Our Camp 2026 staff is coming together! Stay tuned to see who will be with us this year. For now, read about the awesome humans who coached last year!
Camp 2025 Staff
MEET THE CREW
OUR TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL GOALKEEPER SPECIALISTS
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Click the link to read the bio page.
DIRECTOR & HEAD COACH
Ultimate Defender Goalkeeper Academy
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Awesome hockey things I've done:
Associate Head Coach & Goalkeeping Specialist at Ithaca College
Coaching Staff of the Year (Liberty League) 2023, 2021, 2019
Goalkeeper has earned post-season honors every year at I've been at Ithaca (9yrs)
Played at East Stroudsburg University
Why did I stick with the role of goalkeeper?
I am a goalkeeper because it is the most challenging position, and through challenges, we grow the most as people and as players. But more so, it's fun to slide, dive, and save the day!
HEAD COACH / DIRECTOR OF FITNESS
Associate Head Coach - Ithaca College
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I am currently coaching and playing for the Atlanta Field Hockey Club. I've run my own goalkeeper coaching business since 2010 and have coached goalkeepers at the club level from TCOYO, Focus, Saints, VB Hockey, Stick Power, Jersey Intensity, and Surf and Sand. I've held coaching positions at the Division I level at American University, Longwood University, and Monmouth University. My playing career highlights include competing in the National Women's High Performance Championships twice (Mid-Atlantic '12, New Jersey '10), playing for Railway Union in Ireland, and playing for four years at Monmouth University under Carli Figlio and David Williamson. I've spent 15 years coaching goalies of all ages and skill levels, and absolutely love passing on my love for the game.
Why did I become a goalkeeper?
I started playing field hockey as a freshman in high school because my best friend wanted to play, and I became a goalie at my coach's request.
HEAD COACH
Atlanta Field Hockey Club
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My bio is coming soon!
HEAD COACH
Goalkeeper Specialist - Columbus, OH
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Where I am now:
USA Indoor Team, Assistant Coach at U Richmond, Director of Coaching and Player Development for U16/U19 at Panthers United (Also a Human Factors Engineer at NHTSA)
Graduated from: UVM in 2021 (B.S. Civil Engineering) and 2023 (M.S. Civil Engineering)
Awesome hockey things I've done:
2025 Indoor World Cup
2021 and 2022 America East All Conference Selection
2022 America East Goalkeeper of the Year
2017 and 2021 Indoor Pan American Cup gold medalist
2018 Indoor World Cup Team Member
2016 Selected to USA Indoor Team
Graduated as UVM’s all-time leader in wins and games played (I should hope so, I was there long enough lol)
Why I stayed a GK:
I find joy in being able to do hard things well, and being a GK is the hardest fun I’ve ever had!
HEAD COACH
USA Indoor Team / GK Specialist - U of Richmond / Club Director
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Awesome hockey things about me:
Melissa was an All-American and America East Goalkeeper of the Year at the University at Albany. After graduating, she continued her playing career as a member of the U.S. Women’s Development Team while playing for Nottingham Trent University in England. Melissa is originally from upstate NY and has shifted her focus to coaching and growing the game in the Capital Region of NY.
HEAD COACH
Graduate - Nottingham-Trent University
HEAD COACH
Assistant Coach - Stonehill College
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Where I’m from:
Camp Hill, PA
High School: Cedar Cliff
Club: East Coast
Where I am now:
Head Varsity Coach at Hershey High School (2021-present)
Head Goalkeeper Coach at PA United Field Hockey Club (2020-present)
Awesome hockey things I’ve done:
Goalkeeper at Ithaca College
2017 All-Liberty League Honorable Mention
2018 NFHCA All-Region First Team
2019 NFHCA North Atlantic Region First Team
2019 Liberty League Defensive Performer of the Year
2019 All-Liberty League First Team
2019 NFHCA Senior Game
2019-20 Ithaca's Nominee for NCAA Woman of the Year
USA Field Hockey Level 1 and 2 Coaching Certification
Nexus Coaching
Why I stayed a GK:
The position was always new and exciting, constantly challenging me to learn new skills. I’ve also been surrounded by awesome goalkeeping coaches throughout my career.
HEAD COACH
GK Specialist - PA United / Head Coach Hershey FH
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Hi! My name is Emerie Loftis and I played goalie at West Chester University and the University of Delaware. In college I majored in Psychology and completed my bachelors a year early. I am originally from Richmond, VA and I played for Panthers United growing up. I am passionate about goalkeeping and love to share it with those around me!
COACH
Assistant Coach - Boston University
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Awesome hockey things about me:
Graduate: West Chester University - Reading Specialty
College: Undergrad La Salle University - Early and Special Education
Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team
Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll
NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad
I played for Mayhem Field Hockey Club
I went to Great Valley High School
Why did I stick with the role of goalkeeper?
