Connecticut Sportsplex Field Hockey Camp

Cheryl Canada is a former Division I Associate Head Coach from Quinnipiac University. She finished her 12th season in 2020. An offensive specialist with a strong technical knowledge and a wealth of local and national coaching experience. In addition to practice planning, Canada played a pivotal role as the Recruiting Coordinator and seeking and securing future student-athletes to Quinnipiac. For the 2021 season Canada joined the staff at North Branford High School Field Hockey Team and helped them earn the 2021 CIAC Class S State Title. Canada was also recently inducted into the Connecticut Field Hockey Hall of Fame this past Fall.

Canada has mentored 91 All-Conference players, 24 NFHCA Mideast Region All-Americans, three Northeast Conference Players of the Year, three NEC Goaltenders of the Year, one Rookie of the Year and a Defensive Player of the Year, as well as three NEC Tournament MVP’s and six NFHCA North-South Senior Game participants. 2014 All-MAAC First Team performer Danielle Allan, 2013 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year Jess Rusin, All-MAAC forward Danielle Allan as well as All-NEC stand-out Katie Notarianni ’12. In addition to her work with the forwards, Canada’s other responsibilities include daily practice design for Quinnipiac goalkeepers, which included 2012 Northeast Conference Goalkeeper of the Year Nicole Lewis and two-time MAAC Goalkeeper of the Year Megan Conaboy.

On the Bobcat sideline, Canada can claim Two Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Regular-Season Co-Champions (2013, 2015), 2013 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament Champion, Two-time NCAA Field Hockey Tournament Participant (2003, 2013). Successfully achieved the title of regular season champions for the MAAC Conference 2013 and 2015, won one MAAC Conference Championship games in 2013, and one appearance in NCAA tournaments in 2013. Best record in program history in 2013 (14-7). Achieved a combined record of 32-7 in 2016 and 2017. A former four-year stand-out for the Bobcats as a forward, in 2003 she can claim the Northeast Conference Championship title and NCAA play-in game participation.

Canada coordinated all logistics for team travel, team-building activities and community service organizer with surrounding towns.  The field hockey program has established close relationships with local daycares, schools and libraries within the towns of Hamden, North Haven, Norford and North Branford.

Canada has been the driving force behind Quinnipiac field hockeys Vs. Cancer game, “Be The Match” Bone Marrow drive for six years, as well as the Play4TheCure Breast Cancer Awareness game for over seven years. Canada has also coordinated the team’s participation in Read Across America, Library Day and many other outreach programs. During her time as an attacking Bobcat, Quinnipiac won the 2003 Northeast Conference Championship and competed in the NCAA Division I play-in game that same season.

In 2012, Canada earned her USA Field Hockey Level 2 certification. She has been involved with the USA Field Hockey for over 10 years serving as a coach for the Futures Program. For the past six years, Canada has served as Head Coach and Site Director for the Connecticut U19, U16 and U14 site. She has served as a selector for the US Women’s Master’s try-outs, National and Regional Futures Tournament.

In 2015 Canada was inducted into the North Branford High School Hall of Fame. Prior to returning to Quinnipiac, in 2007-08 Canada served as the assistant for the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y. In 2005-2007 she served an assistant coach at North Branford High School (Conn.) where she also attended, for field hockey and lacrosse season. While coaching the North Branford field hockey team, they captured the 2006 Class S State Championship, their first state title in 30 years.

Canada graduated from Quinnipiac with a bachelor’s degree in 2006. Cheryl resides in North Branford, CT. with her husband and daughter.