NFHCA and Zag Sports Tours Join Forces for the Olympic Experience of a Lifetime
Manahawkin, NJ - From July 24 to July 31, a group of 28 high school and college member coaches from the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) embarked on the Zag Olympic Tour, an unforgettable journey curated by Zag Sports Tours. This unique tour offered participants a front-row seat to the magic of the Olympics while providing opportunities for professional growth, cultural exchange, and personal reflection.
The week-long tour was a success, as the coaches not only immersed themselves in the excitement of live Olympic events but also built lasting connections with their peers and international counterparts. The experience was enriched by the diverse activities that spanned both professional development and cultural immersion.
Among the 28 coaches, two received tour scholarships—one sponsored by Zag Sports Tours and the other by the NFHCA. Allison Fordyce, Head Coach at Susquehanna University, and Lauren Scorza, Head Coach at St. John Fisher University, were the recipients. While they were responsible for their airfare, the scholarships covered the tour experience.
The tour took the group through Holland, Belgium, and France, blending field hockey-specific coaching sessions with cultural exploration and community service.
A memorable day in the Netherlands was spent at HC Schiedam, where the group participated in a session focused on technical skills, both in the classroom and on the field. They also had the chance to give back to the local community by dividing into small groups to clean the canals—a unique way to contribute while gaining a new perspective on the town. Sarah Humphries, the University of Iowa’s Director of Operations, described the experience as a special way to connect with the local culture.
The tour also included time for exploring the rich history of the area, with one day concluding with a visit to the Anne Frank House.
“The ZAG Olympic Tour was an amazing experience. Not only did we have the opportunity to learn from amazing international coaches, but we had the ability to immerse ourselves in the culture while getting to know other coaches from all across the country. Our group came from all different backgrounds and had experience coaching at all different levels, which allowed for great collaboration and idea sharing,” Scorza stated. “The trip challenged me in many ways. In addition to providing more technical and tactical ideas, it made me think about my coaching philosophy and the way in which I structure aspects of my program. Lastly, traveling to the Olympic Stadium to watch the field hockey matches was incredible. Hearing the US National Anthem played before the game was a really special moment. The environment as a spectator was a lot of fun, and it was definitely a trip of a lifetime. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity!”
One of the most compelling reflections came from Julie Munson, Head Coach at Southern New Hampshire University. Munson shared the tour’s profound impact on her:
“The Zag Olympic Tour was truly the trip of a lifetime – it was an experience that allowed me to earn a gold medal, not in competition, but as a spectator and a participant in life! Honestly, I wasn’t even supposed to go on this trip. As a kid, I avoided leaving home if I could. My comfort zone is a place that I knew well, and I could have easily stayed there.
Instead, I learned to ‘zag’ and took a leap into my courage zone. I joined a group of incredible individuals, who I will now proudly call teammates for life. Together, we learned, we shared, and we experienced moments that propelled us forward. From stepping into my courage zone, I returned home not just as a better coach, but as a stronger person. I carry with me priceless lessons and a virtual gold medal in personal growth.
Thank you Zag Tours, and the NFHCA for making this possible!”
The tour’s itinerary was packed with enriching activities that spanned across different cities and venues, offering a blend of field hockey sessions, cultural exploration, and community service. The Zag Olympic Tour provided NFHCA coaches with more than just an opportunity to witness world-class athletic events; it offered a transformative experience that fostered personal growth, professional development, and deepened connections with colleagues and the global field hockey community.
As the coaches return to their respective schools and teams, the lessons and experiences from the tour will undoubtedly influence their coaching philosophies and inspire them to continue pushing boundaries, both on and off the field. The Zag Olympic Tour was a testament to the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing the journey of lifelong learning and growth.
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