Field Hockey Canada Staff

Field Hockey Canada’s staff is dedicated to inspiring, developing, and promoting field hockey across the nation. Our team works tirelessly to create a world-class field hockey system that reaches all communities, fostering a culture of integrity, fun, teamwork, accountability, respect, and transparency. We aim to support athletes, coaches, and officials at all levels, from grassroots to high performance, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. By collaborating with partners and engaging the community, we strive to position our national teams for consistent podium contention and to grow the sport’s presence and impact throughout Canada.

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Field Hockey Canada Organizational Structure and responsibilities

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Susan Ahrens - CEO
Susan Ahrens is the CEO of Field Hockey Canada, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the sport. A former international field hockey player, Susan competed in two World Cups and has held various leadership roles, including Director of Hockey Development. Her career spans education, academia, and provincial and club sport environments. As a values-based leader with a PhD in social justice, Susan is deeply committed to advocating for quality, accessible, and safe sport for all. Since becoming CEO in January 2019, she has played a pivotal role in advancing strategic leadership, governance, system alignment, and community engagement within the field hockey community.

Susan Ahrens - CEO

Susan Ahrens is the CEO of Field Hockey Canada, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the sport. A former international field hockey player, Susan competed in two World Cups and has held various leadership roles, including Director of Hockey Development. Her career spans education, academia, and provincial and club sport environments. As a values-based leader with a PhD in social justice, Susan is deeply committed to advocating for quality, accessible, and safe sport for all. Since becoming CEO in January 2019, she has played a pivotal role in advancing strategic leadership, governance, system alignment, and community engagement within the field hockey community.

Chan Campbell - Manager of Operations
As a newcomer to Canada, Chan joined Field Hockey Canada as a volunteer in 2022, whilst also working for Field Hockey Alberta as the High performance program administrator. Progressing to a full-time High Performance Administrator in 2023, Chan is now the Manager of operations for high performance. With a B.Sc.(Occupational Therapy) she is passionate about the role of sport in overall childhood development. Chan coordinates and leads all operational logistics and administrative tasks for the high-performance teams, liaising with international federations, working with the COC and Sports Canada AAP. Chan manages all athlete-related matters for the senior and junior national teams.

Chan Campbell - Manager of Operations

As a newcomer to Canada, Chan joined Field Hockey Canada as a volunteer in 2022, whilst also working for Field Hockey Alberta as the High performance program administrator. Progressing to a full-time High Performance Administrator in 2023, Chan is now the Manager of operations for high performance. With a B.Sc.(Occupational Therapy) she is passionate about the role of sport in overall childhood development. Chan coordinates and leads all operational logistics and administrative tasks for the high-performance teams, liaising with international federations, working with the COC and Sports Canada AAP. Chan manages all athlete-related matters for the senior and junior national teams.

Kevin Underhill - Communications Manager
Kevin Underhill is the Communications Manager at Field Hockey Canada. A graduate of the University of Victoria with a background in journalism and communications, Kevin also completed a post-graduate journalism certificate at Langara College. Before joining Field Hockey Canada, he spent five years as the Communications Manager for Ultimate Canada. Kevin has a diverse sports background, having competed in ice hockey, soccer and baseball, and represented Canada in international Ultimate competitions. He is passionate about Canadian sports and experience in the amateur sports world. Kevin has been the Communications Manager at Field Hockey Canada since 2017.

Kevin Underhill - Communications Manager

Kevin Underhill is the Communications Manager at Field Hockey Canada. A graduate of the University of Victoria with a background in journalism and communications, Kevin also completed a post-graduate journalism certificate at Langara College. Before joining Field Hockey Canada, he spent five years as the Communications Manager for Ultimate Canada. Kevin has a diverse sports background, having competed in ice hockey, soccer and baseball, and represented Canada in international Ultimate competitions. He is passionate about Canadian sports and experience in the amateur sports world. Kevin has been the Communications Manager at Field Hockey Canada since 2017.

Hailey Yhap - Events & Engagement Officer
Hailey Yhap is Field Hockey Canada's Events & Engagement Officer. A passionate advocate for healthy, active lifestyles, Hailey is dedicated to promoting accessible sports for all races, genders, religions, and abilities. With a diverse background as a player, instructor, and manager, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. Hailey holds a master's degree in human kinetics from the University of Ottawa and has previously worked with the Canadian Olympic Committee. Her commitment to inclusion and acceptance drives her efforts to engage and grow the field hockey community in Canada. Hailey initially worked as a part of the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2020 and has since become a full-time member of staff.

Hailey Yhap - Events & Engagement Officer

Hailey Yhap is Field Hockey Canada's Events & Engagement Officer. A passionate advocate for healthy, active lifestyles, Hailey is dedicated to promoting accessible sports for all races, genders, religions, and abilities. With a diverse background as a player, instructor, and manager, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. Hailey holds a master's degree in human kinetics from the University of Ottawa and has previously worked with the Canadian Olympic Committee. Her commitment to inclusion and acceptance drives her efforts to engage and grow the field hockey community in Canada. Hailey initially worked as a part of the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2020 and has since become a full-time member of staff.

