Liberty University’s field hockey program has announced the appointment of Craig Haley as its newest assistant coach, a move that underscores the team’s ambition to deepen its tactical repertoire and broaden its competitive edge.
Haley comes to Liberty after serving as an assistant coach for the Stanford field hockey program from 2023 through 2025, where he contributed to player development and defensive strategy during a period of notable growth for the Cardinal.
A Global Coaching Resume
Before his Stanford tenure, Haley spent three years with Fish Hoek Hockey Club in South Africa’s Western Cape, rising to the role of Director of Field Hockey and overseeing programs for 23 teams while also serving as an assistant coach.
His playing career spanned five nations — Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and South Africa — culminating in 30 appearances for the South African national team, during which he scored ten goals between 2014 and 2017.
Haley also dedicated a year to the women’s 50+ South African squad, a group that competed at the FIH Masters World Cup in Spain, further enriching his international perspective and network.
Head coach Nikki Parsley‑Blocker expressed enthusiasm about Haley’s arrival, stating that his global experience will help push the program to new heights and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Parsley‑Blocker highlighted Haley’s academic credentials, noting his Master of Science from the University of Cape Town and coaching certifications from the International Hockey Federation and the South African Hockey Association as valuable assets for the team’s strategic planning.
The addition of Haley reflects Liberty’s broader strategy to blend seasoned international insight with home‑grown talent, a combination that could reshape the program’s competitive edge in upcoming seasons.