NFHCA Welcomes Honorary Member Class of 2025
Photo: Laura Moliken
Manahawkin, NJ —The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) is proud to announce the induction of six distinguished individuals into this year’s class of Honorary Members.
The Honorary Member designation was created in 2021 to recognize and retain the expertise of former coaches, administrators, and association leaders. This distinction honors their legacy and preserves a meaningful connection between the NFHCA and the individuals who have shaped the past, present, and future of field hockey.
This year’s class features six trailblazing former coaches whose leadership and lasting impact have helped elevate both the sport of field hockey and the NFHCA. They now join an esteemed circle of Honorary Members that includes Olympians, NFHCA Hall of Fame inductees, and former NFHCA board members.
The 2025 Honorary Members include:
- Cristy Freese, Former Head Coach and Sport Administrator at Central Michigan University, former first Vice President of NFHCA Board of Directors
- Tracey Griesbaum, Former Head Coach, University of Iowa, United States Women’s National Team, NFHCA Lifetime Achievement Award honoree
- Laura Moliken, Former Head Coach and Director of Athletics at Ursinus; NFHCA Hall of Fame honoree
- Karen Weaver, Former Head Coach, Salisbury University (National Champion); Former Head Coach, Ohio State University, United States Women’s National Team
- Marcia Pankratz, Former Head Coach, University of Michigan; Olympian, and USAFH Hall of Fame honoree
- Gina Buggy, Former Head Coach, Episcopal High School, NFHCA Hall of Fame honoree
“I am very honored to be a Lifetime Member of the NFHCA. Coaching was my passion, and the NFHCA provided great mentorships and programs to develop in the profession. Most importantly, I have met and worked with such wonderful & dedicated people in field hockey and this organization,” said Cristy Freese.
“I am honored to be considered an NFHCA Honorary Member. It’s been a pleasure to be involved in the coaching world, where many great people have inspired others. I have always believed that coaching allows us to do the thing we love, with the people we love,” said Laura Moliken.
“I am truly honored to be selected as an honorary member of the NFHCA. Having contributed to the sport of field hockey at various levels for over 35 years, this recognition is deeply meaningful to me. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of coaching athletes from the middle school to masters level, with the majority of my time spent at the collegiate level. This honor provides a valuable opportunity to stay connected with the incredible network of individuals and organizations that continue to uphold and advance this great sport. The overall growth of field hockey, along with retaining and advancing coaching opportunities on an equal playing field, is incredibly important to me. I believe that my ongoing connection with the NFHCA can only help support this cause. I look forward to remaining actively involved in any way I can to help move field hockey to even greater heights. Thank you to the leaders of the NFHCA for this recognition and for their continued service,” added Tracey Griesbaum.
The Honorary Member designation may be granted to individuals who are no longer actively coaching, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria. These include induction into the NFHCA Hall of Fame, receipt of the NFHCA Lifetime Achievement Award, a minimum of 15 years of coaching in field hockey, prior recognition as a “Lifetime Member” of the NFHCA, or selection by the NFHCA Board of Directors for extraordinary service to the sport. A new class of Honorary Members is selected annually to join this distinguished group.
Honorary Members receive lifetime NFHCA membership, which includes full participation rights, such as voting in association elections, engaging in committee work, and eligibility to serve as the honorary representative on the Board of Directors. They also retain access to all NFHCA member benefits and resources.
The NFHCA is honored to welcome this year’s class of Honorary Members. These respected individuals will continue to serve the association and the field hockey community through their insight, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the sport.
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.