Meet Our Coaching Staff
Sandy Szilassy is a native of Richmond, Virginia and was a four sport athlete at the Steward School. She was inducted into the inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame at her high school in 2015. Sandy has been coaching field hockey at various levels for over 20 years.
Sandy played at the University of Virginia for 4 years and was captain in her fourth year. In her tenure at UVA, her team made 3 NCAA appearances and was consistently ranked in the top 15. Sandy continues to rank second for defensive saves in the UVA field hockey history books.
After graduating from UVA, Sandy went on to become an assistant coach at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. She assisted the head coach for the varsity squad and was also responsible for the JV program that posted an 11-0-1 record in her initial season. She has coached field hockey at both Bayside and Salem High Schools in Virginia Beach and continues to teach at Salem High School. Throughout the years, Sandy has coached at numerous camps and events around the country, including Junior Olympics, Duke University, University of Virginia, and William & Mary. Sandy served as the Regional Site Director for USA Futures program for 4 years. Sandy has received her U.S. Field Hockey Association Level II Coaching Certification in 2013.
Sandy's proudest hockey moment was watching her previous player Caroline Nichols out on the pitch at the Beijing Olympics and the watching both Caroline Nichols and Shannon Taylor at the London Olympics. Her ambition is to train and educate as many players as she can in a positive and supportive environment. Sandy hopes to be able to see her present players reach their hockey dreams and to go to another Olympics to see them play.
Nicole Morgan is a Virginia Beach native and was a four-sport athlete at the Salem High School. She was coached by TCOYO Director Sandy Szilassy at Salem and for club with Spartan Elite. Nicole graduated from Appalachian State University where she was first team all-NorPac honoree and led the Mountaineers in points, goals and game-winning goals in her senior year. She was named NorPac Offensive Player of the Week countless times through her collegiate career. Following college, Nicole spent 3 years on the USA Senior National Indoor Team.
Nicole currently is the currently the head coach at Kellam High School and Princess Anne Middle School. She coaches at Princess Anne High School and Lynnhaven Middle School from 2016 - 2018. She previously worked for 5 seasons at Virginia Wesleyan College where she was the programs tactical director and strength and conditioning coach.
Nicole received her U.S. Field Hockey Association Level III Coaching Certification 2022. She is the Region 7 & 8 Nexus Coach Manager and has selected to coach at the National Futures Championship and Junior Olympics multiple times.
DC Dragons Field Hockey Club - 2016 - Present
USA Senior National Indoor Team - 2012-2015
Appalachian State University - 2007-2011
USA O50 2023 Masters Pan American Games - 2023 in Argentina
Kellam High School Varsity Head Coach - 2019 - Present
Princess Anne Middle School - 2019 - Present
USA O35 2022 Masters World Cup Assistant Coach - 2022 in Nottingham, UK
Princess Anne High School - 2016-2018
Lynnhaven Middle School - 2016-2018
Virginia Wesleyan College Tactical Director & Strength & Conditioning Coach - 2012-2016
Coach McCallum was raised in Virginia Beach and attended Cox High School where she served in various roles within student activities and played field hockey. She then attended The College of William and Mary on a field hockey scholarship where she earned her Bachelor of Science in psychology and her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary Mathematics. McCallum also served as captain of the field hockey team at W&M. After completing her degrees, she returned to Virginia Beach to teach math at Great Neck Middle School for a year before returning to Cox High School, where she taught math for 9 years, served as an assistant coach in the field hockey program, advised the student government, and led the annual Cox High School Leadership Workshop for students, as well as training of other staff members to work in leadership programs throughout the city. Ms. McCallum has continued to stay involved with field hockey since her years as a student by working and coaching within summer camps, local clinics, travel club teams and numerous US Field Hockey events. She teaches mathematics in the Upper School, assists with the varsity girls' field hockey program, and serves as the Associate Director of Athletics.
College of William & Mary
Current Assistant Coach at Norfolk Academy
Assistant Coach at Frank W. Cox High School
Lauren Arledge
Goalkeeper Coach
Playing Experience :
2017-2019 : Saint Hockey
2015-2019 : Varsity Great Bridge Field Hockey Team
2019-2023 : Old Dominion University Field Hockey Team
2023 - Nexus Goalkeeping Coach
Kristina Geisler is a Virginia Beach native and was a two sport athlete at Kempsville High School where is graduated in 2014. Kristina played for TCOYO Hockey for 6 years where she played for Sandy and Nicole.
Kristina went on to play 4 years at Lynchburg College where she majored in Nursing. Kristina's college career started on a strong note with 3 starts and 8 appearances her freshman before having a season ending injury. During her sophomore and junior years, Kristina was a key player off the bench appear in every games as a midfielder with a defensive emphasis. Her senior year (2016), she stepped into a starting role as an enforcer on the Lynchburg defense, starting all 20 contests.
