Field hockey clubs feedback

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone share insight on Wolves vs Next level.? Seems many 14u players left Wolves for Next Level. Is coaching better? What about 16u?

The coaching is better at Next Level. They have better results at the big tournaments. Overall these clubs don't well at RCCs, NITs, etc. I would think about Freedom if you want to be on a competitive team.

Wolves and Next Level are oversubscribed. Agree with PP to look at Freedom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone share insight on Wolves vs Next level.? Seems many 14u players left Wolves for Next Level. Is coaching better? What about 16u?

The coaching is better at Next Level. They have better results at the big tournaments. Overall these clubs don't well at RCCs, NITs, etc. I would think about Freedom if you want to be on a competitive team.

This is not great advice unless you have a standout player. Only the top team goes to RCC, NIT more teams have the potential to go, but I’ve been told by friends at Freedom that only the top 1-2 teams get the best coaching. Indoor, Freedom has like 8 teams.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:+1. We have seen former HUSEL players at several different teams, especially at the older ages. Could someone please spill the tea?

I’ve heard of issues at Husel for years, pretty much since they broke off of Rampage because that was shady. The most recent issues I’ve heard are: lack of player development, favoritism, a director that hold grudges and has threatened to ruin players, and a lack of recruiting support.

A bunch went to Wolves, a couple went to Freedom, probably a couple to a few other clubs. Others are talking about leaving.

Most Hustle went to Wolves.Heard it had something to do with BOC coach.does anyone know why?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:+1. We have seen former HUSEL players at several different teams, especially at the older ages. Could someone please spill the tea?

I’ve heard of issues at Husel for years, pretty much since they broke off of Rampage because that was shady. The most recent issues I’ve heard are: lack of player development, favoritism, a director that hold grudges and has threatened to ruin players, and a lack of recruiting support.

A bunch went to Wolves, a couple went to Freedom, probably a couple to a few other clubs. Others are talking about leaving.

Most Hustle went to Wolves.Heard it had something to do with BOC coach.does anyone know why?

Seems like a far drive from Hustle to Wolves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about Jackhals? Anyone familiar with this club?

Very young starter elementary program and a bit disorganized. One coach who seems good seems to coach all levels

I heard the coach is great but overall the club is disorganized and not great with communication. Can anybody shed more light into what’s going on with the Jackals?

They have never been great. Seems like all you need to know is in this thread. Why would you knowingly go to a club that is disorganized and lacks communication?

The closest club isn’t always the best choice.

It seems like communication is sort of a problem at a lot of clubs, from what I’ve seen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about Jackhals? Anyone familiar with this club?

Very young starter elementary program and a bit disorganized. One coach who seems good seems to coach all levels

I heard the coach is great but overall the club is disorganized and not great with communication. Can anybody shed more light into what’s going on with the Jackals?

They have never been great. Seems like all you need to know is in this thread. Why would you knowingly go to a club that is disorganized and lacks communication?

The closest club isn’t always the best choice.

It seems like communication is sort of a problem at a lot of clubs, from what I’ve seen.

It feels like the easiest thing to fix, that’s really disheartening

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have gone through this conversation a few times over the years and wanted to share my thoughts on the clubs and what I have seen over my years in this world...

Husle: Several other coaches do not care for Husle becasue of the way they formed, breaking off from Rampage. They have produced some strong players and competitive teams, but your daughter needs to have a thick skin because the coaches consistently have a reputation for being tough. Two of their most accomplished (and college-committed players) just left them for another club after being with them for years.

Xtreme: Someone said they are not competitve, but I have seen their players compete at high Nexus levels and be very skilled as high school players. I beleive they have very strong and kind coaches (Kate Stribbling) and seem to be one of the only clubs in our area who host summer clinics with college coaches. I think they appear to be a nurturing club.

Wolves: Many players have made a run to Wolves lately so their rosters are large. Not sure what this means for playing time or who gets to go to what tourneys. Head of the club is rumored to be well connected with college coaches, but do college coaches want club directors puching their players on them? I don't know. I think the club is strong now because of all of the recent transfers over the last two years, but prior to that I did not think of them as a stand out.

Metro: Club Director is not well liked by many in the field hockey world and have heard numerous horror stories about how he treats his players -- e.g. calling last minute practices at far away locations and expecting your child to be there are playing time will suffer. Having said that, his older players are really good (the CeCes, Jaydens, etc). U16 recently had a mass exodus, finally deciding they had had too much of the director.

Mustangs: Many of the players a part of the Metro exodus went to Mustangs/Perfect Performance to basically start the club. And now basically all of those players have left. Check out their coaches and do your research. Perfect Performance has been trying to get in the field hockey game for a while, so maybe it will get better. Disorganization and communication seem to be problems.

