Columbia University has welcomed a fresh face to its field hockey coaching staff. Head coach Niki Miller has officially announced the appointment of Hayley Hayden as the team’s new assistant coach. Hayden brings both playing and coaching experience to the role, and her journey through Ivy League and Division I hockey makes her an exciting addition to the Columbia Lions.
A Strong Background in Ivy League Hockey
Hayley Hayden is a 2024 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where she played field hockey for four years. During her time there, she was part of the NFHCA National Academic Squad, showing not only athletic talent but also academic excellence.
In her final year, Hayden used her last year of playing eligibility at Boston College. There, she helped the team reach the ACC Championship game and qualify for the NCAA tournament in 2024—a great achievement in college field hockey.
Coaching and Mentorship Experience
Before joining Columbia, Hayden gained years of coaching experience at the club level. She was involved with top clubs like Lasting Legacy and Dynasty Field Hockey, where she most recently served as the Director of Goalkeeping Development.
Hayden also founded and ran her own business, Island Goalkeeping, where she trained young players and guided them through the college recruitment process. Her experience includes working at the Ultimate Defender Goalkeeper Academy, where she coached advanced techniques and delivered talks on mental health and college prep.
Hayden’s Connection with Columbia’s Program
Coach Niki Miller is thrilled to have Hayden on board. “Her Ivy League background and broad experience in goalkeeping will be a great asset,” Miller said. “She brings a lot of energy and expertise to our team.”
Hayden herself is excited to join the Columbia community. “The Ivy League has always been close to my heart,” she said. “After speaking with coaches Niki and Jack, I felt a deep connection to the vision they have for the program. They’ve inspired the team to play with heart, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
An Impressive Career On and Off the Field
Originally from Long Island, New York, Hayden is a graduate of Northport High School, where she was named All-State and earned a spot on Newsday’s First-Team All-Long Island. She was selected to play in the 2022 Senior Nexus Championship, later advancing to the U21 National Team Selection Camp in California.
In her final semester at Penn, she helped train young goalkeepers in the USA Field Hockey Nexus pipeline in Region 4, further proving her dedication to growing the sport.
Hayden graduated with a major in psychology and a minor in architecture. She will begin her master’s degree at Columbia’s School of Social Work this fall, showing her passion for helping others both on and off the pitch.
Hayley Hayden’s appointment as assistant coach brings a new spark to Columbia’s field hockey team. With her deep playing experience, coaching knowledge, and strong leadership skills, she is set to make a big impact.
As Columbia continues to grow under Coach Niki Miller, Hayden’s presence will not only support the players technically but also inspire them to grow mentally and emotionally. Columbia Field Hockey is clearly building something special—and Hayden is ready to be a key part of it.
