The Washington Wolves Hockey Club stands as the oldest high school field hockey club team in the Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia (DMV) area. Founded in 1988 by Steve Simpson, the club has a long-standing tradition of developing athletes into leaders, teammates, and role models within their communities.
The Wolves is known for its competitive environment and its commitment to providing DC area players with the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential. The club currently fields teams in the U10, U12, U14, U16, and U19 age levels.
Leadership and Coaching
Steve Simpson, the founder of the Washington Wolves, has an extensive background in field hockey. He has coached at the University of Maryland, Cornell University, Syracuse, and with the US National Team. Steve has held numerous coaching, officiating, and playing roles throughout his career, and is currently the head coach at Sewanee, The University of the South.
In 2007, Joann Engestrom, a Washington Wolves player from the 90’s, a USA Field Hockey National Team player, and also a Volunteer Assistant Coach with the Terrapins, took over the club and continued the team’s success on the national stage.
Commitment to Player Development
Former players of the club have gone on to play at a variety of Division I, Division II, Division III schools and at the collegiate club level. Moreover, the club takes pride in its players who have represented the United States in international play.
Read also: Pride Hockey Leadership
Competitive Performance
While the club considers Montgomery County (MoCo) as its home, its teams compete throughout the local Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia (DMV) area. They regularly participate in national tournaments such as the Sunshine Showcase, Shooting Star tournaments, and the National Indoor Tournament.
According to some observations, the Washington Wolves have a single team per age group and limit the numbers of players. Playing time is available for everyone, but it isn't guaranteed and it is ok to have to fight for playing time when there is only a single squad.
At a recent national tournament (Disney), their U19 team tied with both Texas Pride Red and Spirit of USA (0-0 in both and lost to Spirit of USA in shootouts) and then lost to AGH 0-1. The U19 team has commits to Syracuse, Columbia, 2 to Davidson, Cornell, Hopkins, and Kenyon; that is a strong set of college recruits.
One potential drawback is that with only one team per age group, trying out and making the team can be difficult. However, the club's strong performance and college recruitment record speak to its competitive edge.
Team Highlights
- U14 Team: Comprised of a great group of fun, thoughtful, and hard-working young athletes.
- U16 Team: Boasts the healthiest and deepest roster in many years.
- U19 Team: The oldest and most accomplished group of athletes, ready for another successful year of competition, recruitment, and personal success.
How to Play Field Hockey - For Beginners (Part 1 of 3)
Club Affiliations and Resources
The Washington Wolves Hockey Club has a relationship with Longstreth Sporting Goods, providing players with a discount on field hockey equipment and apparel.
Read also: Choosing the Right Hockey Stick Size
Tournament Participation
The Washington Wolves actively participate in various tournaments, providing their teams with valuable competitive experience. Here is a snapshot of their participation in different tournaments:
| Tournament | Date | Teams Participating |
|---|---|---|
| Ursinus College | December 9 | AGH U-14, Aim Orange, Horizon Flash, Hymax Lions, Mayhem Black, Mayhem Yellow, New Heights Black, PA Power White, Team Chesapeake |
| Spooky Nook Sports | December 16 | Electric Surge, Freedom HKY Amber, Freedom HKY Garnet, Metro HC Jaguars, Next Level U-14 Grey, Next Level U-16 Blue, South Jersey Edge Black, South Jersey Edge U-16, WC Eagles D, WC Eagles H, WC Eagles K, Warhawks U-16 Blaze |
| Ithaca College | December 16 | AGH U-16 7, Centercourt FHC Blue, Centercourt FHC Green, CNY Green, Country Strong, High Styx Earthquake, High Styx Hurricane, NJ GRIT Ruby, PA United Navy, Spirit of USA East, Spirit of USA North, Spirit of USA South |
| Game On Sports | December 16 | Cape Ann FHC Black, FHCC U-16 Select, Green Mountain Girls, North East Elite U-16 Gold, North East Elite U-16 Black, Premier U-16, Seacoast FH U-16 Black, Seacoast FH U-16 Gold, Strikers Pink, Texas Pride Red, Texas Pride White, Wizards Black |
| Meadowbrook Athletic Complex | January 6 | Alpha Lime, Gottaloveit! |
Read also: East Stroudsburg Field Hockey: A Look Back
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