UPEI coach part of Team Canada U17 female field hockey team for Netherlands tour

UPEI Panthers Field Hockey coach Lacey MacLauchlan was the Assistant Coach for Team Canada’s under-17 female team for a recent ten-day tour of the Netherlands. The trip marked her coaching debut with the national program.

MacLauchlan, who led the UPEI Panthers Field Hockey team to two Atlantic University Field Hockey League championships in 2022 and 2023, described her time with Team Canada as a rewarding experience and opportunity.

"We had never been together as a full team, so coming together over that ten-day period and seeing the growth of the girls, their development, and putting their learnings into practice and play was really fun to see," said MacLauchlan, who performed general responsibilities with the coaching staff, in an interview with The Guardian.

Team Canada finished sixth out of 15 teams in a tournament, posting a record of 3-3-1 (won-lost-tied).

“We are so proud of Lacey for being selected as assistant coach for Team Canada’s U17 female field hockey team,” said Jane Vessey, director of UPEI Athletics and Recreation. “She has certainly proven her skill and talent as a coach at UPEI, so it’s great to see her garner this national recognition.”

Like the players, the opportunity to coach with Team Canada was a learning experience for MacLauchlan. The Netherlands is one of the best field hockey countries in the world, so it was a great experience for her to see that next level of competition.

Fifteen-year-old player Ellie Mullins, of Charlottetown, was part of the PEI contingent with the Canadian team. MacLauchlan said it was nice to share the experience with a fellow Prince Edward Islander.