Lead DFHA
Leaders
Executive Board
CHRIS PHILLIPS, CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT
Chris Phillips started playing Field Hockey with his wife, Abby (then his girlfriend), in 2010. Originally a soccer player at Wesley College in Dover, DE, he easily picked up the sport and quickly fell in love with the game and community. Since then, Chris has been known to be the friendliest and most outgoing guy around, playing as much field hockey as he can find and working to bridge field hockey communities throughout Delaware, Philadelphia, and the surrounding areas with the hopes of having Delaware Field Hockey Association’s first-ever competitive men’s team while at the same time developing and creating fun socials, friendship, and tourism field hockey opportunities for adults throughout the state. He also hopes to continue breaking down any barriers or stigma associated with the sport. He seeks participation from a diversity of players from all nationalities and boys and men in particular, which is more uncommon in the USA since most school systems don’t support the sport for males. Chris’s famous last words are, “Couples who play together stay together.”
ABBY PHILLIPS, CO-FOUNDER AND VICE PRESIDENT
Abby Phillips started playing field hockey as a young girl. Her mother, Gail Hill, was a long-time coach at Lake Forest High School in Felton, DE. Abby eventually played an incredible four years at Lake with access to many fantastic coaches throughout the state. Abby was fortunate to play for various travel and local recreational teams throughout her younger years, like Dover Parks and Recreation, the Futures Olympic development program at the University of Delaware, and the Delaware Diamonds, with whom Abby attended many National Field Hockey Festivals. Abby later attended Wesley College in Dover, DE, where she played forward and mid-field. Now an employee at the University of Delaware, Abby is a Creative Communications Manager who hopes to market and drive forward the mission and vision of DFHA to unify and bring more adult field hockey opportunities to Delaware for men, women, and children. A boy-mom, Abby is motivated to introduce their sons to indoor (her favorite) and field hockey in the USA while creating programs conducive to their participation from an early age.
JESSICA CORTELLINO, DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Jessica Cortellino played field hockey from a young age in Sussex County, Delaware, where she attended Lake Forest High School in Felton, DE. Jessica had an incredibly successful four years at Lake Forest, with access to many fantastic programs and coaches throughout the state. She also served as a coach in her local community and continues doing so. Jess went on to play Division I field hockey at the University of Delaware, where she boasted another talented four-year career in field hockey. Now Jess is a Chiropractic Doctor at Pure Wellness and unofficially serves as our team Doc. She helps advise, grow, network, lead, and develop the Delaware Field Hockey Association program. She is our head fundraiser, driven to grow the women’s and youth development opportunities, and she continues to work closely with her alma mater UD and her local squad, the Dream Team.
Volunteers
Board of Directors
Amanda Leone
Social Media Director
Bio: DFHA Jersey #1, Position-Defense
College Experience: I was a 4-year starter at Wesley College, D3, Dover, DE, from 2007 to 2010. Served as a graduate assistant and Assistant Field Hockey Coach at Wesley College from 2011-2013 and Volunteer Assistant Field Hockey Coach from 2016-2021. USFHA Futures Coach in 2012 & 2013. Inducted into the Wesley College Athletics Hall of Fame for Field Hockey in 2019.
- DFHA Experience–BFHA Beach Bash Tournament- 2020, 2021, CHAMPS 2022, 2023
- NCCs, Virginia Beach 2021, University of Delaware 2022 & 2023
- BFHA Indoor Tournament 2023
- Miami Cup Tournament 2022, 2023
- Philly Hockey Club Indoor Tournament 2024
Diego Cazares
Referee Director
Bio: Hi, I´m Diego Cazares. I was born and raised in Mexico City. I started playing field hockey in 2000 and participated in many national championships. My first approach to officiating was around 2005 when I attended an entry-level umpire course, but my formal career started in 2012 when I fully committed to umpiring at the top level of my country.
I have officiated all levels in Mexico and even participated in some international FIH matches (CUB, CAN, PUR, GUA) and some tournaments like CalCup in the US. I want to contribute to the development of umpiring by helping with my knowledge of players and officials of Delaware!
| USFHL Regional Club Championship (RCC) and USFHL National Club Championship (NCC) Women’s Team Managers |
| Jessica Cortellino |
| USFHL Regional Club Championship (RCC) and USFHL National Club Championship (NCC) Men’s Team Manager |
| Chris Phillips |
| Competitive Men’s Manager |
| Chris Phillips |
| Competitive Women’s Manager |
| Jessica Cortellino |
| Beach Bash Team Manager (Co-ed) |
| Chris Phillips |
| Social Director |
| Open Position – help plan fun socials and events for the association. |
| Spring League Manager |
| Open Position – run our annual co-ed spring league. |
| Summer 7’s League Manager |
| Open position – run our annual co-ed summer league. |
| Tournament Manager |
| Open Position – manages travel and tournament opportunities. |
| Post High School & Collegiate Director |
| Open position – recruit new 18+ players. |
| Youth Development Director |
| Open Position – manages camp and clinic fundraisers for youth players in Kent and Sussex counties. |