Kristina has been coaching with TCOYO Hockey for the past 4 years.
Kristina is currently a Registered Nurse at Sentara Leigh Hospital.
Kristyna Oyola is a Virginia Beach native and was a three sport athlete at the Salem High School. She was coached by TCOYO Director Sandy Szilassy at Salem and played 2 years for TCOYO Hockey.
Kristyna graduated from Newberry College in 2020 where she was a 4-year starter. While at Newberry, Kristyna earned multiple honors including ECAC Rookie of the week (2016), ECAC All-Tournament team (2017), Offensive player of the week (2019), and SAC All-Conference 1st team (2019).
Kristyna is in her first year coaching with TCOYO Hockey and is enjoying every moment!
Kristyna is currently a teacher at Salem High School.
Certifications/Awards:
USA Level 1 Coach Certificate
Part of the 2012 University of Field Hockey team Inducted into the Hall of Fame
Playing Experience:
2011-2015: University of Mary Washington
2007-2011: Courtland High School
Coaching Experience:
2022-present: Head Coach at Hickory Middle School
2021-present: Assistant at Great Bridge
2016-2021: Assistant at Stafford High School
2017-2018: Futures Coach
My proudest moment was being able to play with both of sisters in the Commonwealth Games for the first time in 2015. We all play, but because of our age difference, we had never had the chance to play together on one team. My sisters push me to be better as a player and a coach, and it was truly an unforgettable tournament (we snagged first place too!)
Certifications:
USA Field Hockey Level 1 Certificate
Playing Experience:
University of Delaware
Coaching Experience:
Assistant Field Hockey Coach for Kellam High School - 2023 - Present
Region 7 & 8 Nexus Coach - 2023 - Present
Club Field Hockey Coach for TCOYO Field Hockey Club - 2021 - Present
Developmental Club Field Hockey Coach for Spark Field Hockey Club - 5 years
Club Field Hockey Coach for Kennett Crush Field Hockey - 1 year
University of Delaware Field Hockey Camp Coach - 2 years
Club Field Hockey Coach Empower Field Hockey Club - 2 years
My junior year I tore my labrum during preseason and had to have shoulder surgery. It ended my junior season and started over a year of recovery, which was majorly delayed because of the pandemic. It was easy to look at it like a loss, but I committed myself to my recovery and in my senior year, at our season opener, I scored and came back like nothing had happened. Of course, I'm proud of the conference championships we've won and the NCAA appearances we've made, but I'm most proud of myself for my full recovery and the fact that I proved to myself that I could come back even stronger.
Elizabeth Stroud
2022 - present : TCOYO Coach
Cole Werkheiser, son of the infamous Mary Werkheiser, is a Virginia Beach native graduating from Norfolk Academy in 2009.
Prior to attending JMU, Cole competed at the Men’s Junior National Championships for selection onto the US Men’s National team.
Cole served as practice player and volunteer assistant coach for the James Madison University field hockey program for four and a half years while earning his bachelor of business administration in marketing from JMU (2009-2013). In 2010, he was the co-coach of the JMU Club Field Hockey team that went undefeated and won the National Field Hockey League National Championship. Cole also co-coached the JMU Club Team in 2012 and brought the team to the Final 4. Cole received his U.S. Field Hockey Association Level I Coaching Certification while helping coach multiple college summer camps and clinics. His proudest moments as a coach include winning several National tournaments and encouraging the girls that play for him to reach their full potential.
Outside of field hockey, Cole works at Pembroke Realty Group as a sales and leasing associate specializing in commercial real estate. He also is active in our community and works with several non-profits including the Vibe Creative District, Hampton Roads Pride and the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities.
Mallory Wolf is a Virginia Beach native and was a two sport athlete at the Salem High School. She was coached by TCOYO Director Sandy Szilassy at Salem and played club for the Beach Hawks.
Playing Experience:
Beach Premier Field Hockey Club 2011 - 2016
Lynnhaven Middle School 2011 - 2012
Salem High School 2012 -2016
Appalachian State University 2016 - 2017
Millersville University 2017 - 2018
Old Dominion University Club Team 2018-2020
Coaching Experience :
Virginia Beach Field Hockey League 2012 - 2016
TCOYO 2018 - Present
USA Futures Coach 2020 - Present
Coaching Certifications :
USA Futures Level 1 Coach
CPR Certified
VHSL/NFHCA Certified Official
"My proudest hockey moment would definitely be my game against East Stroudsburg when I played at Millersville. It was an overtime win. Defensively it was the toughest game of hockey I ever played both physically and mentally. We had multiple players injured. It was the best game of hockey I had ever played and a win I will always remember.
