Who We Are
Hammers Field Hockey began was founded by Coach Meg Dudek in 2011 as Rapids Field Hockey when Potomac Field Hockey (our recreation league) saw that their best players were seeking a higher level of competition and a desire to commit more time to improving their game. Players on our first U12 Rapids team continue to love the game, were top players on their high school teams, and are now playing in college.
In June of 2019, Rapids Field Hockey rebranded to Hammers Field Hockey (Hammers FH). In Jan, 2024, we merged our rec and travel programs under one common brand, Hammers Field Hockey.
PROGRAMS
Hammers Field Hockey provides high-level, year-round opportunities for athletes to accelerate their development through Travel Teams, Rec Leagues and Skills Training.
Whether you are picking up a stick for the first time or looking to play at the next level, Potomac Field Hockey can help you achieve your goals.
All of our outdoor training is held at Philip A. Bolen Park in Leesburg, Virginia while all of our indoor training is held at Dulles Sportsplex in Sterling, Virginia.
Get started with Hammers Field Hockey
Rec
Rec
Travel
Travel
Meet our Commissioners
Hammers Field Hockey believes in equal opportunity for each athlete to develop and play to the goals they set for themselves. We coach and teach players to be well-prepared for competition and to have fun enjoying their passion for the sport. Our culture is rooted in respect for all both on and off the courts and field. We believe in promoting the benefits of youth sports to carry over into all areas of our athletes’ lives.
Hammers Field Hockey only hires coaches that align specifically with our Coaching Philosophy. Our coaches are players themselves and USAFH certified Level I or II . Most of them have competed collegiately at D1 and D3 colleges. Each of them has a passion for the sport and a desire to develop players and grow the game. We invite you to get to know them by reading about them below.
Ashley Smeltzer-Kraft, Commissioner
Ashley is a Level II USAFH and Head Field Hockey Coach at Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. She was a full scholarship D1 player at Michigan State and helped MSU to a pair of NCAA tournament appearances and a Big Ten Championship. Ashley was an assistant coach for D3 powerhouse University of Rochester where they appeared in the 2012 NCAA Quarterfinals after spending a year as a graduate assistant in 2007 at her alma mater, MSU.
Caroline Fletcher, Asst. Commissioner
Caroline is a Level 1 USAFH and VHSL certified coach. Caroline grew up in Richmond, playing for Panthers United and has played field hockey since she was 9. Caroline played field hockey and lacrosse at Bridgewater College, and was an All-ODAC selection for both sports. She was part of Bridgewater’s first field hockey ODAC Championship in 2015. She enjoys running and spending time outdoors with her family and friends! Caroline was the former Head Field Hockey Coach at John Champe High School and is a third grade teacher at Goshen Post Elementary School. Caroline has coached multiple U14 pool champions at the National Indoor Tournament, Summer Bash at the Beach, and Sunshine Showcase.
Kathy Weir, Rec Commissioner
ALUMNI & COMMITS
Class of 2024
- Kate Hughes – Heritage High School – DIII St. Lawrence University
- Natalie Moul – Battlefield High School – DIII Randolph-Macon College (Field Hockey & Lacrosse)
- Lindsey Johansen – Loudoun County High School – DIII St. Lawrence University
- Maddie Federico – Independence High School – DIII Ohio Wesleyan University
- Alexis Wilcox – Broad Run High School – DIII Meredith College
- Rachel Ofner – South Lakes High School – DIII Bryn Mawr College
- Elizabeth Tamaro – Stone Bridge High School – DIII Roanoke College
- Emma Rosher – Independence High School – DIII St. Lawrence University
Class of 2023
- Sierra Pratzner – Freedom High School – DIII Christopher Newport University
- Kaitlyn Nakamura – Kettle Run High School – DIII Shenandoah University
- Autumn Goldsberry – Battlefield High School – DIII Shenandoah University
- Dyanela Rivarola – Herndon High School – DIII University of Mary Washington
Class of 2022
- Anya Arseneau – Robinson High School – DIII University of Rochester
- Claudia Lenahan – Patriot High School – DIII Shenandoah University
- Brooke Smith – Broad Run High School – DIII Roanoke University
- Katelyn Stone – Kettle Run High School – DIII Roanoke University
Class of 2021
- Gurnoor Dhaliwal – Riverside High School – DI University of North Carolina
- Kellen Richbourg – Riverside High School – DI William & Mary
- Lainey Pratzner – Freedom High School – DIII Christopher Newport University
- Jess Wood – Kettle Run High School – DIII University of Mary Washington
- Isabella Rehermann – Stone Bridge High School – DIII Nazareth
Class of 2020
- Skylar Holmgrain – Dominion High School – DIII Juniata College
- Hannah Johnston – Dominion High School – DI Ball State University
- Elise Velasquez – Herndon High School – DIII Shenandoah University
Class of 2019
- Madi Filson – Fauquier High School – DIII Roanoke College
- Ann Ghally – John Champe High School – DIII Eastern Mennonite University
- Juliana Ghally – John Champe High School – DIII Eastern Mennonite University
- Grace MacDonald – Foxcroft School – DIII Washington & Lee University
- Jo Robson – Heritage High School – DIII Washington & Jefferson College
Class of 2018
- Serena Farmer – Potomac Falls High School – DIII Shenandoah University
- Emily Jencks – Potomac Falls High School – DIII Bridgewater College (Field Hockey & Lacrosse)
- Emily Postlethwait – Herndon High School – DIII Goucher College
