Week 23: Amy Hollingsworth

Coach

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a dedicated and passionate Coach for all things field hockey. My experience dates back to my years as a collegiate field hockey athlete at York University. I am currently the founder and Head Coach for the Maverick Field Hockey Club. I am also an avid cyclist, ice hockey referee, and nature enthusiast. I grew up playing baseball, soccer, basketball, paddling and swimming.

Some of my experience includes:

– Maverick Field Hockey Club Founder and Head Coach

– National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Learning Facilitator, Coach Developer and Level 3 Coach

– High Performance Coach for fourteen years with Field Hockey Ontario including two Canada Summer Games

– Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games Volunteer – Liaison Officer- Team Chile, Team USA

– Certified Functional Strength Coach Level 1

– OUA Coach – Trent University (OUA Coach of the Year 1996)

– Junior Women’s National Team Manager for the Pan American Cup and World Cup

– Senior Women’s National Team Tour Manager, South Africa, Chile

– Liaison Officer at the Men’s Pan-American Cup for Team Chile

– Ontario Summer Games Head Coach and Umpire

– OMHA/OWHA Level 3 Referee

– OFSAA Field Hockey 2015 Co-Convenor

– Field Hockey Canada, Ontario Summer Games and OFSAA Field Hockey Championships Umpire

– Presenter: USA Hockey U18 Women’s Coaching Symposium, Ontario Physical Literacy Summit, OFSAA Women in Sport

– OFSAA Colin Hood School Sport Award recipient

– High School Multisport Coach – Field Hockey, Rugby, Ice Hockey, Strength & Conditioning, Soccer and Track

What are you passionate about? How did you discover your passion?

I am passionate about Physical Literacy and children growing confidence and competency learning fundamental movement skills – the foundation for athlete development.

My passion grew from hearing so many children and predominantly young girls saying they didn’t like sports or active games because it made them feel badly. I wanted to provide a platform for girls to learn, discover, and grow through sport and specifically in field hockey.

How has sport helped you be a better leader? How do you define leadership?

Sport gave me the structure to learn new skills, demonstrate my creativity and problem-solving skills, and channel my abundant energy as a youngster.

Transitioning from athlete to Coach & Administrator gave me the platform to give back to my sporting community. Becoming more involved in officiating and taking on a coaching role lead me to the NCCP and ongoing leadership development. Currently a Learning Facilitator and Coach Developer with Coaching Association of Canada and Field Hockey Canada.

Leadership in my opinion is about being resilient and having the ability to manage change. It’s about helping others unlock their hidden talents and allowing for discovery and growth.

What advice did you receive as a young athlete that you would like to pass on?

My advice to younger athletes would be to not to specialize too early.  Be open to many experiences and train speed, power and endurance overall.

Instagram: @maverickfh