In a state where Friday night lights have long defined the rhythm of youth sports, field hockey is carving out a new legacy. At the heart of this transformation is Texas Pride Field Hockey Club, a program that has not only introduced the sport to a new generation of Texans but is now shaping elite athletes who go on to play at the nation’s most competitive collegiate levels. Founded and led by former University of Maryland standout Kristina “Tina” Edmonds, Texas Pride is not just growing the game in Texas, it’s redefining what’s possible.
When Tina Edmonds took over Texas Pride in 2013, field hockey was still a niche sport in the region. Schools rarely had organized teams, and players with aspirations to compete beyond the local level were often left to figure it out on their own with randomly pieced together club teams. With deep experience as a player, coach, and administrator, Edmonds saw an opportunity not just to coach but to build an ecosystem. Her vision was simple but bold: create a homegrown program where Texas athletes could develop from their first stick-handling drills to the highest levels of national competition.
Today, that vision is a thriving reality. Texas Pride boasts over ninety alumni playing in Division I and III collegiate programs. These include powerhouse schools like Northwestern, where Juliana Boon, Lane Herbert, Annabel Skubisz and Sophie Thomas helped lead the team to a national title, as well as Ivy League institutions like Harvard and Princeton. This is not an accidental success. It’s the result of a long-term investment in athlete development, competitive structure, and honest, personalized recruitment guidance.
At the center of the club’s evolution is the Texas Pride Indoor Facility, opened in 2019 in Houston. More than just a building, the facility represents the first year-round home for field hockey in the region. It hosts daily practices, weekend leagues, Play Days, and specialized events like goalkeeper camps and college ID showcases. Having an indoor venue with consistent access to a fast surface and coaching has been a game changer. It allows younger players to build skills earlier and helps elite athletes prepare for high-stakes tournaments with the kind of consistency you usually only find on the East Coast.
Texas Pride’s travel team system is one of the most comprehensive in the country. Youth players as young as four start in Pk – Kindergarten and 1st – 2nd Grade Leagues, learning the game in a competitive but supportive environment. As they progress through U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, and U19, players are given increasing levels of responsibility, tactical education, and national exposure. By the time they reach the highest levels, they are not just skilled—they’re seasoned. The club emphasizes both individual excellence and team cohesion, and that balance is reflected in their results.
In recent years, the numbers speak volumes. The U19 team finished second at the 2024 National Club Championships. That same team has dominated various major USFHA tournaments from 2022 through 2025. Younger age groups are just as competitive, with the U16s and U14s regularly finishing on the podium. Texas Pride doesn’t just attend these national tournaments. They contend and win.
Yet what sets Texas Pride apart isn’t just the medals or trophies. It’s the developmental philosophy behind them. Every player, regardless of their current level, is seen as a long-term project. Whether they’re learning basic dribbling at a summer camp or being scouted by a Big Ten coach at a showcase, the goal is the same to help them reach their full potential in a way that is healthy, competitive, and guided. The club’s League and Academy programs are perfect examples. These are designed for athletes who may not be on a travel team but still want a structured, developmental environment. It’s inclusivity with intention.
Texas Pride’s emphasis on recruiting support is another pillar of its success. The college landscape can be confusing, especially for first-time families navigating the field hockey pipeline. The club offers in-depth consulting for all travel team players. Coaches give honest assessments about where athletes stand, what schools fit their style of play, and how to build a relationship with collegiate programs. Highlight films, communication guidance, and communication strategy are all part of the package. For many players, this guidance is what turns ambition into opportunity.
One of the most compelling stories is that of Kelsey Bing, a former Texas Pride athlete who went on to play at Stanford and represented the USA in the 2024 Olympics. Her journey from Houston to the international stage is inspiring but not isolated. Athletes like Mia Abello (UVA ‘27) and Annabel Skubisz (Northwestern ‘25) are part of a growing list of national team representatives who trace their roots back to Texas Pride. In a sport where traditional powerhouses have long dominated recruiting, this signals a shift. College coaches are watching Texas now.
Behind the scenes, the coaching staff is as committed as the athletes. Every drill, scrimmage, and team meeting are part of a long-term strategy, and the players can feel it. They’re not just part of a team. They’re part of a movement.
The momentum Texas Pride has built is real and it’s accelerating. In the state of Texas, where field hockey once felt like an afterthought, it’s now a viable, competitive, and respected sport. More schools are launching teams. More parents are enrolling their kids in youth leagues. And more players are dreaming big, knowing they don’t have to leave home to be great.
Texas Pride Field Hockey Club isn’t just a success story. It’s a blueprint. It shows what’s possible when elite vision meets grassroots energy. And it proves that with the right leadership, even a football state can become a field hockey powerhouse.