I am still a field hockey goalie, continuing on for a fifth year because it allows me to have a pivotal role within a team, and I can shape the flow of the game from a strategic standpoint. Being in the goal offers me a sense of responsibility and satisfaction, knowing that I directly impact my team's defensive efforts and overall performance.
COACH
Graduate Assistant - West Chester University
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Awesome things about me:
I will be a 5th year senior at Ball State University finishing out my Computer Science degree!
I am from Northern Virginia and played club for the Hammers!!
Why did I stick with the role of goalkeeper?
I started playing field hockey 11 years ago, and at first I was a field player for 2 years before deciding to switch. I think at the start it was something new and exciting to try, and once I started I couldn’t stop. Being a goalie has been amazing!! I love it for the high pressure situations, the fun gear we get to wear, and the amazing goalie community!!
COACH
Grad - Ball State University
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Awesome stuff about me:
I am currently an assistant coach at Columbia University, where I am also working to get my Master’s in Social Work. I attended and played field hockey at the University of Pennsylvania where I graduated with my degree in Psychology in 2024. After Penn, I played my 5th year at Boston College where we advanced to the ACC championship and the first round of the NCAA tournament.
I started playing field hockey 13 years ago in the town little league in Northport, NY. I played for Northport High School and Lasting Legacy Field Hockey Club.
Why did I become a goalkeeper and why did I stick with it?
I put on the pads my first ever field hockey practice, and I never looked back. My parents put me in every sport imaginable, hoping something would stick. When a coach was desperately asking players to try goalie, I said I would do it, and it was love at first kick. The physicality, intensity, and feeling of invincibility that comes with throwing yourself around covered in foam made me feel unstoppable. I was obsessed, and still am to this day. Over 13 years, goalkeeping has fostered my personal and athletic development in such a unique way, shaping me into the person I am today!
COACH
Graduate Assistant - Columbia University
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Awesome hockey things about me:
Landmark Conference Championship MVP after a sick shootout win in 2023!
Landmark conference goalkeeper honorable mention.
Other awesome stuff about me:
I am studying Elementary Education.
I would like to coach after my years at Susquehanna.
I also swim at Susquehanna and placed 4th in both the 50 free and 100 back at Landmark Championships.
I went to Perkiomen Valley High School, where I played field hockey and swam.
I played club at WC Eagles for 7 years and 3 years at MAYHEM.
Why did I become a goalkeeper and why did I stick with it?
I became a goalie because I love the community that we competed, laughed and just had fun. I’m still a goalie because of the thrill of the game, when in a game it is fun to have the competition of how the game will end, will it end in a shoot out or will it end in a win or a lost. If a lost where can we as an individual get better and as a team.
COACH
Grad - Susquehanna University
OUR TEAM OF ASSISTANT COACHES
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Awesome stuff about me:
I am currently a Junior studying Health Sciences and minoring in Psychology at Saint Michael's College in Vermont
Played for Lead the Way field hockey in Rhode Island for 5 years
Starting playing 9 years ago in middle school at West Bridgewater Middle-Senior High School
Why did I become a goalkeeper and why did I stick with it?
I became a goalie when I started field hockey in 7th grade. I struggled with running because of my asthma and it was suggested that I play as a goalie on my team and fell in love!
I get an adrenaline rush every time I play, being a goalie makes me happy mentally and physically. I’ve also gotten to challenge myself, learn, and create new connections as a goalie.
ASSISTANT COACH
Senior - St. Michael’s College
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Places I have coached:
UMW Field Hockey Summer Camps (2020-Present) • Ultimate Defender (2023-Present) • Nike Field Hockey Camp (2023, 2024) • High Voltage Field Hockey Club (2022-Present)
Why did I stick with the role of goalkeeper?
I did not originally start off wanting to be a goalkeeper, but now I could never see myself in any other position. I play because of my passion for the game and the uniqueness of my position.
ASSISTANT COACH
Senior - Wagner College
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Awesome hockey things that I did:
-National Champion 2021
-Shippensburg Defensive Player of the year 2023
-Became a goalie my junior year of High School
-Played at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge and played for the club NJ Spartans and Mid Jersey Knights
Why did I stick with the role of goalkeeper?
I am still a goalie because I love how competitive the position is. I love the thrill of diving and making almost impossible saves.
ASSISTANT COACH
5th Year - Shippensburg University
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I'm will be a junior at the University of Richmond. I played at the University of Delaware during my freshman and sophomore year. I am studying Environmental Studies. I have been a goalie since I was 11 and played for Hudson Valley FHC.
ASSISTANT COACH
Junior - University of Richmond
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I did my undergraduate at Northeastern and am playing my graduate year at the University of Delaware. My undergraduate degree is in Psychology, while I am pursuing my Master's in Business Analytics and Information Management. I am originally from Towson, MD and played for Hymax Field Hockey Club.
