2024 USA Field Hockey National Coach Award Winner: Candice Russ

Russ, who grew up in Dover, Del., picked up a field hockey stick for the first time in middle school after making a deal with a friend. She told her she would try the sport if her friend promised to run track. Russ’ mom had "never heard of such a game", but encouraged and supported her by attending every game. As irony would have it, Russ stayed with field hockey throughout high school and college, while her friend stuck with track. 

While attending Caesar Rodney High School in Camden, Del., Russ played for Debbie Windett, who she credits with inspiring her to become a coach. Russ tries to model much of her coaching techniques off of the guidance she received from Windett. She is forever grateful for the role Windett has played in her athletic development, and all the life lessons she learned through being on her teams. 

Russ attended Kings College in Wilkes Barre, Pa., where she played both varsity field hockey and lacrosse. Immediately after graduation, she decided to coach a middle school team at Meyers High School and fell in love with it. In 2013, Russ moved to Baltimore to pursue a career in teaching in Baltimore City Public Schools and was welcomed with open arms by the incredible adult field hockey community there. Her time playing at Baltimore Field Hockey Association (BFHA) led her to coach amazing players at The Key School, where she led the program to their first playoff appearance in 5 years; and Glenelg High School, where she helped guide the team to a state title as assistant coach. Russ also ended up coaching at Notre Dame of Maryland University, helping them improve their record each of the two seasons she was there.

Russ started coaching with Warhawks Field Hockey Club in 2014 and has served as a club coach (U-8 to U-19), technical director, and recruiting coordinator. She has led many teams to qualify for the National Indoor Tournament and has coached teams to National Club Championship bids. In a four-year span, she has seen Warhawks grow by 40% and has helped move the club higher up in the USA Field Hockey National Club Rankings, consistently being in the top 20. Russ asserts that she has been blessed to work with such a great group of parents and players. She applauds the work of the volunteers on the board and a handful of others that take care of a lot of administrative work and allow her to focus on doing what she really loves – coaching. 

“I do feel really blessed to have such a great family that continues to support me,” commented Russ. “Having my mom and partner continue to travel to my tournaments to cheer my teams on has been such a blessing. Most of all I am really just grateful for all my little ‘chickens’ bringing so much joy to my life and their parents for allowing me to coach them.”

Congratulations once again to Candice Russ for winning the 2024 National Coach Award.