Hammers: Formerly Rapids. I put this club into the category of Xtreme. They go to all of the "right" tournaments and can be really competitive or not at all. Seem to have good success when they can grow a team, and they give their girls chances at the lower levels to develop. But players think they need to leave for Metro/Husle, so Hammers seems to be a farmer club for other teams, which by the way almost all of the players who left Hammers for Metro and Husle have in turn left Hudle or Metro becuase the coaches are too much. Hammers coaches and commissioners are solid and they seem to be able to procure space in NOVA/Leesburg when no one else can.

Freedom: Very strong club, but recently merged with another club (Storm?) and now there are more players and the club is trying to manage the growth. Coaches seem strong and the club usually has a high national rank.

Next Level: Likable club with knowledgable director. Most seee to love Welma and I have heard only a few negatives. Have participate in events with them, and the experience has been good. Just review the number of players at your age group and evaluate what playing opprtunities exist.

Warhawks: No comment only because I have not encountered much with them.

If I had to pick a "favorite" based on stability, player development, and normal coaches: Xtreme, Freedom, Hammers, Next Level

Middle Ground (could go either way): Wolves, Mustangs

Would Caution Against: Husle and Metro

This is really good. I just want to add that our experience at Next Level was top notch. I liked that Welma typically brought at least 3 of the 4 teams in each age group to the bigger tournaments so it wasn’t only the top girls who got that experience. Also she kept her rosters to a good size. Obviously the stronger you were the more time on the field you saw but that is a reality of Club sports…if you want guaranteed field time then play rec. We were initially at Xteme (who were also great) but the lack of tournament opportunities for girls not on their top team was the reason we left….

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:+1. We have seen former HUSEL players at several different teams, especially at the older ages. Could someone please spill the tea?

Lots of clubs have had kids change clubs in the last few years. Not just Husel. And this has also happened in some of the bigger regional clubs, like in Richmond and VA beach. It's fairly common.

There is not a lot of "tea" to spill. One coach at the younger level (U12 or 14) moved. And a second in that bracket left to take their kid to Freedom, which is one of the best if not the best in the area. When they left, that younger team sort of fell apart b/c the parents liked those coaches. So they took their kids to other clubs (and their older, already committed siblings went with them. I'm guessing that was mostly for convenience). Most went to Wolves and that is because the O'Connell Coach consolidated and took all those players from Husel and went to Wolves. Look at the rosters. They were with Husel and now with Wolves (all O'Connell players). That was something like 8 players across age groups.

A few others have left since then for whatever reason (whether panicking that some left, wanting more recruiting opportunities, or what have you). But, they've also gotten in some new players, some who are quite good, who will now have a chance to play in the top spots. And they've gotten some new very good and accomplished coaches coming on board. And the Director, who has had some issues in the past (which I'd agree with) is now taking stock and making some adjustments, which is a good thing.

[Anonymous]

The Warhawks are amazing. Not close to the DC area though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:+1. We have seen former HUSEL players at several different teams, especially at the older ages. Could someone please spill the tea?

Lots of clubs have had kids change clubs in the last few years. Not just Husel. And this has also happened in some of the bigger regional clubs, like in Richmond and VA beach. It's fairly common.

There is not a lot of "tea" to spill. One coach at the younger level (U12 or 14) moved. And a second in that bracket left to take their kid to Freedom, which is one of the best if not the best in the area. When they left, that younger team sort of fell apart b/c the parents liked those coaches. So they took their kids to other clubs (and their older, already committed siblings went with them. I'm guessing that was mostly for convenience). Most went to Wolves and that is because the O'Connell Coach consolidated and took all those players from Husel and went to Wolves. Look at the rosters. They were with Husel and now with Wolves (all O'Connell players). That was something like 8 players across age groups.

A few others have left since then for whatever reason (whether panicking that some left, wanting more recruiting opportunities, or what have you). But, they've also gotten in some new players, some who are quite good, who will now have a chance to play in the top spots. And they've gotten some new very good and accomplished coaches coming on board. And the Director, who has had some issues in the past (which I'd agree with) is now taking stock and making some adjustments, which is a good thing.

Are you a Husel parent? Husel has not updated their roster but you seem to know new girls joined.

Not updating the roster is a red flag for me. One, it says the director isn’t taking care of the fine details and two, it makes them look dishonest.

My daughter never played for Husel. We choose to look elsewhere because after doing my homework I saw too many problems with the club. Now with others leaving, I am even more sure we made the right choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:+1. We have seen former HUSEL players at several different teams, especially at the older ages. Could someone please spill the tea?

Lots of clubs have had kids change clubs in the last few years. Not just Husel. And this has also happened in some of the bigger regional clubs, like in Richmond and VA beach. It's fairly common.

