leaders, ask questions, and better understand the realities of the profession,” Mawn explained.
Through mentorship, education, and shared experience, the Aspire Coaches Academy helps emerging coaches build confidence and clarity in their roles. It fosters a supportive community dedicated to growth and to strengthening the future of field hockey across the country.
Stay in The Game
Field hockey needs players, coaches, officials and leaders at every stage of the journey. Whether you’re nearing the end of your playing career or simply exploring what comes next, officiating, and coaching offer powerful ways to stay involved, stay connected and give back to the game. Learn more about how you can Stay in the Game.
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