Leading by Example: Michael Warari Champions Service
Manahawkin, NJ - As he enters his second season at the helm of the La Salle University field hockey program, Michael Warari is looking to build on a solid foundation. After guiding the Explorers to a 9–10 record in his first year, Warari is focused on taking the Philly-based squad to new heights — both on and off the field.
But his journey to La Salle — and his impact on the sport — stretches far beyond one season. Before arriving in Philadelphia, Warari served as the head coach at Vassar College in New York for 10 seasons, where he became the all-time winningest coach in program history with an impressive 118-50 record. Under his leadership, Vassar consistently ranked among the region’s top programs.
In 2023, Warari joined the Appalachian State University staff as an assistant coach, where the Mountaineers captured their first ever regular season conference title. Earlier in his career, Warari also made coaching stops at Dickinson College and Messiah University.
But coaching isn’t the only way Warari invests in the sport. A volunteer with the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA), Warari contributes his time and perspective through committee service, including the NFHCA All-Region/All-American Committee and the NFHCA Nominating Committee.
“The need for more volunteerism and service is something that has always been ingrained in me since I was young,” said Warari. “If it’s benefiting just one person, then why not help?”
His passion for service and the game is rooted in his personal journey in the sport – a journey that began with the Kenyan Junior National Field Hockey Team as a player. “Volunteering has given me the opportunity to remind myself why I fell in love with field hockey in the first place,” Warari reflected. “It’s always a joy to see the energy and enthusiasm from the next generation of players.”
Throughout his coaching journey, Warari has had several mentors who have shaped his outlook, all echoing one consistent message: give back if you can. That mantra is one he carries into his daily life as a coach and as a contributor to the NFHCA community.
“As a head coach, getting involved is powerful and important,” Warari shared. “It’s a coaches-led organization, and it relies on the active participation of its members to thrive.”
His advice to fellow collegiate coaches?
“Volunteering is incredibly rewarding,” he said. “If we want to grow the game, it takes all of us working together. Giving back to the next generation of field hockey players is something we should all take pride in.”
With coaches like Michael Warari leading by example, the future of the sport is in great hands.
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.
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.