PROGRAM OVERVIEW

HISTORY

Hammers Field Hockey began 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. Founded by Meg Dudek, Coach Meg will be moving to our U16 age group after having spent the last few years heading our U10-U14 age group while coaching our top U12 players. In June of 2019, Rapids Field Hockey rebranded to Hammers Field Hockey (Hammers FH).

RECRUITING

The Hammers FH team of coaches are also committed to help our players be recruited to play in college and beyond. Our Hammers Travel Commissioner, Ashley Smeltzer-Kraft, is a current DIII college coach at Shenandoah University and a former DI full scholarship player at Michigan State University. Ashley knows what it takes to pursue college play and how to find a "right fit" for your player. We participate in various showcases and National level tournaments to give our players the best exposure to college coaches. Tryouts are held for each college showcase team, with coaches making all decisions on final rosters so as to best showcase our players.

Pursuing college play is one reason players come to the Hammers. Recruiting is a complicated process. Our team of coaches are experienced in navigating the college recruiting landscape. Yes, it's about skill and talent, but it's also about knowing "how" to get recruited and getting the right exposure. Hammers FH attends showcase events throughout the year. Hammers FH has attended, USA Field Hockey Festival, Shooting Stars Thanksgiving, Shooting Stars Easter, NFHCA Winter Escape, NFHCA Spring Fling, the National Indoor Tournament and many other smaller events and this varies by year. Hammers FH also supports players who participate in USAFH Futures program which can also be a recruiting opportunity.

The NCAA regulates communications with high school athletes and varies between DI, DII and DIII. For current NCAA information, visit the NCAA Eligibility Center by CLICKING HERE.

If you have specific recruiting questions, please email: info@potomacfieldhockey.org

PROGRAMS

Today, Hammers FH fosters year-round, intermediate thru elite level national athlete development. Hammers FH is designed for the higher skilled and dedicated player who wants to get to the next level: a high school player, a high school starter or even a national level athlete. We provide year-round playing opportunities for U10-U19 players seeking to compete at a higher level while traveling to local, regional, and national tournaments. Tryouts are held each season and separate evaluations will be held for those players seeking to attend national/recruiting tournaments.

COACHING

Our coaches make the difference! All of our coaches are players themselves and are certified USAFH Level I and/or II.

GOALIES

We offer dedicated goalie coaches and training, to specifically help our keepers become the best of the best.

BELIEF  

Hammers FH believes in holding our club members, parents & staff to the highest level of our core standards and values to develop, great teammates, leaders and athletes. We expect our athletes to display sportsmanship, commitment, humility and grace on and off the field. We seek to develop players who respect the game and love the game. Youth sports can deeply impact a child’s life and our goal is to make that impact a positive life lasting one.   

We encourage our players to have well-rounded lives. Our club members are field hockey players, but they are also: lacrosse players, soccer players, track stars, actors/actresses & musicians. While we support our players lives outside of field hockey, we do expect a level of commitment to the team itself so no team is left shorthanded or unprepared. Absences are sometimes unavoidable due to sickness, etc. and should be communicated to the coach. Injuries and illnesses, unfortunately, do occur and you should talk to your coach about their expectations.

NEED BASED SCHOLARSHIP

We can provide top level training and competition through confidential scholarships to those players who qualify. Please email our board for more information at bod@potomacfieldhockey.org.