Sponsor Support Brings an Exciting Element of Fun at 2024 High Performance Summit
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In addition to coach education, coach-to-coach networking, and the opportunity for participants to see the U.S. Women’s National Team play, the recent High Performance Summit also featured awesome raffle prizes donated by USA Field Hockey’s sponsors and supporters. The High Performance Summit was held May 6 to 7 on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in Charlotte, N.C.
Pam Stuper, USA Field Hockey Foundation’s Executive Director, emceed the raffle prize portion of the event. She commented, “The raffle provided some extra fun between presentations! We are very grateful to our sponsors and supporters for their generosity in donating the prizes for our High Performance Summit. As you can imagine, our coaching community is very competitive, so every winner was very excited to take home the prize!”
Leading off the raffle prizes was a gift basket supplied by AstroTurf, which was won by Sally Starr, Boston University Head Coach.
About AstroTurf:
In the realm of field hockey, the pursuit of excellence knows no limits. AstroTurf's groundbreaking Poligras Paris GT Zero turf is spearheading a transformative era, elevating the sport to unprecedented levels of performance and sustainability. Meticulously engineered for elite athletes, the Poligras Paris GT Zero turf sets a new benchmark with its unparalleled speed and precision. The recent installation of AstroTurf’s Poligras Paris GT Zero turf at the state-of-the-art USA Field Hockey facility at UNC Charlotte signifies a monumental advancement for the sport on the global stage. This strategic move underscores USA Field Hockey's unwavering confidence in AstroTurf's innovative solutions. As the trusted choice for elite training, the Poligras Paris GT Zero turf is instrumental in preparing the US program for the upcoming Paris Olympics, ensuring athletes train on a surface that faithfully replicates the surface at the pinnacle of their sport. We take immense pride in supporting USA Field Hockey on their journey to Olympic glory, as they redefine the standards of excellence in the game.” Learn more and check out all the schools that feature its products at astroturf.com.
Next up, Blockstar Field Hockey donated a $125 gift certificate, won by Amy Robertson, USA Field Hockey’s North Carolina State Chapter President and owner of In the Zone.
About Blockstar Field Hockey:
Blockstar Field Hockey is an Official Sponsor of USA Field Hockey in the portable lightweight goal and goal target category. Blockstar Field Hockey was created by former U.S. Women’s National Team Goalkeeper, Jill Dedman with the mission to provide specialty training for goalkeepers. The Blockstar Shooting Target was later developed to provide field players with a keeper who is always available to train! The Goal on the Go was developed to provide a more affordable goal to individuals and teams and to help grow the game. Learn more.
Following that, Hagan Custom Sports, owner of Shannon Taylor’s Be11ieve line of field hockey apparel, got the spotlight. Hagan provided an umpire bag, cards and new fox 40 whistle, which was won by Sue Caples, Wizards Field Hockey Club Coach in Bedford, Mass. The items in the umpire bag were created with an umpire mindset, and the necessities needed to be successful as a field hockey umpire.
About Hagan/Be11ieve Field Hockey:
Hagan Sports is the official umpire sponsor of USA Field Hockey Umpires, and is the official licensee of USA Field Hockey Umpire Apparel. Hagan Hockey supplies umpire apparel which can be found at HaganCustomSports.com. Hagan’s items really take into consideration the needs/wants of umpires across the country!
Not to be missed, Path Coaching Company provided six months of individual and independent support through their flagship Coach2Coach program, which includes an individual needs analysis, personalized coach development plan, and six one on one coaching conversations – which was won by Paul Caddy, University of Connecticut Head Coach.
Path also donated a $100 discount voucher to be used toward any Path program, event or course over the next year, won by Alexa Rastigue, Oberlin College Assistant Coach.
Path Coaching Company founder Phil Edwards not only donated two gifts, but also attended the conference and is a long-time member and former coach within USA Field Hockey’s national programs.
About Path Coaching Company:
Founded by Phil Edwards in 2022, Path Coaching Company aims to answer the question, “As coaches we believe in the power of coaching, but who is coaching the coach?" by providing a range of impactful learning experiences and individualized coaching for curious coaches at all levels and across all sports. Head to pathcoachco.com to find out more and schedule your free Coaching Discovery Call today! Path Coaching Company. For your coaching journey.
New USA Field Hockey sponsor ROAR Hockey, maker of the StikStak training system, provided a fun prize box won by Alexa Rastigue, Oberlin College Assistant Coach.
About ROAR Hockey Company:
ROAR Hockey is a small company with a global footprint. ROAR offers advanced field hockey training devices (FHTD1000 & STIKSTAK) allowing athletes, clubs, and organizations to realize accelerated skill development. Their focus is on the attack side of the game. Enhancing 3D control, increasing possessional timeframes and elimination confidence, developing muscle memory, and improving circle play objectives all while providing a realistic visual training experience. Visit their webpage today or email roarhoco@gmail.com to see and learn how ROAR is committed to your growth. Founder Jim Schutt said, “We’re always interested in partnering with organizations who share the same passion for field hockey as we do – contact us if interested.” ROAR – be heard.
TreadBands, for the second consecutive year, donated a fabulous prize of a custom set of Treadbands headwear with a team logo featured on them, won by Jennifer Oakland, Region 3/4 Nexus Coach Manager, Westfield High School Head Coach, and Westfield State University Assistant Coach.
About Treadbands:
TreadBands are the ONLY patented non-slip headbands. It's so frustrating to see athletes messing with distracting headbands or pre-wrap during games when they are supposed to be focused, with two hands on their stick. Developed by a former field hockey coach and worn by national team athletes, TreadBands are the perfect addition to any team's uniform this fall. Find more information at TreadBands.com or email info@treadbands.com
Thrilled to be added as the newest USA Field Hockey sponsor, Wrappit Wrappit donated a gift basket of 50 custom designed wraps for one lucky team or club, which was won Dani Castro, Indiana University Assistant Coach.
About Wrappit Wrappit
Wrappit Wrappit has recently hopped onto the pitch. Specializing in custom orders for teams and clubs, they design chamois overwraps. Wrappit Wrappit’s ideation combines the fact that scoring a goal or making a save requires a lot of skill…and a little bit of luck [cue these lucky new chamois grips]. Founded in February 2024 in Charlotte, N.C. by Sarah Kocmond, what many would call a field hockey lifer (player/goalkeeper then coach/manager), she turned a life's passion into a new venture. Learn more.
USA Field Hockey’s High Performance Director Craig Parnham and Senior Manager of Coach Education and Learning Liz Tchou expressed their gratitude to all the sponsors. "We sincerely thank our sponsors for their generous raffle prize donations,” stated Tchou. “Your support significantly enhanced the USA Field Hockey High Performance Summit, allowing attendees to have fun, and learn more about your products and services. We look forward to future collaborations to support the growth and enthusiasm for field hockey in our country."
USA Field Hockey wants to thank all of these companies for the consideration and support. The raffle program has become one of the favorite parts of the High Performance Summit thanks to all of these generous sponsors. Thank you!
