Bio:
Michelle Smulders Van de Braak started her field hockey career in 7th grade at The Kinkaid School in Houston and fell in love with the sport. She played for the University of Michigan (1992-1996). While at Michigan, Michelle was named NCAA All-American her Senior Year and Big Ten All Conference Team her Junior and Senior Years.
After graduating with a B.A. in Business, Michelle moved to The Netherlands to continue to play field hockey. She played for five years for the Pinoke Club in Amsterdam. During this time she had the honor to represent the USA as a member of the U21 and U23 squads. In 1998 Michelle attended the US Olympic Trials with hopes of making the USNWT for the Sydney Games.
In 2017, Michelle founded the San Francisco Youth Field Hockey Club in an effort to give back to the sport that has given her so much. Michelle coached at University High School Varsity Field Hockey coaching staff for the 2020 and 2021 season. In 2022, she joined the St Ignatius High School as the Head Varsity Field Hockey coach. In 2023, Michelle lead the Wildcats to the CCS Championship game - a first in program history.
Michelle is USA Field Hockey Coach Certified - Level III.
Michelle and Freek live in San Francisco with their three amazing kids, Luke, Olivia and Abigail, and dog, Mokum.
Coaching Experience:
San Francisco Youth Field Hockey Club (2017 - present); University High School (2020 - 2021); St. Ignatius (2022 - present)
Coaching Honors:
USA Field Hockey Level III Certification
Playing Experience:
The Kinkaid School 1989-1992, University of Michigan 1993-1996, Pinoke Field Hockey Club in Amsterdam, The Netherlands 1997 - 2021, USA U21 National Team, USA U23 National Team
Athletic Career Honors:
NCAA DI All American (1996)
Big Ten All Conference (1995, 1996)
Southern Preparatory Conference All Conference (1990, 1991, 1992)
Southern Preparatory Conference Champion (1992)
