Taylor Bacon – Staying in the Game

By Cassidy Strittmatter, NFHCA Digital Communications Team

Kansas City, MO — When her playing career came to an end, Taylor Bacon felt a piece of her identity shift. However, through reflection, she discovered that her passion for field hockey was not ending, it was evolving into something even more impactful.

Bacon competed as a student-athlete at Denison University from 2010 to 2014, where she made an immediate impact. By her sophomore year, she had earned a consistent starting role and established herself as a key playmaker. In her final season, Bacon ranked second in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) in assists, underscoring her leadership and offensive presence.

Coaching Inspiration

Bacon attributes her motivation to pursue coaching to the foundational lessons she learned from her father.

“My dad taught me that real self-esteem comes from working hard to achieve something you wouldn’t have otherwise accomplished,” Bacon said. “That mindset has stayed with me throughout my life.”

She also credits her collegiate coach, PJ Soteriades, for shaping her perspective on leadership and mentorship.

“PJ was more than just my field hockey coach. She became a mentor and a friend,” Bacon said. “Even today, I know I can call her for advice about my team or about life.”

These influences now guide Bacon’s approach as she invests in the development of her own student-athletes.

Building a Program: Expanding Opportunities for Young Athletes

Focused on paying this mentorship forward, Bacon took on the challenge of launching a new field hockey program at St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City (MO), introducing the sport to student-athletes within an already competitive athletics environment.

While starting a program from the ground up can be demanding, Bacon viewed the opportunity as a meaningful way to expand access to the sport.

 “Providing a sport that most people don’t start playing until they’re older gives students the chance to try something new without feeling like they’re already behind,” she said. “More opportunities means more girls staying involved in sports, building confidence, and discovering what they’re capable of.”

Her work reflects a broader commitment to increasing participation and ensuring that more student-athletes have the opportunity to engage in field hockey.  Watching her players experience field hockey for the first time is the most rewarding part of Bacon’s work. She shared that “Exposing young women to the sport that changed my life is truly an honor.” Bacon believes the lessons of hard work, competition, and commitment she can provide through sport make a huge impact on the futures of her young athletes.

Giving Back to the Sport That Gives So Much

Bacon’s journey reflects the core message of the NFHCA’s Stay in the Game initiative: the conclusion of a playing career does not signal the end of involvement in the sport.

“If field hockey helped shape who you are, staying in the game is one of the most meaningful ways to give that back to someone else,” Bacon said.

Her transition from player to coach highlights the many ways former student-athletes can continue to contribute to the sport and positively influence future generations.

Although her playing career has ended, Bacon’s impact within the sport continues to grow. Through coaching and program development, she is creating opportunities for young athletes to build confidence, develop skills, and find a sense of belonging.

Staying in the game is not simply about remaining involved. It is about shaping the future of field hockey and ensuring the next generation has the opportunity to experience its lasting impact.

Stay in The Game

Field hockey needs players, coaches, officials and leaders at every stage of the journey. Whether you’re nearing the end of your playing career or simply exploring what comes next, officiating, and coaching offer powerful ways to stay involved, stay connected and give back to the game. Learn more about how you can Stay in the Game.

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