GREENSBORO FIELD HOCKEY CLUB
COACHES PROFILES
LANCE WOOD
LEVEL II USAFH COACH, VP USFHL & EXPAT FROM UK
BO KOLERA
NC STATE GRADUATE AND EXPERT PLAYER FROM INDIA
LAYNE COCKROFT
EXPERIENCED PLAYER FROM SOUTH AFRICA
Lance is the chairman of the club and has played field hockey in England, Spain and USA. having led teams at every club he played for it was natural that Lance would make the move into coaching.
Formerly the chairman of Miami Surf upon moving to Greensboro Lance started working with Greensboro Field Hockey, eventually becoming the head coach and chairman
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Q&A
When did you start playing Field Hockey? When I was about 8 or 9
What is it you like most about the sport? The camaraderie and team spirit. Also these days as a coach it is great to be able to pass on a sport that has brought me so much enjoyment over the years.
What is your greatest Field Hockey memory? Lots to pick from here but honestly it has to be all the great teammates I have had the honor to share a field with over the years and the amazing friendships that has lead to.
What is your favorite trick? In match play, probably 3D dribbling to eliminate a defender. Off the field there are tons of fun tricks that are great for improving hand eye coordination and ball control.
Bo hails from a small region in the southwest of India called Coorg (Kodagu) where the natives are greatly passionate about field hockey. He started playing field hockey in elementary school and played and competed through high school. Bo has been living in Greensboro since graduating from NC State University in 2004. He stumbled upon Greensboro Field Hockey at Proehlific Park by chance in 2016 and is thrilled and excited to be playing field hockey again.
Q & A
When did you start playing Field Hockey?
I started playing field hockey at 8 years and played and competed through high school. I switched to playing soccer in college as they did not have a field hockey team.
What is it you like most about the sport?
Hockey is a very fast paced game and requires quick decisions. Unlike soccer, you need to be skilled with both your hands and feet. The element of danger playing with a hockey stick and a hard ball makes it even more exciting.
What is your greatest field hockey memory?
I played and competed in field hockey tournaments all through school. The highlight for me was winning the district inter-school hockey tournament where our team was considered underdogs.
What is your favorite trick?
My favorite field hockey tricks are the pull right and the reverse shot. Both tricks are very versatile and effective in play.
As a native South African, Layne learned to play field hockey at a young age. His granddad was a hockey umpire who bought him his first hockey stick when he was four years old. He was hooked. He played and competed throughout primary and high school, representing a number of state teams. One highlight was when his high school team toured the Netherlands. They were undefeated! Sadly, he was forced into retirement after high school when he moved to Utah to study at Brigham Young University. Fortunately for us he recently moved to Greensboro and in his words ‘found this great club’. He is excited to be back on the field again and to share both his experience and passion for this great sport with you.
MARY REID ATKINSON
PENNSYLVANIAN TRIATHLETE
MELINA BURNS
NC NATIVE & REFORMED UMPIRE
STEPHEN SKAIFE
ALL AROUND ATHLETE & EXPAT FROM UK
Mary is a Pennsylvania native who played field hockey in middle school and high school. At Ursinus College, she played softball but returned to field hockey after college - coaching her local middle school team for several years. After relocating to NC and searching the area for a place to play, Greensboro Field Hockey came to the rescue. Now also an avid runner and triathlete, field hockey helps keep the pep in her step!
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Q&A
When did you start playing Field Hockey? I started playing in middle school up in PA.
What is it you like most about the sport? I like how physical but also how intricate the game is. It requires endurance, finesse, skill, patience, and practice. While you can start very basic as a beginner, the more you work and the more you practice, the more you can learn and the more complex the game can be.
What is your greatest field hockey memory? How about the one that brings the biggest smile... My hotshot high-school self had the ball in the middle of the field all by myself. In a big, fancy show-off move I was going to drive it downfield. Instead, I swung and missed so hard that I basically did a somersault in the air and fell over. My coach was less than pleased - but pretty much the whole team and myself were laughing so hard it was worth it the embarrassing moment. I also just generally remember my first coaching job of a local middle school team. I really love teaching and coaching - being able to make the game fun, teach skills, and improve a player's self-confidence on and off the field.
What is your favorite trick? Tricks are not my jam. I like to just try and be a rock solid defensive wall.
Melina started playing field hockey in high school in Winston-Salem, making All-Conference. Melina umpired while in college and returned playing at Greensboro Field Hockey after school. Since, she has played in the national championship and traveled for multiple tournaments. She enjoys encouraging others and growing the game
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Q&A
When did you start playing Field Hockey?
My sophomore year in high school after my friend invited me to play!
What is it you like most about the sport?
I love the constant challenge, competitive and encouraging team mindset, and unlimited skills to grow and improve upon.
What is your greatest field hockey memory?
Playing on Ghana’s national field with their team.
What is your favorite trick?
My favorite trick to do is the classic pull back.
Stephen grew up in Yorkshire, England and played a wide range of sports including soccer, cricket, rugby and basketball throughout high-school and university. Following relocation to the USA in 1998 he played recreational soccer but switched to field hockey in 2014 after becoming interested while watching his daughter’s high school team. He is excited to be involved with Greensboro Field Hockey and very happy to help support and develop players of all ages.
Q&A
When did you start playing Field Hockey?
I started playing Field Hockey in 2014 after watching my daughter play at high school and wanting to understand more about the game
What is it you like most about the sport?
The fast pace, the dynamic flow of the game and the involvement of every player on the team
What is your greatest field hockey memory?
Playing in the 51 hour world-record marathon game in 2016
What is your favorite trick?
Not really a trick but I do enjoy a successful precision pass. Watching a 360’ spin move is always fun, except if it’s performed against you!
PREM RAMACHANDRAN
JULY 12, 2023
DETAILS COMING SOON
​DAVID WOOD
USA LEVEL 1 COACH & EXPAT FROM UK
Coming to the sport at a later age to help his son David was once a high level soccer player who had trials at Fulham before injury cut his career short. After becoming JV coach at Page he completed his Level 1 USA coaching course and now helps at Greensboro FHC.
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Q&A
When did you start playing Field Hockey? At the age of 68
What is it you like most about the sport? The speed and skill required to play at a high level
What is your greatest Field Hockey memory? Getting flattened by a 'giant' when playing in goal but still making the save
What is your favorite trick? Not having a heart attack while running around
MEREDITH BYNUM​
USA LEVEL 1 COACH, HEAD COACH SUMMIT SCHOOL, FORMER COLLEGIATE PLAYER & MUCH MUCH MORE
DETAILS COMING SOON