Meg Larkin tabbed as 2025 NFHCA Junior Hockey Award Recipient
A lifelong advocate for the sport, Larkin’s mission is rooted in expanding access to field hockey in Lawrence, Kansas, through Kansas Jayhockey—a grassroots organization that offers clinics, club teams, open play, camps, and leagues. In just two years, she has grown the program to over 60 active participants and introduced hundreds of children to the sport, many of whom had never seen a field hockey stick before.
“It’s an incredible honor to receive the Junior Hockey Award from NFHCA on behalf of Kansas Jayhockey,” said Larkin. “With our focus on youth programs, we aim to instill a love for field hockey in Kansas youth. In just 18 months, we’ve already brought the sport to hundreds of kids who have never played. I know firsthand the importance of starting the game young.”
Larkin’s own journey in the sport began in St. Louis, where she played for Gateway Field Hockey and at Lafayette High School. Inspired by her mother, Kelly Yates—who introduced her to the game—Larkin went on to compete collegiately for the Indiana Hoosiers. Now a mother of four, she left a successful career as a physician assistant to launch Kansas Jayhockey and invest in the next generation of players.
“Meg is not in this for her own glory,” shared her nominator. “She gets equipment donated from Gateway, Kansas City Club, and USA Field Hockey. She charges only enough to cover field rental. She just wants to grow the sport in Kansas and possibly give her kids the opportunity she had growing up.”
Larkin previously helped launch the Kansas City Club program alongside Bram Strookman and has continued her grassroots impact ever since. Her passion, resourcefulness, and unwavering dedication make her a fitting honoree for the NFHCA Junior Hockey Award—a recognition celebrating individuals who have significantly contributed to growing the game at the youth level.
With the support of her family and a growing network of community partners, Larkin’s dream is to build a field hockey culture across Kansas. “It is my true honor to share my passion for the game with the city of Lawrence—and hopefully, one day, all of Kansas,” she said.
The Award
The NFHCA Junior Hockey Award was created to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development of a junior field hockey program that involves athletes under the age of 13.
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.