NFHCA Honors Coaches and Milestones at 2026 Coaches Appreciation & Awards Lunch
Photo: Maggie Sohns, Head Coach, Dickinson College, (NFHCA 2025 Under 30 Award Recipient)
LAKE MARY, FL — The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) gathered the field hockey community today at the Coaches Appreciation & Awards Lunch, sponsored by FieldTurf, during the 2026 NFHCA Annual Convention. The annual luncheon provided an opportunity to recognize the dedication, leadership, and lasting impact of coaches who shape the sport at every level.
While many 2025 honors have been announced throughout the year, three distinctions were unveiled publicly for the first time during today’s luncheon: the Under 30 Coaching Award, the Victory Club, and the President’s Service Award. Together, they spotlight emerging leaders, significant career milestones, and exceptional service to the coaching profession.
Under 30 Coaching Award
The Under 30 Coaching Award recognizes coaches under the age of 30 who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and meaningful impact within their programs. This year’s recipients represent a new generation already leaving a lasting mark on the sport.
Megan Gutierrez, Head Coach at Dean College, has rapidly built a rising Division III program, guiding her team to its first-ever playoff berth and establishing a culture defined by competitive excellence and sustained growth.
Erin Matson, Head Coach at the University of North Carolina, has made history as the youngest head coach to win a national championship, amassing a 59-6 record, three ACC titles, and three NCAA semifinal appearances.
Maggie Sohns, Head Coach at Dickinson College, engineered one of the most notable turnarounds in college field hockey in her first season, transforming her program into a nationally ranked contender while investing in community and youth development.
Together, these coaches embody innovation, leadership, and the future strength of the profession.
Victory Club Award
The NFHCA Victory Club honors coaches who have reached significant career win milestones, celebrating sustained excellence over time. The following coaches were welcomed into the Victory Club during the Coaches Appreciation & Awards Lunch, grouped by career win achievement:
200 Victory Club
Carli Figlio, Monmouth University
Andrew Griffiths, Old Dominion University
Michelle Hess, Franklin High School
Missy Mariano, Hamilton College
Jill McGinnity, Danvers High School
Heather Serverson, Princeton High School
300 Victory Club
Shannon LeBlanc, University of Massachusetts, Lowell
Missy Mahar, Frontier Regional High School
Tina Mattera, Tufts University
Carrie Moura, Christopher Newport University
Georgette Summers, Rye Country Day School
Jenna Tucchio, Stonington High School
Jane Wells, Johns Hopkins University
400 Victory Club
Beth Hallenbeck, Skidmore College
Lynn Mittler, Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School
Nicky Pearson, Bowdoin College
500 Victory Club
Katharine DeLorenzo, Middlebury College
Amy Watson, Keene State College
600 Victory Club
Dawn Chamberlin, Salisbury University
Jill Cosse, West Essex High School
1,100 Victory Club
Sue Butz-Stavin, Emmaus High School
President’s Service Award
The 2025 President’s Service Award was presented to the NFHCA Video Exchange and Technology Committee, recognizing extraordinary service and leadership to the collegiate coaching community.
Throughout the year, the committee provided steady guidance and clear communication, representing the collective voice of collegiate coaches while advancing solutions that supported technology changes and challenges. Through its advocacy and leadership, the committee strengthened trust, elevated coach concerns, and exemplified the values of service and professionalism.
Committee members include Chair Will Byrne (Northwestern University), along with Tamara Durante (Michigan State), Phil Edwards (Rutgers University), Jessica Galatioto (Elmira College), Jacqueline Guillemette (Bentley University), Jason Klinkradt (Old Dominion University), Kelly McManus (Bates College), Rachel Palumbo (Catholic University), and Maddy Sposito (University of Maryland).
The NFHCA Coaches Appreciation & Awards Lunch underscored the association’s ongoing commitment to celebrating excellence, service, and leadership across all levels of field hockey. From emerging leaders to milestone achievers and dedicated advocates, the 2025 honorees reflect the strength, resilience, and shared purpose of the coaching profession.