About Us
About Us
In 2017, Michelle Van De Braak set out to grow the game of field hockey in the Bay Area and create opportunities for kids to experience the sport she loved. With no youth field hockey club in San Francisco
at the time, she launched the Hawks with a “Grow the Game” grant from USA Field Hockey—24 sticks, 24 balls, and a six-week pilot season at the Presidio YMCA. In 2018, thanks to the generosity of University High School and the partner program at the newly renovated Paul Goode Field, the Hawks moved practices outside. Since then, the club has grown into a vibrant community of more than 2,000 players, offering inclusive programs for boys and girls K–12, free clinics, 5 skill development programs, and summer camps in partnership with the San Francisco Department of Youth Services.
Core Values
On the field, the Hawks have soared to national success. The U16 Girls are ranked #3 in California, while the U14 Girls hold the #1 ranking in the state. Hawks teams have claimed championships at major USA Field Hockey–sanctioned events, including the Sunshine Showcase 2025 (U16 Ariel Division Champions), Pumpkin Classic 2024 (U14 Spooky Division) and Cal Cup 2025 (U16 Champions), while also qualifying for both the U16 and U14 National Indoor Tournaments. Individual athletes have earned national recognition, with Hawks selected for the Nexus National Championship (2022–2025) and the AAU Junior Olympics (2024, 2025).
Looking ahead, the Hawks are working to build the Bay Area’s first dedicated field hockey facility—a home for future generations of players to train, compete, and fall in love with the sport.
From 24 sticks and balls to a nationally recognized program, the San Francisco Hawks embody the power of community, inclusivity, and the belief that sports can transform lives.