AstroTurf Investing in Coaches and Community
How AstroTurf is supporting the sport on and off the field in the USA
As AstroTurf marks 50 years since its hockey surface sparked the turf revolution at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, the company remarkably continues to shape the sport’s future by manufacturing and installing today’s Poligras Olympic surfaces, while also supporting the sport beyond the field.
A long-time partner of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) and USA Field Hockey, AstroTurf was the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 NFHCA Annual Convention and the Hall of Fame Dinner, where AstroTurf Director of Field Hockey Melissa Vassalotti Twist addressed coaches from across the country.
Melissa, from your perspective as a former player and coach, what makes the NFHCA Annual Convention so important?
Being the Presenting Sponsor of the NFHCA Annual Convention is special for AstroTurf because it’s where the entire field hockey coaching community comes together. It’s the best opportunity of the year to reconnect with coaches, hear about their seasons, and understand what’s next for their programs. It’s always an incredible experience for us to be there.
The convention is where AstroTurf can show up for the sport in a meaningful way. Being the Presenting Sponsor is more than branding – it’s about investing in the field hockey community, staying connected to coaches, and continuing to build relationships that drive the sport forward.
“Being the Presenting Sponsor of the NFHCA Annual Convention is special for AstroTurf because it’s where the entire field hockey coaching community comes together.”
How does the convention help AstroTurf stay connected to the needs of the sport?
It’s not just about being there, it’s about being present. We get to connect with coaches we’ve worked with for years and meet new program coaches who are exploring field projects. We also get to have conversations about performance, field priorities, and what the future of the sport looks like. Leaning on coaches and what they want for their field is how we stay informed and able to innovate in line with the market.
How central are those relationships to AstroTurf’s long-term role in field hockey?
As someone who played and coached field hockey at an elite level, I love having the opportunity to connect with coaches, talk about their seasons and future goals, and learn how AstroTurf can support them – whether that’s building a new field or continuing a long-term partnership. Many of our client relationships have grown into friendships, and that connection is a huge part of what makes this work meaningful.
Why was it important for AstroTurf to sponsor the NFHCA Hall of Fame Dinner as well?
In addition to sponsoring the convention, we’re proud to sponsor the NFHCA Hall of Fame Dinner. It’s a meaningful opportunity to honor the pillars of the field hockey community – those who have shaped the sport, raised the standard, and led by example for generations. Celebrating their legacy reminds us of what’s possible and gives today’s coaches a clear vision to follow as they continue pushing the game forward.
As we mark 50 years since the Montreal Olympics, this year feels especially fitting to honor coaches who have devoted a lifetime to the sport.
“In addition to sponsoring the convention, we’re proud to sponsor the NFHCA Hall of Fame Dinner. It’s a meaningful opportunity to honor the pillars of the field hockey community.”
Who else from the AstroTurf team attended the convention?
In addition to myself, Anthony Meley, Joe Gaeta, and Joey Alexander were there representing AstroTurf. Having the team present reflects how much we value our relationships with coaches and the continued growth of field hockey. We work year-round to produce and install world-class fields, and that team-first mindset was front and center all week.
How does your playing background influence the way you approach growing the sport today?
My playing background keeps me closely connected to the athlete and coach experience. Having played in college, I understand what draws people to the sport, what keeps them engaged and how the sport requires quality facilities, good coaching and clear development pathways. I am particularly excited about supporting more grassroots opportunities for hockey in the USA.
With the momentum building toward LA2028, it’s especially rewarding to be literally building hockey from the ground up. Last year we installed hockey turfs at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Boston College, Davidson University, Fairfield University, Greenwich Academy, Sacred Heart Greenwich, Smith College, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Tufts University, Ohio University, New Trier High School, and Agnes Irwin School.