NFHCA Honors Outstanding Coaches with Awards at Annual Appreciation Luncheon
LAKE MARY, Fla. — Earlier today, the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) celebrated the achievements and contributions of coaches across the field hockey community during the Coaches Appreciation Lunch, sponsored by FieldTurf as part of the 2025 NFHCA Annual Convention.
This event honored individuals who have demonstrated dedication and impact in their roles, presenting awards such as the President’s Service Award, Under 30 Coaches Award, Coaches Impact Award, Club Coaching Staff of the Year, Collegiate Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year, and Victory Club. The NFHCA’s inaugural Aspire Coaches Academy graduates and Campfire Mentors were also recognized.
President’s Service Award
Will Byrne, Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator, Northwestern University; Chair, NFHCA Video and Technology Committee
Byrne demonstrated exceptional leadership as Chair of the NFHCA’s Video and Technology Committee. He spearheaded the transition to a new collegiate film exchange platform, a vital resource for coaches and teams, navigating the challenges that come with technology changes. His collaborative approach, dedication, and advocacy ensured open communication with the platform vendor, addressing member feedback, and driving future enhancements.
President’s Service Award Honorable Mention
Annie Fowler, Head Coach, Vassar College; NFHCA Board of Directors Executive Committee Board member & Chair of the Sport Development Committee
Fowler played a pivotal role in overseeing the 2024 Redwood Grant program, supporting three new recipients to promote the sport’s growth. She also launched the innovative Green Whistle Project, aimed at tackling the umpire shortage by recruiting and supporting young officials while fostering stronger relationships between officials, coaches, and athletes.
The NFHCA President’s Service Award is a testament to the exemplary individuals who shape the field hockey community through their passion, dedication, and leadership.
Under 30 Coaching Award
Rachel Beam, Head Coach, The Taft School, Watertown, Connecticut
Beginning in 2018, Rachel was heavily involved in coaching youth, middle school, and high school players for a local club, Cross River Combo. She had many teams that she coached solo and took the lead on skill stations for youth and middle school including a U16 team at the Winter Escape showcase. In 2021, she was part of the SUNY New Paltz staff that won the NFHCA Region III Coaching Staff of the Year. In her debut season at the Taft School as the head coach she won the 2023 NEPSAC Class A Championship, had an undefeated season, and won the Founders League Championship. That same year she was awarded the 2023 MAX Field Hockey Coach of the Year (The Taft School). In 2024 her team at the Taft School were the NEPSAC Class A Finalists and Founders League Champions.
Breanna Page, Head Coach, Yarmouth High School, Brunswick, Maine
Breanna Page has quickly established herself as a transformative leader in high school field hockey, guiding Yarmouth High School to unprecedented success in just two seasons. After taking over a team that went 8-8 in 2022, she led the Clippers to a 12-2-1 record and an appearance at the Class B South Regionals in 2023, earning her Fall Coach of the Year honors. Under her leadership, Yarmouth achieved its first state championship appearance since 1995, despite losing seven seniors, including five starters, from the previous season. Her ability to foster accountability, teamwork, and community involvement has been central to her program’s success. She has built a culture of collaboration and growth by empowering athletes to contribute to practice planning and partnering with nonprofits like Strong Girls United. A former player herself, she began coaching in high school and has been with MAINE STYX Field Hockey since 2016, now serving as Assistant Director.
Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year
Collegiate Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year were previously announced via release on December 6. They were provided their awards during the January 16 luncheon:
Division I Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year
Club Coaching Staff of the Year
Pinnacle Field Hockey, led by current owner Keely Tamer and an outstanding team of coaches including Nancy Cox, Kristi Gannon, Tamara Durante, Corey Block, Taryn Damm, Abbey Burnett, Emmy Tran, Claudia Keen, Kelsey Chun, Kate Brondyk, and Andrea Shaner, has been honored as the Club Coaching Staff of the Year. Since its inception in 2009, Pinnacle has focused on growing the sport of field hockey in Michigan, fostering inclusivity, and developing athletes who embody compassion, communication, courage, and confidence.
Pinnacle’s Impact:
- Expanding Accessibility: Runs free clinics in underrepresented areas of Michigan to introduce and expand access to the sport.
- Infrastructure Development: Working to establish a high-quality turf field at the Legacy Center in Brighton, MI, through Great Lakes Regional Field Hockey.
- Leadership and Development: Leads Michigan’s chapter of US Field Hockey, while mentoring collegiate coaches.
- Coaching Clinics: Facilitates virtual coaching clinics through Great Lakes Regional Field Hockey to enhance coaching skills across the state.
Pinnacle’s success is reflected not only in its titles and championships but also in its lasting legacy of empowering young athletes. The club has consistently contributed players to NCAA Division I, II, and III programs, with 99% of these athletes graduating from their collegiate careers. Notably, Abby Tamer, an Olympic athlete and Pinnacle alumna, became the first Michigan player to represent the state in Field Hockey at the Olympics.
Despite operating in a state with limited high school programs (32–36 teams), Pinnacle athletes continue to compete and excel at the highest levels. The club’s commitment to inclusivity and its mission to grow the sport remain the foundation of its success and legacy.
Victory Club Award
200 Victory Club
Josette Babineau, University of Maine
Cindy Dutt, Penn-Trafford High School
Brooke Good, Messiah University
Heidi Hand, Winnacunnet High School
Julie Lajoie, Mt. Blue High School
Eleanor, Mitchell Sacred Heart Academy
Jennifer Schwarzenbek, Summit High School
300 Victory Club
Alix Barrale, Williams College
Shellie Onstead, University of California, Berkeley
Nanette Simione, Rondout Valley High School
Diane Toth, Ethical Culture Fieldston School
Andy Whitcomb, Mount Holyoke College
Denise Zelenak, Drexel University
400 Victory Club
Terri Simonetti Frost, Thomas Worthington
Wendy Wilson, Tabb High School
Debra McMullen, East Greenwich High School
Shelly Zaleneraitis, Quabbin Regional High School
500 Victory Club
Sandi Miller, East Stroudsburg University
600 Victory Club
Karen Funk, Marathon High School
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.