Member Spotlight – Phil Edwards
By Cassidy Strittmatter & Cate Clark
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Phil Edwards’ path through field hockey has never followed a single lane. From international coaching environments to collegiate sidelines and national team staff rooms, Edwards has built a career shaped by curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to making the game better for those within it.
Founder of Path Coaching Company and current technical director for the Rutgers University field hockey program, Edwards brings a global perspective to a program competing at the highest levels of Division I. His journey to Piscataway, NJ reflects a blend of hands-on coaching experience, performance analysis, and coach education that continues to influence both the Scarlet Knights and the broader field hockey community.
A Global Perspective Shaping the College Game
Before arriving at Rutgers, Edwards spent several years with USA Field Hockey, where he contributed across multiple layers of the national system. His work spanned roles with the senior women’s and men’s national teams, the U-21 Women’s National Team, and junior high-performance programs. Whether on the sideline or behind the scenes as a performance analyst, Edwards played a role in shaping how teams prepared, competed, and evolved on the international stage.
His influence extended beyond competition. As part of USA Field Hockey’s coach education and learning initiatives, Edwards helped design and deliver programs that supported coaches at all stages of their development. His work focused on creating accessible learning environments, building community among coaches, and encouraging dialogue across topics ranging from technical skills to leadership and sport science.
That commitment to education was recognized nationally when Edwards was named Team USA’s Coach Educator of the Year in 2021.
Translating Experience Into Impact at Rutgers
At Rutgers, Edwards applies that same lens to a collegiate environment, helping bridge international insights with the day-to-day realities of Division I competition. His role as technical director touches multiple aspects of the program, from performance analysis to tactical preparation, while contributing to a culture that values both detail and connection.
His background as a Division I assistant coach across multiple programs, along with earlier experiences in club and international development systems, allows him to meet the moment with perspective. It is not just about what the game looks like at the highest level, but how those standards can be translated into meaningful growth for student-athletes.
Service and Mentorship
While Edwards’ impact is felt on the field, his influence extends well beyond it. Through his involvement with the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA), he has contributed to initiatives that support coaches across the country.
His work on the NFHCA Video Exchange and Technology Committee helped navigate an evolving space that directly affects how programs prepare and compete. In recognition of those efforts, Edwards received the 2025 NFHCA President’s Service Award alongside other members of the committee, honoring his leadership and commitment to the coaching community.
Edwards has also played a meaningful role in coach education through the NFHCA. He has served as the lead educator for the Ready2Coach program at the NFHCA Annual Convention and has contributed to the Aspire Coaches Academy and the NFHCA Coaches Corner virtual series, sharing insights with coaches across levels of the game.
For Edwards, that involvement is grounded in perspective.
“Many of us are very fortunate to call coaching a full-time profession here in the U.S. That is not necessarily commonplace in other parts of the world, certainly in field hockey,” Edwards said.
That awareness continues to shape how he approaches service and mentorship. One of his most meaningful experiences came as a mentor in the NFHCA Redwood Grant program.
“It’s a wonderful program, and the opportunity to work with the grant recipients that year, Katie and Emily from Rocky Mountain Field Hockey Club, was a truly rewarding one,” Edwards said. “That’s the power of mentoring. It’s a two-way street.”
A Shared Responsibility in Looking Ahead
Edwards sees the current landscape of sport, particularly Olympic sports, as a moment that calls for collective investment.
“It feels like we are at a critical moment in sports in the U.S., especially for Olympic sports like field hockey,” Edwards said. “Collective service and mentorship must be central to the cause if we are to stabilize and grow this sport that we love.”
That belief is reflected in the way he moves through the game. Not confined to one role or level, but connected across them.
Through coaching, education, and mentorship, Edwards continues to contribute to a broader effort. One that extends beyond a single program or season, and instead focuses on strengthening the game for those who will come next.
Serve the Sport. Get Involved with the NFHCA
Inspired by leaders like Edwards, many NFHCA members choose to give back through service to the coaching community. More than 200 coaches currently contribute their time and expertise across the Association’s 13 standing committees, helping shape programs, recognition initiatives, and the future of the sport. Coaches interested in becoming more involved are encouraged to complete the NFHCA Committee Service Application in the NFHCA Member Portal and take part in strengthening the field hockey community.
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.
AstroTurf is the Official Sponsor of the 2026 NFHCA Annual Convention. With over 50 years of experience and millions and millions of square feet of synthetic turf in use worldwide, AstroTurf products bring more technological expertise and real-world know-how to the game than any other brand.