ASSISTANT COACH
5th Year - University of Delaware
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I’m a Junior at Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I previously competed with the U21 National Team and developed my passion for the sport growing up in Fredericksburg, where I attended Fredericksburg Academy and played club with High Voltage.
I'm a goalkeeper because I love the fast pace of the position and the challenge of reading the game. I enjoy the mental side, like thinking through plays and using my hockey IQ. I also love the pressure, especially in shootouts and overtime when everything's on the line.
Junior - Virginia Commonwealth University
ASSISTANT COACH
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Awesome hockey things about me:
Hi! My name is Payton Rahn, I am a current goalkeeper at Fairfield University. I am from a small town in Connecticut where hockey is not the most popular and we still play on grass! I played for Competitive Edge Field Hockey (CEFH) and was a member of their first ever indoor team.
For the Stags, I am a two year starter. Some accolades I am honored to have include: Goalie of the Year (First in Fairfield History),NFHCA All-Region Mideast Second Team, Top 10 National Ranking for Regular Season Goalkeeping Stats- Goals Against, Save Percentage, Wins-Losses, NEC Fall Academic Honor Roll, NFHCA Academic Honor Roll, High School Female Athlete of the Year- Lacrosse and Field hockey. I am a devoted member to the goalie community and pride myself on goalie gear knowledge! If you have any questions about gear feel free to ask… I am a Longstreth Sponsored Athlete, Treadbands Sponsored Athlete and Promasque Sponsored Athlete.
Why did I stick with the role of goalkeeper?I play goal to this day because I love it and it is such a vital part of my character. To me, playing in goal allowed me to be someone else. I was always very shy growing up but once I put a helmet and pads on, I was able to control my defenders and play aggressive, confident and goofy! My confidence in pads is what made me love the sport and I felt like I was able to be a superhero and make saves that my team needed.
ASSISTANT COACH
5th Year - Fairfield University
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Awesome things about me:
I am a junior at Georgetown University, studying in the School of Nursing! I am from Boston, Massachusetts and played for the club NorthEast Elite.
Ranked #1 in NCAA Division 1 saves per game in 2023 and #8 in 2024. 2024 NFHCA Scholar of Distinction and 2023 National Academic Squad.
Why did I stick with the role of goalkeeper?
I started playing field hockey my freshman year of high school per the request of a friend. I had played Ice Hockey my whole life and loved being a goalie, so I gave it a shot and loved it. I grew to really enjoy the game of hockey and how involved goalkeepers are in the game. At the end of the day, I love moving my body, pushing myself to become better, and nothing beats the adrenaline of taking shots from the top of the circle!
ASSISTANT COACH
Junior - Georgetown University
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Awesome stuff about me:
In my freshman year at Moravian I earned All Conference Honorable Mention
- I went to Pennridge High School
- I played for FSC
Why did you stick with the role of goalkeeper?
I’m still a goalie because of the community that surrounds me. Everytime you see another goalie they are immediately like your family. They are always there to cheer you on and help make you better on and off the field. Playing in a game or working on a new skill gives you a rush that i never got from anywhere else. That’s why I’m still a goalie.
ASSISTANT COACH
Junior - Moravian University
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My name is Mia DiGenova and I am from King of Prussia, PA. I played club at Viper Field Hockey and went to Bishop Shanahan High School. I am a rising junior at Saint Francis University. I am studying early childhood education! I volunteered to become my teams goalie in 8th grade since my team needed one! I fell in love with the sport of field hockey and with goalkeeping! Goalkeeping is growing more important and fun everyday!
ASSISTANT COACH
Junior - St. Francis University
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Awesome stuff about me:
I am currently a sophomore at Lafayette College dual-majoring in computer science and mathematics! I am from Virginia and I played club for Panthers United! While at Lafayette this past fall, I was able to help my team to win the Patriot League Championships! I was also honored with being placed on the NFHCA Division 1 National Academic Team!Why did I stick with the role of goalkeeper?
I have been a goalkeeper for 9 years. Like many others I was a field player at first. At the time, my older sister was a goalie and when she was not at a specific tournament, my coach put me in the gear. Ever since then I haven't looked back. I love being a goalie because I love the thrill of the game. I love the competitiveness it brings and knowing that I am able to control the field to some extent. Being a goalie has given me the opportunity to constantly push myself to grow in new ways and learn so many new skills. Playing as a goalie has brought me so much confidence and joy!!
ASSISTANT COACH
Sophomore - Lafayette College
ASSISTANT COACH
Sophomore - Stevenson University
OUR OTHER EXPERTS
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Who will it be????
MENTAL PERFORMANCE CONSULTANT
M.S. Exercise & Sport Science - Ithaca College
ATHLETIC TRAINER
MS, ATC - Colonie Central High School
