NFHCA Welcomes New and Returning Board Members
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) has announced the election and appointment of new and returning members to its Board of Directors. These leaders will begin three-year terms of service on March 1, 2026, supporting the Association’s mission to champion, strengthen, and celebrate field hockey coaches and the game.
Elected Board Members
Laura Gebhart, head coach at Fairfield University, has been elected to a second term as the NFHCA Division I Representative. Gebhart is in her second season leading the Stags after spending four seasons at Penn State University as an assistant coach and associate head coach. She previously held coaching positions at Bryant University and the University of Vermont.
Gebhart has been an active leader within the NFHCA, serving on multiple committees, including the Hall of Fame, All-American, Collegiate Coaches Poll, NCAA Legislation, and Ad Hoc Strategic Planning committees. Her continued service on the Board reflects a strong commitment to advancing the profession and supporting collegiate coaches across all levels.
Sarah Shute, head coach at Boston University, has been elected as the NFHCA Vice President of Sport Development. Shute replaces Annie Fowler, who is stepping down after completing a full term in the role. Shute previously served as the head coach at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for six seasons and returned to Boston University in 2026 after a decade on the Terriers’ staff as an assistant and associate head coach from 2010 to 2019.
Shute has previously contributed to the NFHCA through service on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and brings extensive experience to her new leadership role. When asked about her new role on the NFHCA Board, Shute replied, “I’m honored to serve in this role and excited to help grow our sport by supporting coaches, strengthening development pathways, and creating opportunities for the next generation of players and leaders.”
Gloria Nantulya, director and head coach of the Washington Wolves Field Hockey Club in Maryland, has been elected as the NFHCA Club Representative. Nantulya succeeds Lauren Cornthwaite, whose second and final term concludes on February 28. Nantulya currently serves on the NFHCA Sport Development Committee and brings more than a decade of coaching experience at the club and high school levels.
A former student-athlete at Syracuse University, Nantulya has dedicated her career to developing athletes and growing the game at the grassroots level. Her perspective and leadership will help ensure strong representation for the club coaching community. “I am thankful and honored to have the opportunity to serve as club representative,” Nantulya said. “I look forward to contributing to this dynamic organization that is focused on the development of young athletes. The future of field hockey is bright, and it is up to us as coaches, leaders, and administrators to continue to nurture, develop, and advance youth field hockey programs.”
All three positions were filled through the NFHCA’s formal election process by eligible voting members.
Appointed Board Representatives
In addition to the elected positions, the NFHCA Board of Directors approved two appointed representatives during its recent meeting. These roles are recommended by the NFHCA Coaches of Color Council and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and approved by the Board.
Dani Castro, assistant coach at Indiana University and co-chair of the NFHCA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, has been appointed as the DEI Board Representative. Castro has been an engaged member of the NFHCA DEI Committee since 2021 and has been involved in Beyond Cream and Crimson at Indiana University, an initiative dedicated to cultivating an equitable environment within athletics. In addition to coaching at Indiana, Castro’s coaching background includes roles at the University of the Pacific, Scripps Ranch High School in California, and San Diego Flyers Field Hockey Club.
Margaret Maclean, head coach at the University of New Haven, has been appointed as the Coaches of Color Council Board Representative. Maclean is a member of the NFHCA Coaches of Color Council and has served two consecutive terms on the NFHCA Annual Convention Committee. Prior to her current role, Maclean held head and assistant coaching positions at Allegheny College, as well as coaching roles at Howard Stampede Field Hockey Club in Maryland and Pace University.
Collegiate Assistant/Associate Head Coach Representative Transition
The NFHCA also celebrates the recent transition involving the Collegiate Associate Head Coach/Assistant Coach Board Representative role. Tamara Durante’s term in this position will conclude following her recent promotion to head coach of the Michigan State University field hockey program. Durante has provided meaningful perspective and leadership on behalf of assistant and associate head coaches during her Board service, and the NFHCA extends its appreciation for her contributions.
As the Association is beyond the annual election cycle, the NFHCA Nominating Committee will present a candidate or candidates for Board approval at its April meeting to fill the vacancy for the remainder of 2026, with the position returning to the standard election process in 2027.
The NFHCA extends its gratitude to outgoing leaders Lauren Cornthwaite, Courtney Deena, Annie Fowler, Mimi Smith, and Tamara Durante for their service and welcomes these dedicated coaches to Board leadership.
To learn more about the NFHCA Board of Directors and their responsibilities, review the NFHCA Bylaws. The newly elected Board members officially begin their terms of service on March 1, 2026.
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