New Varsity Field Hockey Coach: Ms. Goodrick-Armstrong

Deerfield Varsity Field Hockey (DAVFH) joins their new head Coach Hannah Goodrick-Armstrong this year. Coming from the Loomis Chaffee School as a coach for Varsity Water Polo and Varsity Field Hockey, Coach Goodrick-Armstrong brings over a decade of coaching experience across a variety of levels and sports to Deerfield. She played field hockey for Williams College, coached field hockey at Loomis Chaffe, and served as a head coach for both youth and collegiate club water polo. Coach Goodrick-Armstrong’s excitement for coaching at Deerfield is rooted not only in her own passion for field hockey, but also in the strength and dedication of a team filled with talented and hardworking players: individuals who push each other both on and off the field. “I absolutely love it. It has been an incredible beginning to the year and the fall season … I feel really lucky to be a part of [the team], and it all stems from the players that are on the team,” she explained. Although Coach Goodrick-Armstrong has been part of various sports in her coaching history, field hockey has always been special to her. Her desire to lead a program herself stemmed from how much the sport added to her life, inspiring her to give back to young women through the sport. Due to the similar size and nature of the student bodies at both schools, the transition from Loomis to Deerfield has been smooth for Goodrick-Armstrong. “It[Loomis] is a place like Deerfield,” she said, “[Deerfield] has such school spirit, so much support for these programs, and just really incredible student-athletes. It seemed like a great fit.” The support of the team extends beyond just the players; it includes the help from the assistant coaches Ellie Bicknell and Muffie Masambani ’20. Coach Goodrick-Armstrong mentioned that they both have been a vital part of the team’s success this season, saying, “Coach Bicknell has been with the program for many years and has really just taught me so much about where the program has been and where we’re hoping to bring the program.” Coach Masambani, a Deerfield alum and former member of Varsity Field Hockey, went on to play at Amherst College and helped Coach Goodrick-Armstrong understand the program’s culture. Players have also noticed the growing relationships Coach Goodrick-Armstrong has built with her assistant coaches. “I’ve definitely seen her relationships with Coach Masambani and Coach Bicknell grow so much, and she has been building trust with us the same way she builds trust with them, and it’s really cool to see them get so close and work off of each other really well,” said lead captain Peyton Wierl ’26, and a four-year member of Varsity Field Hockey. Coach Goodrick-Armstrong also mentions that it is not just the coaches that lead the team, the captains are a foundation for this year’s success as well. She said the 2025-2026 captains, Peyton Wierl, Ilsa Borgen ’26, Chloe Cleaves ’26, and Lilly Oliver ’26, “work together seamlessly.” “They each fill slightly different roles, their leadership styles are slightly different, they connect really well with the other players on the team, and I think a lot of our early-season success contributed to their leadership,” Coach Goodrick-Armstrong added. The captains have been an essential part of helping the team stay focused and build the team’s bond. Together, they have set goals for the season: to make the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council tournament and contend for the championship. Beyond tactics and technique, Coach Goodrick-Armstrong emphasizes a positive team culture rooted in gratitude, reflection, and collaboration. One of the most unique traditions she introduced is the use of green notebooks labeled “DAVFH.” These serve as journals where players are encouraged to reflect, set goals, and express gratitude daily. Inspired by a college coach who once told her to “take the time to be grateful for what you have each day.” Coach Goodrick-Armstrong uses these notebooks as a way to help athletes stay grounded and present. Before every practice, players are given time to journal quietly, a brief pause in the day that helps them reset and mentally prepare. Wierl also noted that the notebooks have improved the team culture and positivity. “I love that, I think it’s a great idea!” she said. Complementing this routine is the “quote of the day” tradition she brought to Deerfield. At the start of the season, Coach Goodrick-Armstrong selects daily quotes, prints them out on sticky notes, and places them inside the players’ notebooks. As the season has continued, she has passed on this responsibility to assistant coaches and players, allowing the team to have more flexibility and take ownership. The addition of the quotes were in hopes of encouraging both motivation and reflection, helping the players develop the mindset they need to succeed, not just in games but throughout their time at Deerfield. Coach Goodrick-Armstrong frequently expresses her gratitude for every player on the team, emphasizing that it’s not just a group of individuals, but a united program with purpose and cohesion at every practice. “I’m grateful that we have 46 players in the program and all 46 are quite bought in, which is incredible,” she said. For her, this level of commitment across both the Varsity and Junior Varsity team is a reflection of the culture the players have built, one of mutual respect, goals, and love for the game. Each athlete plays a role in shaping the team’s identity, showing up every day ready to support one another. Coach Goodrick-Armstrong believes this is what turns a good team into a great one.