Massachusetts-Based Elite Club a Key Addition to Field Hockey Group
December 7, 2022
ANDOVER, Mass. (DEC. 7, 2022) – 3STEP Sports, the nation’s largest and most impactful youth sports club and event operator, has acquired Cape Ann Field Hockey Club, adding another foundational club to its field hockey division.
Cape Ann Field Hockey Club was one of the first field hockey clubs in New England and has been around for more than 30 years. The club features elite teams for U14, U16 and U19 in addition to year-round training and mental and physical wellness programs. Cape Ann has more than 90 girls in its travel program and 100+ in each of its Academy and youth programs.
Chris Pothier started coaching for Cape Ann in 2006 and took over the club in 2011. Pothier has had a unique and successful path in field hockey. He started playing the game on the girls’ team at Sandwich (MA) High as a freshman in 2000. That led him to international camps and eventually the U.S. Men’s National Outdoor and Indoor team for whom he still plays. The sport has taken him all over the world. Pothier has been a college head coach at Worcester State and is currently the technical director at WPI. He’s also a Division I umpire and officiated the NCAA Final Four last season.
Pothier has structured his program like a European team, focusing on the whole athlete. In addition to specific skilled and offseason training, Cape Ann has partnerships with a physical therapist and mental health counseling. Pothier and his staff don’t just focus on the travel program and want kids to develop at all levels.
“A lot of people think just winning matters, but we come at it differently,” said Pothier. “We want to not only develop good field hockey players, but also leaders after they’re done playing. We treat kids as adults and want to teach them life lessons that go way beyond field hockey.”
The 3STEP reach spans 43 states and serves more than 3.2 million athletes across nine sports through industry-leading events, nationally spanning club programs, premier media content and more. 3STEP was founded by David Geaslen, who sought to create better experiences and more opportunities for athletes and their families. The mission of 3STEP is to be the standard of the youth sports experience and create consistency in the industry. 3STEP also partners with the non-profit charity Mission Win, which aims to transform the lives of children through sports participation, leadership training and professional development.
“What Chris Pothier has done with his kids is remarkable,” said Geaslen. “He cares deeply about his players and pushes them to be the best versions of themselves. His philosophy and approach is something we all can emulate.”
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To learn more about 3STEP Sports, go to www.threestep.com For more on Cape Ann Field Hockey Club, go to capeannfhc.com.
Contact: B.J. Schecter, 3STEP Sports: bj.schecter@threestep.com Kevin Flight, Elevate Communications: kflight@elevatecom.com or 617-861-3657
