Head Coach Alex Gheorghe grew up in Romania where he played on the National team at all age levels. Alex began his career as a goalkeeper and subsequently transitioned to midfield. He continues to hone his skills, playing at the highest level in the Northeast Region as Captain of the Rye Men's Team in the NEFHA league. He also competes with top-tier international players in events such as the California Cup and Big Apple International Indoor Championship.
Alex began his coaching career at a young age, volunteering to coach youth players in Romania while still playing himself. He earned recognition from the FIH for his effort as a youth coach while in Romania. He has dedicated his time to understanding the finer aspects of the game, from the smallest technical detail to the broader strategies of game play. Alex brings a passion and love of field hockey that he imparts to his players and teammates and he is devoted to improving his players to be the best that they can be.
PROFESSIONAL/SEMI-PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
AGHockey Club Founder
Rye Field Hockey Academy – Founder/Director
USA National Indoor Women's Assistant Coach
Romanian National Hockey Team, Head Coach–Women's (Gold Medalist)
Fairfield County United – Coach
Sacred Heart, Greenwich CT – Varsity Head Coach
USA Futures Program Coach
USA National Futures Championship Coach
AAU Junior Olympics Coach
European Balkan Youth Summer Camps, Albena (Bulgaria) - Head Coach
Sportive Club “Antilopa/CSS4”- Head Coach (multiple gold medalist)
FIH Youth Leadership Certificate of Coaching, Umpiring & scouting for Romania
PLAYING EXPERIENCE
Rye I Field Hockey Club Player & Captain
Romanian National Team Player (All ages) (Gold Medalist)
CREDENTIALS
USA Field Hockey - Level 2 Coach Educator
Ecological University of Bucharest in Physical Education and Sport
BA in Physical Education and Sport
National Center for Coaches of Training and Development of Field Hockey
USA Field Hockey – Level 2
National Umpire Seminar
Co-Director Clara Ambrose
Excel Hockey Co-Director Clara Ambrose's love for field hockey began in middle school and continued at Wesleyan University where she was a 3-sport athlete (Field Hockey, Squash & Lacrosse), 2-sport captain, MVP and female athlete of the year. She was a 4 year Varsity Midfielder and All-American. As an alum, she has served on the Wesleyan Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. Off the field, Clara's prior experience included a career in management and strategic consulting with the global firm, Accenture.
Clara has been heavily involved in youth sports with her daughter and three sons. She is on the board for Westport PAL Girls Lacrosse and is currently the Director for the Westport Field Hockey Youth Program. She coaches for Westport and is USFHA Level 2 Certified. She is also a member of the US Women's Masters Team competing in the 2018 World Cup.
