Member Spotlight – Rayell Wallace
By Cassidy Strittmatter & Cate Clark
SHIPPENSBURG, PA — In just one season at the helm, Rayell Wallace has already left a lasting mark on Shippensburg University field hockey.
Taking over the program in April 2025, Wallace led the Raiders to a historic campaign, capturing both the NCAA Division II Field Hockey Championship and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference title in her first season. It was a statement year that reflected not only results, but the standard she brings to every level of the game.
From UConn All-American to US National Team Experience
Her path to Shippensburg has been shaped by experience across the highest levels of field hockey. Wallace spent five seasons as head coach at Slippery Rock University and six years as an assistant at Miami University (Ohio), following a standout collegiate career at University of Connecticut where she earned NFHCA All-American honors twice.
She also competed internationally with the U.S. Women’s National Team from 2013 to 2015, appearing in nine matches while gaining experience that continues to influence her approach today.
That perspective shows up clearly in how Wallace builds her programs — qualities shaped by years of learning from elite environments and translating them into daily habits.
Leadership Through Community
While her impact on the field has been immediate, Wallace has also become a respected voice within the coaching community through her involvement with the National Field Hockey Coaches Association and NCAA service initiatives.
She has served as an NFHCA Campfire Mentor, sharing her time and perspective with fellow coaches in meaningful, small-group virtual settings designed to foster connection, growth, and real conversation within the profession. Wallace has also spent time serving on multiple NFHCA and NCAA committees.
That journey began with encouragement from mentors.
“My involvement with the NFHCA started when I was at Miami,” Wallace shared. Coaches “Chip Rogers and Iñako Puzo encouraged me to get involved. The leadership around me gave me the confidence and drive to pursue those opportunities.”
Expanding Perspective Across All Levels of the Game
Since then, her perspective has continued to expand.
“I’ve interacted with coaches across all divisions, as well as club and high school coaches and administrators,” she said. “Hearing different perspectives, challenges, and triumphs from all levels has given me more knowledge of the sport as a whole.”
That broader lens has also shaped how Wallace leads her own program. Mentorship, collaboration, and a willingness to evolve are central to her philosophy — not just for her student-athletes, but for fellow coaches as well.
For those considering getting more involved, Wallace emphasizes a simple starting point. “If you want to make a change in any level of our sport, a great way to start is to join a committee,” she said. “Start small and build from there.”
Building the Future of Field Hockey Through Collective Growth
As she enters her second season at Shippensburg, Wallace’s trajectory is clear. She is building a program capable of sustained success while also contributing to the larger conversation around the growth and direction of the game.
“Collective service and mentorship play a massive role in the improvement of our sport,” Wallace said. “We need to keep growing and improving every year, and with that we need to keep developing as coaches in the sport.”
In a short time, Wallace has already demonstrated what that looks like — leading at a championship level while staying connected to the people and perspectives that continue to shape field hockey.
Serve the Sport. Get Involved with the NFHCA
Inspired by leaders like Wallace, 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.
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