This moment ties in with my coaching philosophy. I remind our players constantly to "control the controllables". We cannot change how physical a team is, how the officials manage a game, the weather or even how their teammates are playing. I am all for accountability, but I also believe our players should be focused on themselves and what they can do to better their play rather than what others should do for them. If everyone does their job, we will be successful. I am a very competitive person and want to win. However, I want our players to take their determination, hustle and motivation and apply it in the real world. That is my ultimate goal as a coach is to build long lasting relationships with these players and help them build their character and skill all while enjoying the game. I want them to carry these skills beyond the field hockey field/court. I try to build relationships with these players in order to build trust and keep open communication. I am here for them on and off the field. I believe in them and know what each and everyone of my players is capable of. My expectations are high, but manageable as to what they are capable of. I truly love this sport, the TCOYO staff and our talented players. "
Certifications:
Level 1 USAFH coach
Playing Experience:
2014-2018: Goucher College Field Hockey Team
2010-2014: Varsity Smithfield High School Field Hockey Team
Coaching Experience
2022- present: Nexus Goalkeeping Coach
Smithfield High School JV coach
CNU Goalkeeper Coach
Club Goalkeeper Coach: Velocity, Stick Power/ Saints, TCOYO
Lauren Boucher
Guest Coach
Playing Experience :
2015-2018 : Great Neck Middle School Field Hockey Team
2013-2021 : TCOYO Hockey
2018-2021 : Varsity Frank W. Cox Field Hockey Team
2021-present: University of Mary Washington Field Hockey Team
Leah Crouse
U16 & U19 Guest Coach
Leah Crouse is a Virginia Beach native and was a two sport athlete at Frank W. Cox High School. Leah played for TCOYO Hockey for 6 years and is a current player at Duke University and was recently named to the USA Women's National Team.
Playing Experience :
2012-2014 : Great Neck Middle School Field Hockey Team
2013-2018 : TCOYO Hockey
2014-2018 : Varsity Frank W. Cox Field Hockey Team
2018-2022 : Duke University Field Hockey Team
2022-2023 : University of Maryland Field Hockey Team
2021-prestent USA Women's National Team
Playing Experience :
2017-2019 : TCOYO Hockey
2015-2019 : Varsity Grafton Field Hockey Team
2019-2020 : American University Field Hockey Team
2021-2023 : Old Dominion University Field Hockey Team
Fiona has coached for TCOYO Hockey since the summer of 2019.
Fiona is currently the graduate assistant coach at Virginia Commonwealth University
Marisa Miro is a native of Bushkill, Pa and was first athlete in East Stroudsburg North history to play Division I field hockey. She was two-time team captain for three different sports: field hockey, softball and swimming at East Stroudsburg North and was a scholar athlete recipient in softball and field hockey. Marisa currently provides private and semi-private lessons at Vault Athletics & Fitness.
After graduating from East Stroudsburg North, Marisa spent 1 season at Iowa University before transferring back home to East Stroudsburg University where she graduated in 2015. While at East Stroudsburg, Marisa was a starting forward that won PSAC and NCAA DII championship in 2015.
Marisa has been a member of the Puerto Rican National Team since 2012 and played with the Big Apple Hockey Club (NYC, New York) - 2013-2015 & 2017- 2019.
Prior to moving to Virginia Beach in 2019, Marisa coached for Marojoka Field Hockey Club from 2013-2016 where she was the assistant coach to Martin Romeril and with Cape Cod Field Hockey Club from 2016-2019.
Marisa is also a USA Field Hockey Certified Official and has a Master's in Exercise Physiology.
Dave van Twuijver
U16 Coach
Dave van Twuijver is a native of the Netherlands having moved to the United States summer of 2020 with his family. He has played field hockey since he was 5 years old and is looking to be a practice player at Old Dominion University next Fall.
Dave started playing for "SMHC Magnus", 3 years with "HBCuraçao", "SMHC Magnus" for 4 years again, and 1 year with "AMHC Alkmaar" before being promoted to "HV de Terriërs" for 1 year. His last two clubs were promotions for him personally with his last year being the best team he has ever played with.
Dave coached the U14 boys and U10 girls at "SMHC Magnus" in the Netherlands prior to moving to the United States with his family. Dave is currently the assistant coach for the varsity field hockey team at Norfolk Collegiate School and has been coaching with TCOYO since Fall 2020.
Dave favorite hockey memory is earning a spot on the "HV de Terriërs' top boys team and going unbeaten and didn't draw during his last outdoor season finishing first place in "1e Klasse". They also finished 3rd as "HV de Terriërs" during his last indoor season in "Subtopklasse". He was Captain in his last year at "SMHC Magnus" in the 2017-2018 season.
Sam Zwyna
Guest Coach
Playing Experience :
2013-2015 : Great Neck Middle School Field Hockey Team
2013-2019 : TCOYO Hockey
2015-2019 : Varsity Frank W. Cox Field Hockey Team
2019-2023 : University of Maryland Field Hockey Team
2023-2024 : Old Dominion University Field Hockey Team
2021-prestent USA Women's National Team