Grant Thomson is the founder and owner of Thomson Hockey and an experienced coach and technical leader working across both the Netherlands and the United States. He is currently active within the Dutch hockey system as a Technical Manager and Head Ladies Coach, while also supporting multiple clubs internationally in the development of sustainable coaching structures, playing philosophies, and player pathways.

After retiring from playing due to knee issues, Grant transitioned into full-time coaching following the completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Coaching and Development. Since then, his career has focused on long-term player development, coach education, and the application of modern, Dutch-influenced training methodology.

Throughout his coaching career, Grant has achieved multiple field and indoor championships, including several U16–U18 titles across both formats. In addition to youth success, he has played a key role in the development and progression of senior teams, guiding teams through multiple promotions within the Dutch league system. These promotions include advancing senior teams from 4th to 3rd division, 3rd to 2nd division, and 2nd to 1st division, and he is currently coaching at 1st division level.

Alongside his on-field coaching responsibilities, Grant serves as a Technical Manager for several clubs, where he is responsible for defining club-wide playing identities, aligning coaches across age groups, supporting senior and youth programmes, and embedding long-term development principles throughout the club structure.

Grant founded Thomson Hockey to create a professional home for coaches—one built on education, collaboration, and shared learning. The organisation is designed to support coaches at all levels, providing structure, clarity, and a strong sense of community, underpinned by a genuine passion for the game of hockey.

I am Larissa Derks.

I spent almost my entire youth career at MHC Bemmel before moving on to another club to play at one of the highest youth levels in the Netherlands in 2020.

I now play for MHC Oss.

I have been a goalie as long as I can remember and started coaching at 12 years old. At 14 years old, I became head coach of the goalies up to U12. I soon started to assist the head goalie coach for the other youth goalies up to U16.

I train with the EKA goalkeeper academy myself. It has not only taught me a lot of skill for my own goalkeeping, but it has also taught me a new way of approaching goalkeeper coaching. I believe it is very important to let goalkeepers have their own style and build on top of that. There is not just one way of goalkeeping that is the right one!

I was the goalkeeper coach for the Thomson Hockey Camps in 2022 and can't wait to continue coaching at these camps.

My name is Emma Kircher, I am a rising senior at Eastern University. I am from Philadelphia PA and have been playing field hockey since I was 6 years old.

At Eastern I have primarily played defense as well as midfield. Vision and communication are key assets to my game play. Being a team captain has allowed me to take leadership roles on and off the field.

Coaching has always been a passion of mine. Being able to help others learn the game of hockey and the hard work behind the sport is something I have been able to do over the years. Coaching at summer camps, hosting clinics at my University and holding 1 on 1 private lessons have allowed me to do.

Hello everyone,

My name is Yara Vogels.

I have a passion for hockey for 15 years. I spent my entire career at Hockey Club Oirschot. Over the past 9 years, I’ve been actively involved as a trainer, dedicating 4 years to coaching various teams. I also did the schooling to became a HT-2 trainer.

As a player, I initially specialized as an attacker. But my skills and understanding of the game led me to embrace the role of a defender as well. A few years ago, I’ve been coached by Grant, who played a significant role in shaping my coaching style and approach to the game.

Now, I am absolutely excited to bring my experience and knowledge across the ocean to share with you all. I am eager to contribute to your hockey journey and create a fun, educational, and rewarding experience for everyone involved. I can't wait to meet each one of you and make some fantastic hockey memories together.

Hi everyone,

My name is Bibi Smeets and I’m from the Netherlands and I have been playing field hockey since I was 10 years old. My previous clubs are: HV Meerssen, HC Scoop and NMHC Nijmegen. Currently, I play for the first woman’s team of Maastricht and we just became champions! Besides hockey I’m quite busy with my studies (I’m a first year law student). Other interests op mine include cooking, reading and traveling.

With that being said, follows the most important question: what will I bring to the USA? As a (central) midfielder I’d like to give you some tips and tricks on how to be dynamic on the field, make accelerating actions and deceptive moves. In addition, I’d like to share some defense techniques with you. I really believe that hard work pays off.

I’m thrilled to be joining you this summer! Looking forward to meet all of you and have a fun and memorable time together. See you soon! ☺️

Hi everyone,

My name is Renske van Griensven, I play in the D1 team of HCG. My passion for field hockey started at the age of 10 and since then I can often be found on the field hockey field as a player. All this time I spent at the same club in the village where I live.

I like variety and that is why I am in many different positions on the field. Although I am comfortable playing midfield and in the front, center back has my heart. Why? because then I have a good overview of the whole field.

For five years I have been training four different teams and for one year I have been coaching the ladies under 18s. I enjoy doing all this and I learn every single week.

this summer I will fly across the ocean to share my passion and knowledge with you. this will be my first time. I am looking forward to getting to know you all and I hope we will have a fun, educational and memorable time together.

My name is Charlotte, I’m 20 years old, Dutch, and currently studying Liberal Arts and Sciences in Groningen. I’ve been playing field hockey since I was 4 and have loved the sport ever since. I spent my entire youth at HC Naarden, where I not only played but also began coaching and training teams from the age of 11.

Last year, I had the amazing opportunity to play college field hockey in the U.S. at Lander University. It was an unforgettable season — we became SAC champions! I’ve always played in defense and really value strong teamwork and communication on the field.

Off the field, I’m always up for an adventure. I love traveling, spending time with friends, going to concerts and festivals, and being outdoors as much as possible.

As a coach, I bring energy, positivity, and a team-first mindset to every session. I believe in creating an environment where players feel excited to learn, improve, and enjoy the game.

Maddison Stuckart is a 21-year-old field hockey player and coach with nearly a decade of experience in the sport. She began playing field hockey at the age of 12 and started competing at the club level by 15. Her playing background includes two seasons at the NCAA Division II level and two seasons at the NCAA Division III level, giving her a broad understanding of different collegiate environments.

At Thomson Hockey, Maddison holds the role of Operations Coordinator, where she works closely with clubs and schools to coordinate and arrange Thomson Hockey camps across the USA. Alongside her operational responsibilities, she is actively involved in coaching support and athlete development.

Maddison is highly motivated, has a strong understanding of the game, and brings excellent communication and relationship-building skills. She connects well with athletes, families, and staff, clearly communicates expectations, and contributes to creating a positive, competitive environment.

Maddison has shown great potential in becoming a Thomson Hockey coach, and as she continues to develop within the organisation, she will be involved in selected USA- and Canada-based Thomson Hockey camps in the future.

Noor Bomius is a hockey player and coach from the Netherlands with a lifelong connection to the sport. She has been playing field hockey since the age of five and has always represented DMHC Dordrecht. For the past three years, Noor has been a member of the club’s first women’s team (Dames 1), competing at a high level in Dutch hockey.

Alongside her playing career, Noor is also an active field hockey trainer, currently working with U14 teams at DMHC Dordrecht. She enjoys coaching and supporting young players in their development and brings enthusiasm, energy, and a strong work ethic to every session.

Outside of hockey, Noor enjoys shopping, exploring new cities, and is a passionate Feyenoord supporter, regularly attending matches to experience the atmosphere on game day.

Noor is excited to meet new people, share her love for hockey, and work hard as part of a team. Traveling to the United States has long been a personal dream, and she is highly motivated to make this experience both memorable and successful.