I had the opportunity to interview Katie Grant this past week. Katie played field hockey at Duke University from 2002-2005 and with the U.S. National Team for several years. Most recently, she had the opportunity to participate in the 2024 World Masters Hockey (WMH) World Cup in South Africa.
Through Katie, I learned so much more about the Masters program in the United States. Katie discovered the USA Field Hockey Masters community a few years ago. Essentially, it is a way for anyone over the age of 35 (O35) to participate in international field hockey competitions. The Masters community is small yet still growing.
I asked Katie about her experiences at the WMH World Cup.
“It was unique in that we are all older with families and careers. It was a sacrifice and commitment to make it happen – take 2 weeks to travel across the globe, be away from your family for a long time, and get to go and represent your country doing something you love. I’ve never been to South Africa, but it exceeded my expectations. It is a beautiful country with so much to see and do. We took off days to explore, such as safaris and beach trips. Many of my teammates from Masters have become good friends, so I enjoyed spending time playing and creating memories.”
Katie certainly proved herself on the field while representing the U.S. She was the leading goal scorer in the Women’s O40 division with 10 total goals! She started out strong with 4 goals in the opening match and recognizes the mentality that has helped her scoring capabilities.
“I’ve always been an attacking-minded player, and whenever I’m on a team, especially now, I feel like my role is to put some balls in the goal. One of my fondest college memories was when my goalie and I would say ‘You take care of your end, I’ll take care of my end’ at the beginning of games. At Masters, I focused on what the team needs and creating opportunities, being aggressive defensively, and providing scoring options.”
Tryouts for the WMH World Cup, held every 2 years with other sanctioned events spread out in between, were held in May at the University of Richmond for anyone interested. Katie’s “genuine love for the sport” could not keep her away.
Immediately after her playing career, Katie started coaching, which meant always having a stick in her hand. She went abroad and started teaching, which turned into a high school coaching job, which turned into coaching at the collegiate level. Katie recalls, “coaching kept me in the game and because I was around it so often, it gave me opportunities to continue playing.” Her new goal is to play until she is over 75!
While Katie Grant is still very much an active player, she is taking her role as a coach to another level. She started QP Hockey Company just after COVID, which is a supplemental field hockey training program for youth, middle school, and high school athletes. She spoke about her mission behind the organization.
“Players of all ages are looking for different things. Most need more individual attention. I think it is important for young athletes to play multiple sports, and I like that I offer something that they can play for a few weeks or months and doesn’t require a full year’s commitment. I take a lot of pride in that you can do want you want with it.”
Moving forward, her continued goal with QP is to provide “supplemental training for athletes when they need it and want it on good surfaces.” She certainly recognizes the importance of “not forcing athletes to do more that they need but be there for support, allowing them to grow and feel comfortable trying new things.”
I was fortunate to have connected with Katie a few years ago for supplemental training. I certainly benefited from my club training, but working with Katie gave me the chance to train even more and work on very specific skills. She is not only incredibly knowledgeable about all things field hockey, but she has become an important role model for me in my life. Her work and passion for hockey is admirable and her mission to continue to inspire young athletes in their field hockey journeys has already become a huge success! Katie wants everyone she works with to be their absolute best. Her encouragement and support are never-ending. Katie has never failed to make herself available when I’ve needed her input on any technical or tactical aspect of my game or any form of life advice. I am beyond grateful to have her to look up to as an inspiration for hockey success and someone whose pursuit of her passion has made a difference in her own life and others’.
