Coaching Insights Delivered at the 2025 High Performance Summit

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – With two full days of high-level instruction, collaboration, and hands-on learning, USA Field Hockey’s 2025 High Performance Summit delivered a transformational experience for coaches of all levels. Held at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the Summit brought together some of the most influential minds in field hockey to explore the latest strategies, training methods, and performance philosophies—all within the dynamic context of the U.S. Women’s National Team.

The event’s structure blended live team training with classroom-based presentations, giving attendees a front-row seat to elite performance in action.

The first day kicked off on the field with USWNT Head Coach David Passmore, who provided a behind-the-scenes look at the training environment and decision-making process guiding the senior national team. From managing athlete workloads to shaping Olympic-level game plans, Passmore’s field sessions connected elite concepts with practical drills and real-time coaching adjustments.

In one of the most anticipated sessions of the day, Maddie Hinch, former FIH World Goalkeeper of the Year and current USWNT goalkeeping coach, emphasized joy and psychological safety in her high-performance environment. “I want them to feel like kids in a playground,” Hinch said. “It has to be fresh, fun, and competitive every time. They still play this game because they love stopping the ball.”

Hinch’s session demonstrated how a mix of creativity and structure builds trust and intensity. Using rebound boards, “crazy catch” nets, and toy-filled drills, she focused on helping goalkeepers attack the ball with purpose—developing skills, confidence and identity in the circle.

Dutch master coach Thomas Tichelman followed with his signature session on The Six Accelerators. Drawing from decades of success with the Netherlands and elite club teams, Tichelman broke down the principles of speed-based attacking play. “One-v-one is king,” he said. “Not because it's flashy, but because it forces defensive decisions and breaks control.” He encouraged coaches to think less about control for control’s sake—and more about how acceleration, transition, and chaos can lead to winning hockey.

Day two shifted indoors, where coaches explored long-term player development, cognitive habits, and injury-prevention strategies. Mark Egner, Head Coach of the U-18 USWNT, provided a comprehensive walkthrough of the Junior High Performance program. He outlined the athlete pathway, selection philosophy, and training benchmarks—giving attendees clarity on how USA Field Hockey is cultivating the next generation of national team players.

Bert Remmerswaal, newly appointed USWNT Assistant Coach, introduced the concept of “overview hockey”—a cognitive approach to decision-making based on scanning, positioning, and pre-touch vision. “We talk a lot about skills,” Remmerswaal explained, “but awareness and body position are just as important. If a player isn’t looking up before receiving the ball, they can’t play forward with purpose.”

Using extensive video examples and detailed practice breakdowns, Remmerswaal emphasized developing second-nature habits—like scanning for windows between defenders, maintaining proper footwork, and using body orientation to open play.

Hannah Jaussen, USWNT Physiotherapist, brought a crucial perspective to performance longevity. Her session explored injury prevention, individualized training loads, and the importance of smart recovery strategies. “Performance doesn’t come from pushing harder," Jaussen emphasized, "it comes from planning smarter."

Much of the Summit’s connective tissue came from Craig Parnham, USA Field Hockey’s High Performance Director, who served as the event’s moderator and architect. With his signature authenticity, Parnham kept sessions grounded, accessible, and engaging—providing real-time commentary, linking concepts across presentations, and creating space for valuable coach questions.

Attendees praised Parnham for making elite training feel up close and personal. “Craig's Q&A style was a great way to keep us involved in what was happening on the pitch—it helped me stay focused and engaged,” noted one participant. Another commented, “Appreciate Craig’s authenticity and personal story sharing combined with high-level education.”

By using a microphone and pausing after key segments for reflection and discussion, Parnham ensured that the Summit wasn’t just about watching high performance—it was about understanding it. His leadership was the thread that tied the event together, ensuring that every coach walked away with not just insight, but inspiration.

Between sessions, the energy buzzed with connection and collaboration. Coaches traded notes, shared stories, and bonded over a shared mission to grow the game. The always-popular raffle, hosted by Pam Stuper, Executive Director of the USA Field Hockey Foundation, brought extra fun between sessions—thanks to the generous support of USA Field Hockey’s sponsors.

Every attendee also received a Capelli Sport goodie bag, underscoring their connection to the national program and the greater coaching community.

The 2025 High Performance Summit was more than an event—it was a catalyst for growth, learning, and connection across every level of American field hockey. With world-class speakers, authentic leadership, and a commitment to excellence from the grassroots to the Olympic stage, this year’s Summit left an undeniable impact.

And with Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon, the coaches in the room aren’t just preparing athletes—they’re helping shape the future of the sport in the U.S.