Madison Skeie – Staying in the Game

By Cassidy Strittmatter, NFHCA Digital Communications Team

Hamden, CT — With a coaching journey defined by adaptability, curiosity, and a commitment to growth, Madison Skeie represents the next generation of leaders shaping the future of field hockey. Drawing from experience across middle school, club, and collegiate levels, she continues to refine her craft while investing in the long-term success of the sport.

Building Experience Across Programs

Since joining Quinnipiac University as an assistant coach in 2023, Skeie has contributed to the program’s upward trajectory, culminating in a winning record during the 2025 season. Prior to Quinnipiac, she built a strong foundation through collegiate coaching roles at Monmouth University and Johnson & Wales University, where she supported competitive team success and helped develop award-winning student-athletes.

Skeie’s path reflects a steady progression through multiple levels of the game, each contributing to her holistic understanding of athlete development and program building. In 2020–2021, she served as the head middle school coach at The Lincoln School in Rhode Island, where she began shaping young athletes at a critical stage of development. She has also coached clinic and tournament teams for Cape Cod, Jersey Intensity, and Surf and Sand field hockey clubs, guiding athletes and families through the recruiting process. This diverse experience across middle school, club, and collegiate coaching has equipped her with a well-rounded perspective that continues to inform her approach today.

The Power of Community & Learning

Skeie’s growth extends beyond the field through intentional engagement with professional development and mentorship opportunities. In addition to her participation in the NFHCA Aspire Coaches Academy, she has been an active mentee in the NFHCA Campfire Mentoring Program over the past few years, demonstrating a consistent eagerness to learn, reflect, and grow alongside peers and experienced coaches.

“Mentorship through the Aspire Academy has provided me confidence,” Skeie said. She emphasized how learning from prominent leaders in the sport and understanding how they have overcome similar challenges has provided impactful insight into her own coaching journey.

Through Aspire, Skeie gained clarity on what defines effective coaching beyond technical instruction. A turning point, she explained, was “understanding that the X’s and O’s make up such a small percentage of what it takes to be a great coach. Spending time establishing your ‘why’ creates a foundation for long-term success.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

This perspective has strengthened her ability to connect personal values with daily coaching practices, resulting in a more authentic and meaningful impact on her student-athletes.

Skeie also emphasized the importance of leadership-driven initiatives within the sport. “Programs like Aspire and Stay in the Game inspire the next generation of coaches and mentors,” she said. “As athletes, we don’t always recognize the influence we have beyond the stat sheet. These initiatives highlight the leadership qualities that that can make an incredible impact as coaches or umpires.”

Her journey reflects the core message of the NFHCA’s Stay in the Game campaign—encouraging athletes to remain connected to field hockey beyond their playing careers. By investing in mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities, Skeie continues to elevate her impact while contributing to the sustained growth of the sport.

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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