Jenning Northgraves - Administrator
Jenning Northgraves is the Administrator at Field Hockey Canada, supporting all programs within Field Hockey Canada, including Masters, National Teams, and NextGen, as well as serving as the Facilities Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics. With 10 years of experience as the Administrative Coordinator for the Vancouver Women's Field Hockey Association and over 35 years of active involvement in the local field hockey community, Jenning brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role. Her expertise and commitment ensure the smooth operation of Field Hockey Canada's programs and initiatives.

Jenning Northgraves - Administrator

Jenning Northgraves is the Administrator at Field Hockey Canada, supporting all programs within Field Hockey Canada, including Masters, National Teams, and NextGen, as well as serving as the Facilities Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics. With 10 years of experience as the Administrative Coordinator for the Vancouver Women's Field Hockey Association and over 35 years of active involvement in the local field hockey community, Jenning brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role. Her expertise and commitment ensure the smooth operation of Field Hockey Canada's programs and initiatives.

Nina Aninipoc - NextGen Admin Assistant
Nina is from Vancouver, BC and started playing field hockey in high school. She played for the Vancouver Hawks as a junior and currently plays for North Vancouver Hockey Club. Nina studied human resources and hospitality and management. She has held multiple positions in retail management and administration, inventory management and operations. She works for Field Hockey Canada as the NextGen Administrative Assistant, supporting tour logistics, management and all administrative tasks for Field Hockey Canada’s NextGen portfolio.

Nina Aninipoc - NextGen Admin Assistant

Nina is from Vancouver, BC and started playing field hockey in high school. She played for the Vancouver Hawks as a junior and currently plays for North Vancouver Hockey Club. Nina studied human resources and hospitality and management. She has held multiple positions in retail management and administration, inventory management and operations. She works for Field Hockey Canada as the NextGen Administrative Assistant, supporting tour logistics, management and all administrative tasks for Field Hockey Canada’s NextGen portfolio.

HIGH PERFORMANCE STAFF

Sheldon Rostron - Women's National Team Head Coach
Sheldon Rostron is the Head Coach of Field Hockey Canada's Women's National Team. Hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, Sheldon began his field hockey journey at 13. His career includes roles as a specialist trainer, goalkeeper coach, and head coach of the South African Women's team, leading them to significant achievements like the 2018 World Cup and Commonwealth Games. Before joining Field Hockey Canada, he was the Director of Sport at North West University. Sheldon is known for his passion and leadership.

Sheldon Rostron - Women's National Team Head Coach

Sheldon Rostron is the Head Coach of Field Hockey Canada's Women's National Team. Hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, Sheldon began his field hockey journey at 13. His career includes roles as a specialist trainer, goalkeeper coach, and head coach of the South African Women's team, leading them to significant achievements like the 2018 World Cup and Commonwealth Games. Before joining Field Hockey Canada, he was the Director of Sport at North West University. Sheldon is known for his passion and leadership.

Danny Kerry - High Performance Consultant
Danny Kerry is Field Hockey Canada's High Performance Consultant. With a distinguished career, he previously led Great Britain's women's team to Olympic bronze in 2012 and gold in 2016. Danny also coached the men's team to their first FIH Hockey Pro League Grand Final in 2019. Recognized with the FIH Coach of the Year award in 2010 and 2016, he was honored as a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 2017. Danny coached the Canadian Women’s National Team in 2022-2023. As a consultant, Danny brings a wealth of experience and a passion for coaching.

Danny Kerry - High Performance Consultant

Danny Kerry is Field Hockey Canada's High Performance Consultant. With a distinguished career, he previously led Great Britain's women's team to Olympic bronze in 2012 and gold in 2016. Danny also coached the men's team to their first FIH Hockey Pro League Grand Final in 2019. Recognized with the FIH Coach of the Year award in 2010 and 2016, he was honored as a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 2017. Danny coached the Canadian Women’s National Team in 2022-2023. As a consultant, Danny brings a wealth of experience and a passion for coaching.

Kyle Marks - Junior Women's National Team Head Coach
Kyle Marks is the Head Coach of Canada’s Junior Women’s National Team. He brings extensive experience from Field Hockey Canada’s NextGen pathway, having served as assistant coach in youth camps, on international tours, and in daily training environments for several years. A former U16 program lead, he has been instrumental in preparing young athletes for international competition. Originally from South Africa, and based in British Columbia, he has also shaped hockey development through his work with Sea to Sky club, emphasizing technical growth and high-performance culture.

Kyle Marks - Junior Women's National Team Head Coach

Kyle Marks is the Head Coach of Canada’s Junior Women’s National Team. He brings extensive experience from Field Hockey Canada’s NextGen pathway, having served as assistant coach in youth camps, on international tours, and in daily training environments for several years. A former U16 program lead, he has been instrumental in preparing young athletes for international competition. Originally from South Africa, and based in British Columbia, he has also shaped hockey development through his work with Sea to Sky club, emphasizing technical growth and high-performance culture.

