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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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.

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.

Chan Campbell - High Performance Administrator
Chan Cambell graduated from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. With extensive experience in general and psychiatric hospitals, rural mental health clinics, and as a part-time lecturer at the University of Durban Westville, Chan concluded her career in South Africa as a Senior Therapist and head of a remedial preschool department. After moving to Canada, Chan joined Field Hockey Canada as a volunteer in 2022, progressing to a full-time High Performance Administrator in 2023. Chan's role involves coordinating administrative tasks for high-performance teams, including managing carding, benefits and liaising with international and provincial organizations. Chan manages athlete-related matters, while upholding values of equality, diversity, and excellence.

Chan Campbell - High Performance Administrator

Chan Cambell graduated from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. With extensive experience in general and psychiatric hospitals, rural mental health clinics, and as a part-time lecturer at the University of Durban Westville, Chan concluded her career in South Africa as a Senior Therapist and head of a remedial preschool department. After moving to Canada, Chan joined Field Hockey Canada as a volunteer in 2022, progressing to a full-time High Performance Administrator in 2023. Chan's role involves coordinating administrative tasks for high-performance teams, including managing carding, benefits and liaising with international and provincial organizations. Chan manages athlete-related matters, while upholding values of equality, diversity, and excellence.

HIGH PERFORMANCE STAFF

Kate Perry - High Performance Director
Kate Perry is the High Performance Director at Field Hockey Canada. She previously served as the Director of Performance Science, where she played a crucial role in enhancing athlete performance. With a BSc in Exercise Physiology & Sport Medicine from Kent State University and an MSc in Strength & Conditioning from the University of Edinburgh, Kate brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Her background includes roles with Rugby Canada, Swimming Canada, and Wheelchair Basketball Canada. Kate's dedication to sport science and her passion for field hockey continue to drive her efforts in supporting and leading Canada's high-performance teams.

Kate Perry - High Performance Director

Kate Perry is the High Performance Director at Field Hockey Canada. She previously served as the Director of Performance Science, where she played a crucial role in enhancing athlete performance. With a BSc in Exercise Physiology & Sport Medicine from Kent State University and an MSc in Strength & Conditioning from the University of Edinburgh, Kate brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Her background includes roles with Rugby Canada, Swimming Canada, and Wheelchair Basketball Canada. Kate's dedication to sport science and her passion for field hockey continue to drive her efforts in supporting and leading Canada's high-performance teams.

Patrick Tshutshani - Men's National Team Head Coach
Patrick Tshutshani is the Head Coach of Field Hockey Canada's Men's National Team. Originally from South Africa, Patrick has a rich background in coaching, having led both junior and senior national teams in his home country. He joined Field Hockey Canada in 2019 as the Women's NextGen Director and quickly made an impact. Known for his system-building and connectivity, Patrick has been instrumental in developing Canada's field hockey programs. His leadership was pivotal in guiding the Junior Women's National Team to a historic Pan American gold medal. He has coached the Men’s National Team in Canada since 2022.

Patrick Tshutshani - Men's National Team Head Coach

Patrick Tshutshani is the Head Coach of Field Hockey Canada's Men's National Team. Originally from South Africa, Patrick has a rich background in coaching, having led both junior and senior national teams in his home country. He joined Field Hockey Canada in 2019 as the Women's NextGen Director and quickly made an impact. Known for his system-building and connectivity, Patrick has been instrumental in developing Canada's field hockey programs. His leadership was pivotal in guiding the Junior Women's National Team to a historic Pan American gold medal. He has coached the Men’s National Team in Canada since 2022.

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.

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 - NextGen 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 - NextGen 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 - National Team Strength & Conditioning Trainer
Simon Taylor, MSc, is the National Team Strength & Conditioning Trainer 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 - National Team Strength & Conditioning Trainer

Simon Taylor, MSc, is the National Team Strength & Conditioning Trainer 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.