There is not a lot of "tea" to spill. One coach at the younger level (U12 or 14) moved. And a second in that bracket left to take their kid to Freedom, which is one of the best if not the best in the area. When they left, that younger team sort of fell apart b/c the parents liked those coaches. So they took their kids to other clubs (and their older, already committed siblings went with them. I'm guessing that was mostly for convenience). Most went to Wolves and that is because the O'Connell Coach consolidated and took all those players from Husel and went to Wolves. Look at the rosters. They were with Husel and now with Wolves (all O'Connell players). That was something like 8 players across age groups.

A few others have left since then for whatever reason (whether panicking that some left, wanting more recruiting opportunities, or what have you). But, they've also gotten in some new players, some who are quite good, who will now have a chance to play in the top spots. And they've gotten some new very good and accomplished coaches coming on board. And the Director, who has had some issues in the past (which I'd agree with) is now taking stock and making some adjustments, which is a good thing.

Are you a Husel parent? Husel has not updated their roster but you seem to know new girls joined.

Not updating the roster is a red flag for me. One, it says the director isn’t taking care of the fine details and two, it makes them look dishonest.

My daughter never played for Husel. We choose to look elsewhere because after doing my homework I saw too many problems with the club. Now with others leaving, I am even more sure we made the right choice.

This literally just happened in the last few months but, no, roster is not updated. Again, not unusual for that. Lots of the high performing teams also don't update their rosters. In part that is because the static roster on the website doesn't tell the full story as the teams going to different tourneys are different. One may go to NIT, another to RCC, Disney, etc. So, you're putting way too much stock in that.

When we were looking at teams, it was very obv that many clubs simply don't have a full/complete roster there. I know b/c we've been in the game for a bunch of years now and know a lot of the players.

I'm not sure why you have to be smug about your choice. Some left for good reasons. Some, I would argue, not so much. And lots of others have stayed and have had, will have, a good experience. But go off, I guess, without ever having played with the team.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:+1. We have seen former HUSEL players at several different teams, especially at the older ages. Could someone please spill the tea?

Lots of clubs have had kids change clubs in the last few years. Not just Husel. And this has also happened in some of the bigger regional clubs, like in Richmond and VA beach. It's fairly common.

There is not a lot of "tea" to spill. One coach at the younger level (U12 or 14) moved. And a second in that bracket left to take their kid to Freedom, which is one of the best if not the best in the area. When they left, that younger team sort of fell apart b/c the parents liked those coaches. So they took their kids to other clubs (and their older, already committed siblings went with them. I'm guessing that was mostly for convenience). Most went to Wolves and that is because the O'Connell Coach consolidated and took all those players from Husel and went to Wolves. Look at the rosters. They were with Husel and now with Wolves (all O'Connell players). That was something like 8 players across age groups.

A few others have left since then for whatever reason (whether panicking that some left, wanting more recruiting opportunities, or what have you). But, they've also gotten in some new players, some who are quite good, who will now have a chance to play in the top spots. And they've gotten some new very good and accomplished coaches coming on board. And the Director, who has had some issues in the past (which I'd agree with) is now taking stock and making some adjustments, which is a good thing.

Are you a Husel parent? Husel has not updated their roster but you seem to know new girls joined.

Not updating the roster is a red flag for me. One, it says the director isn’t taking care of the fine details and two, it makes them look dishonest.

My daughter never played for Husel. We choose to look elsewhere because after doing my homework I saw too many problems with the club. Now with others leaving, I am even more sure we made the right choice.

Why did the O’Connell coach encourage players to leave Husel?

I’m not sure if you saying u10/u12 teams falling apart led the O’Connell players to leave Husel and follow their younger siblings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have gone through this conversation a few times over the years and wanted to share my thoughts on the clubs and what I have seen over my years in this world...

Husle: Several other coaches do not care for Husle becasue of the way they formed, breaking off from Rampage. They have produced some strong players and competitive teams, but your daughter needs to have a thick skin because the coaches consistently have a reputation for being tough. Two of their most accomplished (and college-committed players) just left them for another club after being with them for years.

Xtreme: Someone said they are not competitve, but I have seen their players compete at high Nexus levels and be very skilled as high school players. I beleive they have very strong and kind coaches (Kate Stribbling) and seem to be one of the only clubs in our area who host summer clinics with college coaches. I think they appear to be a nurturing club.

Wolves: Many players have made a run to Wolves lately so their rosters are large. Not sure what this means for playing time or who gets to go to what tourneys. Head of the club is rumored to be well connected with college coaches, but do college coaches want club directors puching their players on them? I don't know. I think the club is strong now because of all of the recent transfers over the last two years, but prior to that I did not think of them as a stand out.