Geoff Matthews - Junior Men's National Team Head Coach
Geoff Matthews is an experienced field hockey coach with extensive international experience. Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Geoff played at the premier club level in both the UK and South Africa before transitioning to coaching in 2000. After moving to Canada in 2012, he joined the Canadian U21 Men's National Team as an assistant coach and later became the head coach in 2022. Geoff also served as the Technical Director for the West Vancouver Field Hockey Club, leading both men's and women's teams to multiple championships. In 2023, he was appointed assistant coach for the senior Men's National Team. Along with being the Junior National Team head coach, he also coaches at the university level with the UBC Thunderbirds.

Geoff Matthews - Junior Men's National Team Head Coach

Geoff Matthews is an experienced field hockey coach with extensive international experience. Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Geoff played at the premier club level in both the UK and South Africa before transitioning to coaching in 2000. After moving to Canada in 2012, he joined the Canadian U21 Men's National Team as an assistant coach and later became the head coach in 2022. Geoff also served as the Technical Director for the West Vancouver Field Hockey Club, leading both men's and women's teams to multiple championships. In 2023, he was appointed assistant coach for the senior Men's National Team. Along with being the Junior National Team head coach, he also coaches at the university level with the UBC Thunderbirds.

Andrea Gibson - Pathway Director
Andrea Gibson is the NextGen Director at Field Hockey Canada. Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, she moved to Canada in 2009 and has since become a pivotal figure in the field hockey community. With over a decade of experience, Andrea has coached at various levels, from high school, as Technical Director in clubs through to provincial and national teams. Andrea holds a BSc (Hons) in Health, PE and Sport, which included a specialization in LTAD. She has been recognized with the FHBC Coach of the Year and the FHC Female Development Coach Award. Andrea is dedicated to developing youth field hockey across the country.

Andrea Gibson - Pathway Director

Andrea Gibson is the NextGen Director at Field Hockey Canada. Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, she moved to Canada in 2009 and has since become a pivotal figure in the field hockey community. With over a decade of experience, Andrea has coached at various levels, from high school, as Technical Director in clubs through to provincial and national teams. Andrea holds a BSc (Hons) in Health, PE and Sport, which included a specialization in LTAD. She has been recognized with the FHBC Coach of the Year and the FHC Female Development Coach Award. Andrea is dedicated to developing youth field hockey across the country.

Mike Van Iderstine - Pathway Lead
Mike Van Iderstine is the NextGen Pathway Lead at Field Hockey Canada. He holds a Master’s degree in Sport Management from the Johan Cruyff Institute, an FIH Level 3 Coach Certification, and NCCP Competition-Development credentials. Mike coaches both the Men’s and Women’s NextGen programs. As an athlete, he progressed through the Canadian pathway and gained top-level experience in Scotland, England, and France. He continues to play in the Vancouver premier league. With over six years of coaching experience at the club, provincial, university, and national levels, Mike is dedicated to developing the next generation of Canadian field hockey talent.

Mike Van Iderstine - Pathway Lead

Mike Van Iderstine is the NextGen Pathway Lead at Field Hockey Canada. He holds a Master’s degree in Sport Management from the Johan Cruyff Institute, an FIH Level 3 Coach Certification, and NCCP Competition-Development credentials. Mike coaches both the Men’s and Women’s NextGen programs. As an athlete, he progressed through the Canadian pathway and gained top-level experience in Scotland, England, and France. He continues to play in the Vancouver premier league. With over six years of coaching experience at the club, provincial, university, and national levels, Mike is dedicated to developing the next generation of Canadian field hockey talent.

Simon Taylor - Data and Performance Scientist and IST Lead
Simon Taylor, MSc, is the Data and Performance Scientist and IST Lead for Field Hockey Canada. With a master’s degree in Performance Science and certifications as a Senior Practitioner with Sport Scientist Canada and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Simon leads Performance and Data Science for the national teams. He brings over a decade of international experience, including roles with the Chinese Olympic Committee and Fortius Institute. Simon advances Field Hockey Canada’s mandate by enhancing testing systems, designing personalized performance plans, and integrating holistic development models, ensuring Canadian teams stay competitive globally through innovative strategies.

Simon Taylor - Data and Performance Scientist and IST Lead

Simon Taylor, MSc, is the Data and Performance Scientist and IST Lead for Field Hockey Canada. With a master’s degree in Performance Science and certifications as a Senior Practitioner with Sport Scientist Canada and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Simon leads Performance and Data Science for the national teams. He brings over a decade of international experience, including roles with the Chinese Olympic Committee and Fortius Institute. Simon advances Field Hockey Canada’s mandate by enhancing testing systems, designing personalized performance plans, and integrating holistic development models, ensuring Canadian teams stay competitive globally through innovative strategies.