Michigan State Chapter to Host Ancillary Events at NCAA Division I Championship Weekend

To add to the excitement of the fall season being back on schedule, USA Field Hockey and the Michigan State Chapter have partnered to support the NCAA with a fun-filled schedule of ancillary events at the NCAA Division I Championship. Designed for athletes, coaches, umpires and fans of all levels, each day boasts something different with the chance to socialize, network, learn and enjoy field hockey.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to host the NCAA Division I Championship in our state, and offer a full weekend of ancillary offerings to those attending,” said Keely Tamer, Michigan State Chapter President. “The great support from USA Field Hockey, especially for the coach and umpire education, will most definitely add to the excitement and make it a weekend to remember.”

The weekend kicks off on Friday, November 19 with the NCAA Division I Semifinals taking place at the University of Michigan’s Phyllis Ocker Field. The first Semifinal is slotted for 12:00 p.m. ET, with the second at 2:30 p.m. ET. Immediately following the game is a Social at Conor O’Neills (318 Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104) for a chance for fellow field hockey fans to hangout, socialize and win some door prizes. Pre-registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome.

Saturday, November 20 is an action-packed day with four registration based ancillary offerings. To start, USA Field Hockey’s Coach Education and Learning team will host a 3-hour Defending Principles Workshop at the Indoor Training Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. This offering running from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET will provide coaches with the essential principles to help build more effective defensive teams. Following at the same facility from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET is a Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinic, the second part of the Level 1 program, which is a great way to become certified and training in best practices in coaching field hockey and in “The USA Way ''. The Coach Educator for both clinics is Allan Law, who served nine years as an assistant coach and associate head coach at Syracuse University, where he helped lead the team to the 2015 NCAA Division I National Championship. He also serves as the U.S. U-16 and U-21 Women's National Team Assistant Coach and led the U.S. Men's Masters Team to a fifth place finish at the 2019 Masters Indoor World Cup. 

USA Field Hockey’s Director of Umpiring Steve Horgan will also host an Umpiring the Modern Game course from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET at the Stephen M. Ross Academic Center. This 90-minute workshop is designed for all levels and will cover how the game has changed over the years, with the new and modified rules, stronger, faster and more skilled players, and new techniques that didn’t exist until recently.

To round out the day, a Youth Clinic and Autograph Session will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET at the Indoor Training Center. Kids of all ages, new and experienced, are welcomed to join for fun on-field games-based activities and the chance to meet U.S. National Team athletes. Loaner sticks will be available but those attending are asked to bring shinguards and mouth guards.

Finally, to cap off the weekend is the grand finale with the NCAA Division I Final on Sunday, November 21 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for the NCAA Semifinals and Final can be purchased here.

USA Field Hockey would like to thank the Michigan State Chapter for their leadership in supporting field hockey in the state and organizing the additional programming surrounding the NCAA Division I Championship weekend. With a total of five State Chapter programs currently launched in California, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina and South Carolina, USA Field Hockey’s plans to extend these offerings across all three NCAA Championships in future years.

After a year-hiatus for Division II and III, the NCAA is in full planning mode to make the Championship Weekends outstanding, and safe for all to attend. Although the annual pre-tournament banquets and senior games, sponsored by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA), have been canceled, it won't take away from the competitive atmosphere which will be present at the Championships. 

ESPN and the NCAA announced that the NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship Semifinals and Final will be presented live on ESPN’s linear and digital networks through at least 2023. ESPN’s coverage of the NCAA Division I Championship played in May 2021 was outstanding, and was the first-time since the 1987 championship that the regular fall-season NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship was televised.

“We are extremely excited for the continued coverage that ESPN is providing the NCAA Division I Championship,” said Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey’s Executive Director. “Not only does it showcase the highest level of collegiate competition, but it also exposes the sport for many to enjoy right from their homes. We hope many will be inspired to pick up a stick and get in the game.”