NFHCA DEI Spotlight Award Presented to Long Island All Starz
Photo Credit: Long Island All Starz
GENEVA, N.Y. — The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) is proud to announce that Long Island All Starz has been selected as the first-ever recipient of the NFHCA DEI Spotlight recognition award. This prestigious accolade, established by the NFHCA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, aims to honor a remarkable individual, group, or organization within the USA field hockey community that has made significant contributions to the DEI space through education, advocacy, and allyship.
Long Island All Starz is a disability inclusive field hockey program accredited by USA Field Hockey and is a designated “All Starz” program that recognizes diversity and inclusion. Their mission is to help level the playing field for all by aiming to support their athletes both on and off the field. Long Island All Starz has pioneered inclusive field hockey programs that utilize both traditional and adapted or modified equipment to ensure that field hockey becomes an enjoyable experience accessible to everyone. By placing players at the center of their sessions, Long Island All Starz fosters an environment focused on fun, skill development, forging new friendships, and promoting the fundamental principles of an active and healthy lifestyle. Field hockey is a sport for all, regardless of ability level, and Long Island All Starz exemplifies the power of collective action in fostering engagement, connection, and the realization of potential.
“To be the first coach in the United States for athletes with disabilities in the sport of field hockey comes with great responsibility,” remarked Alexa Bracco, Director of Long Island All Starz. “I would like to set a precedent: field hockey is for everyone. Because of this program, my athletes have the tools to overcome any adversity that life may throw their way with newfound confidence. It is a privilege to be able to level the playing field for athletes with disabilities. I would like to thank USA Field Hockey for taking this to a national level.”
The name “All Starz” signifies the disability-inclusive version of field hockey within the United States. As an integral component of USA Field Hockey’s SHINE initiative (Supporting Hockey Inclusion and New Experiences), the organization firmly believes in the inherent star quality of every individual and the transformative impact of field hockey participation. By adopting the “All Starz” designation, Long Island All Starz ensures that players feel a sense of belonging and pride within the field hockey community, transcending labels or limitations associated with disability or inclusivity. USA Field Hockey will extend the availability of the All Starz name and logo to all registered programs and actively support the promotion and discoverability of All Starz programs nationwide.
The NFHCA DEI Spotlight recognition award celebrates Long Island All Starz’s remarkable achievements in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field hockey landscape. This award represents a significant milestone in the journey towards a more inclusive sport, and the NFHCA commends Long Island All Starz for their extraordinary dedication and unwavering commitment. To learn more about Long Island All Starz, follow on Facebook and Instagram!
For more information about starting an All Starz program, please visit https://www.teamusa.org/usa-field-hockey/edi/all-starzrecognition/ for helpful resources.
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 stimulate the professional development of coaching leadership within the sport of field hockey. 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.