DINOS FIELD HOCKEY HISTORY LEADERSHIP LEGACY FUTURE

HISTORY OF DINOS WOMENS FIELD HOCKEY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (DWFHAA)

Field Hockey has been at The University of Calgary since 1981. In the Spring of 2009, the University of Calgary announced that funding would be cut to women’s field hockey. The field hockey community banded together with a common goal of preserving the Dinos Field Hockey program and making sure the team survived this set back. A group of alumni proposed a funding model to the University, this is why we now have an alumni board (DWFHAA)

We are a non-funded USport Varsity program. Our team is fully supported by the University to allow the program to remain in the Canada West and U SPORTS conferences, but it is completely funded through fundraising dollars and managed by the DWFHAA. This program is unique in that it is fully funded, and supported, by their network of Alumni Athletes. These are athletes that came through the Dino’s program, valued their experience and now choose to give back into the program through donations, coordinating fundraisers and volunteering a substantial amount of time and energy.

What we do…

The alumni group ensure this team can function, travel, train, compete, and learn every year. When our players graduate, they join a network of active alumni that continue to support and advocate for this program.

Our athletes are, and will always be, part of this network, and part of this system that is much greater than just the team on the field.

If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more. Then you are an excellent leader

– Dolly Parton –

Meet our Alumni Board!

Nadia Izzo

PRESIDENT

I proudly represented the Dinos Women’s Field Hockey team for five years, from 2012 to 2017, while concurrently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Geology with a minor in Geophysics. Currently employed as a Geologist in the Energy Industry, I attribute much of my personal and professional development to the valuable skills learned during my time with the Dinos, such as teamwork and perseverance. Inspired by the amazing experiences and friendships forged during my tenure with the team, I joined the DWFHAA board, eager to give back to the program that played a significant role in shaping the woman I am today.

Danica Heath

Vice President

I had the opportunity to represent Dinos Field Hockey from 2015 to 2017, while I was pursuing my M.Sc. in Geology. I now work in the oil and gas industry as a Geologist, where skills cultivated on the hockey field have greatly benefited me in my career. Whether it’s fostering teamwork or managing high-pressure situations, my experiences in sports have undoubtedly shaped my approach to work. Having seen first-hand how valuable the backing from DWFHAA is, I am happy to serve on the board to provide that support for the next generation of female athletes going through Dinos Field Hockey.

Janelle Rice

Treasurer

I was able to represent the Dinos Field Hockey Team from 2012 to 2019. During my years as part of the team I earned a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology and an after degree in Education with a major in Secondary Math Education. I am currently a junior high math teacher and love what I do! I am happy to continue to be a part of this program by volunteering on the board because of the impact being a part of this community has. My time on the team helped me learn how to manage my time and invest in my community. Being able to coach in the community and use sport as a way to build connections has had a positive impact. I’m grateful for the experiences on the team and now on the board!

Amanda Brown

BOARD MEMBER

Prior to becoming what is labeled as a “fossil”, I spent the years of 2016 to 2021 on the Dinos Women’s Field Hockey team. During my time on the team, I was completing my Bachelors of Arts with a major in Sociology. Now, I am currently employed with Alberta Health Services as a Peace Officer working at the Peter Lougheed Centre. The time as a student athlete teaches you so many applicable skills that help me to balance life post-athletics. I’m incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to have played the sport that I loved while also gaining those invaluable skills that are now a part of my everyday life outside of my time as a student athlete.

Courtney Andrews

BOARD MEMBER

Prior to joining the board, I played on the team from 2014-2018. During my time on the team I completed my Bachelor’s of Sociology, now I work as a porter at Rockyview hospital and waitress at Belgian Beer Cafe. My time on the team taught me valuable life lessons and skills that continue to help me throughout my life, such as teamwork,dedication and resiliency. The alumni board played such a key role in my field hockey career, so I am very grateful to be a part of it now.

Nicole Brown

BOARD MEMBER

I had the privilege to play for the Dinos Field Hockey team from 2016-2021, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in History. I am currently pursuing a master’s in Architecture. My time with Dinos was filled with memories and opportunities that taught me valuable lessons that have shaped me from a 17-year-old freshman to the woman I am today. The resilience and determination I learned from my teammates and the sport will forever follow me in all aspects. I joined the DWFHAA to give back to the program that played such an essential role in my life, and in the hope of helping the next generation of girls along their journey as a Dino.