Lead DFHA

Chris Phillips

Co-Founder and President, Delaware Field Hockey Association

Chris Phillips first discovered field hockey in 2010 when his wife, Abby, introduced him to the sport. With a background as a collegiate soccer player at Wesley College in Dover, DE, Chris quickly picked up the game and fell in love with both the sport and its welcoming community.

Since then, Chris has become a passionate advocate for growing the game across Delaware, Philadelphia, and the surrounding regions. Known for his friendly, approachable nature, Chris is committed to building bridges between field hockey communities and expanding opportunities for players of all backgrounds. His vision includes launching Delaware Field Hockey Association’s first-ever competitive men’s team, as well as developing social, recreational, and tourism-based field hockey events that bring people together through sport.

Chris is especially driven to challenge gender norms and break down barriers that limit boys’ and men’s participation in field hockey—a sport that is traditionally underrepresented among males in the U.S. His leadership is centered on creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome, regardless of gender, age, or experience level.

A firm believer in the power of connection through play, Chris often shares with his wife Abby, “Couples who play together, stay together.”

Abby Phillips

Co-Founder and Vice President, Delaware Field Hockey Association

Abby Phillips has been passionate about field hockey since childhood, following in the footsteps of her mother, Gail Hill, a long-time coach at Lake Forest High School in Felton, DE. Abby enjoyed a successful four-year playing career at Lake, benefiting from the guidance of many outstanding coaches across the state.

Throughout her youth, Abby competed with a variety of local and travel teams, including Dover Parks and Recreation, the Delaware Diamonds, and the Futures Olympic Development Program at the University of Delaware. She proudly represented Delaware at numerous National Field Hockey Festivals, gaining valuable experience and a deep love for the sport. Abby continued her playing career as a forward and midfielder at Wesley College in Dover, DE.

Today, Abby serves as a Creative Communications Manager at the University of Delaware, where she uses her talents to advance the mission of the Delaware Field Hockey Association (DFHA). She is driven to grow the sport for men, women, and children by creating inclusive, accessible programs that bring more adult and youth field hockey opportunities to Delaware.

As a proud boy-mom, Abby is especially passionate about introducing her sons to the sport she loves—particularly indoor hockey, her personal favorite—and building pathways that encourage boys to participate from an early age. Her vision is to break down barriers, grow the game, and cultivate a lifelong field hockey community for all.