Metro: Club Director is not well liked by many in the field hockey world and have heard numerous horror stories about how he treats his players -- e.g. calling last minute practices at far away locations and expecting your child to be there are playing time will suffer. Having said that, his older players are really good (the CeCes, Jaydens, etc). U16 recently had a mass exodus, finally deciding they had had too much of the director.

Mustangs: Many of the players a part of the Metro exodus went to Mustangs/Perfect Performance to basically start the club. And now basically all of those players have left. Check out their coaches and do your research. Perfect Performance has been trying to get in the field hockey game for a while, so maybe it will get better. Disorganization and communication seem to be problems.

Hammers: Formerly Rapids. I put this club into the category of Xtreme. They go to all of the "right" tournaments and can be really competitive or not at all. Seem to have good success when they can grow a team, and they give their girls chances at the lower levels to develop. But players think they need to leave for Metro/Husle, so Hammers seems to be a farmer club for other teams, which by the way almost all of the players who left Hammers for Metro and Husle have in turn left Hudle or Metro becuase the coaches are too much. Hammers coaches and commissioners are solid and they seem to be able to procure space in NOVA/Leesburg when no one else can.

Freedom: Very strong club, but recently merged with another club (Storm?) and now there are more players and the club is trying to manage the growth. Coaches seem strong and the club usually has a high national rank.

Next Level: Likable club with knowledgable director. Most seee to love Welma and I have heard only a few negatives. Have participate in events with them, and the experience has been good. Just review the number of players at your age group and evaluate what playing opprtunities exist.

Warhawks: No comment only because I have not encountered much with them.

If I had to pick a "favorite" based on stability, player development, and normal coaches: Xtreme, Freedom, Hammers, Next Level

Middle Ground (could go either way): Wolves, Mustangs

Would Caution Against: Husle and Metro

This is really good. I just want to add that our experience at Next Level was top notch. I liked that Welma typically brought at least 3 of the 4 teams in each age group to the bigger tournaments so it wasn’t only the top girls who got that experience. Also she kept her rosters to a good size. Obviously the stronger you were the more time on the field you saw but that is a reality of Club sports…if you want guaranteed field time then play rec. We were initially at Xteme (who were also great) but the lack of tournament opportunities for girls not on their top team was the reason we left….

Nobody is leaving Xtreme for NL to get more playing time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:+1. We have seen former HUSEL players at several different teams, especially at the older ages. Could someone please spill the tea?

Lots of clubs have had kids change clubs in the last few years. Not just Husel. And this has also happened in some of the bigger regional clubs, like in Richmond and VA beach. It's fairly common.

There is not a lot of "tea" to spill. One coach at the younger level (U12 or 14) moved. And a second in that bracket left to take their kid to Freedom, which is one of the best if not the best in the area. When they left, that younger team sort of fell apart b/c the parents liked those coaches. So they took their kids to other clubs (and their older, already committed siblings went with them. I'm guessing that was mostly for convenience). Most went to Wolves and that is because the O'Connell Coach consolidated and took all those players from Husel and went to Wolves. Look at the rosters. They were with Husel and now with Wolves (all O'Connell players). That was something like 8 players across age groups.

A few others have left since then for whatever reason (whether panicking that some left, wanting more recruiting opportunities, or what have you). But, they've also gotten in some new players, some who are quite good, who will now have a chance to play in the top spots. And they've gotten some new very good and accomplished coaches coming on board. And the Director, who has had some issues in the past (which I'd agree with) is now taking stock and making some adjustments, which is a good thing.

Are you a Husel parent? Husel has not updated their roster but you seem to know new girls joined.

Not updating the roster is a red flag for me. One, it says the director isn’t taking care of the fine details and two, it makes them look dishonest.

My daughter never played for Husel. We choose to look elsewhere because after doing my homework I saw too many problems with the club. Now with others leaving, I am even more sure we made the right choice.

Why did the O’Connell coach encourage players to leave Husel?

I’m not sure if you saying u10/u12 teams falling apart led the O’Connell players to leave Husel and follow their younger siblings.

Id like to know the answer to this question as well

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone share insight on Wolves vs Next level.? Seems many 14u players left Wolves for Next Level. Is coaching better? What about 16u?

The coaching is better at Next Level. They have better results at the big tournaments. Overall these clubs don't well at RCCs, NITs, etc. I would think about Freedom if you want to be on a competitive team.

Wolves and Next Level are oversubscribed. Agree with PP to look at Freedom.

If you can't get playing time at Wolves at Next Level, there's no way you will at Freedom. It has gond downhill since the 2023s graduated, but it still blows away any other club around. Unless you are the top player around, it will not be worth the drive to play at Freedom over Next Level or Wolves. Yes, I have a former Freedom player, now a D1 player. Freedom was incredibly competitive, much more so than the clubs closer to here.