Hannah Havrilla – Staying in the Game
By Cassidy Strittmatter, NFHCA Digital Communications Team
Ambler, Pa. — As Hannah Havrilla closed the final chapter of her playing career, she reflected on how deeply field hockey had shaped her life. She knew she wanted to carry the game’s impact forward, even as she returned to her roots.
Following her collegiate playing career at Central Michigan University and gaining early coaching experience with Philly Hockey Club, Havrilla identified her next step quickly: her alma mater, Wissahickon High School in Ambler, PA. She felt drawn to coaching at the high school level because of the opportunity to mentor and inspire athletes during a pivotal stage of their development.
“Stepping into a head coaching role was definitely intimidating at first,” Havrilla shared, “but I felt ready for the challenge.”
That readiness has been reflected in her approach to the game. By emphasizing strong fundamentals, collective ball movement, and the importance of second effort, Havrilla set a clear and consistent standard for her program. A commitment to these principles has allowed her athletes to build a strong foundation for both individual and team success.
Above all else, however, enjoyment of the game remains central to her coaching philosophy.
“Winning matters,” Havrilla said, “but if you’re not enjoying the game and the time you spend with your teammates, you’re missing something important.”
Lessons of Leadership
From 2021 to 2024, Havrilla left a lasting impact on the Central Michigan field hockey program. She started nearly every game of her collegiate career, earned four Academic All-MAC honors (2021–2024), and served as a team captain during her final two seasons (2023–2024).
Those leadership experiences continue to shape how she guides her high school athletes today. Havrilla emphasizes that team culture is built through daily choices—how players and coaches show up, support one another, and hold themselves accountable. “Culture isn’t something that just happens,” she believes. “It’s created every day through actions.”
By modeling consistency, effort, and intentional leadership, Havrilla helps her athletes understand that legacy is not defined solely by wins and losses, but by the environment they create together.
Staying in The Game
As seasons pass and playing careers eventually come to an end, Havrilla hopes athletes carry more with them than skills and statistics. She encourages players to embrace every moment, learn from mistakes, and celebrate each success—understanding that the game’s influence does not end with the final whistle.
Whether through coaching, mentoring, community involvement, or continued participation in adult leagues, field hockey remains a powerful connector.
“Continued involvement is what helps grow the game and keeps the field hockey community strong for future generations,” Havrilla said.
In every chapter of her journey, her message is clear: field hockey gives immeasurably to those who commit to it. The true privilege lies in staying involved—and carrying its impact forward.
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.
NFHCA Blog Disclaimer
All content on this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a substitute for NCAA compliance or legal advice. The NFHCA recognizes that the accuracy of the content and opinions in this blog may change over time. The blog site may contain links to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties. Such external links are not monitored or endorsed by the NFHCA and the NFHCA does not control such external websites or their content. The NFHCA will not be held responsible for the content of any message from external websites or contributing authors.