Stanford Coach and TeachAids Advisor Tara J. Danielson Pursues Excellence On and Off the Field
It’s impressive to have a successful career as an athlete, and equally so to have a prolific coaching career. In Stanford Women’s Field Hockey Head Coach Tara J. Danielson’s case, she’s had both.
After competing in over 89 international events as a member of the USA Field Hockey National Team and Team USA’s National Indoor Field Hockey squad, Danielson transitioned to collegiate coaching, eventually making her way to the Stanford Head Coaching position in 2010. In her debut season, she excelled, leading Stanford to an overall record of 15-6 and to their 10th NCAA appearance, clinching a major upset victory against No. 8th-ranked Wake Forest along the way. Under Danielson’s team-oriented coaching, the Cardinal swept the next two seasons with winning records of 16-7 and 16-5. She ultimately led the team to its most successful season in 2014, where they claimed their first-ever NCAA victory. It was in that same season that Danielson’s first recruiting class — the 2014 senior class — achieved a record of 68 games won and 19 games lost, making them the most successful class in Stanford Field Hockey history.
In addition to her successful coaching record, Danielson is also known for her commitment to working toward implementing outreach programs in the field hockey community. Since 2005, Danielson has served as the CEO of RUSH Field Hockey, a nonprofit that works toward developing field hockey throughout California, as well as encouraging leadership and participation in the sport. During her time with RUSH, the organization captured national titles in the California Cup and the Festival and National Indoor Tournament. In June 2018, Danielson was inducted into the Bay State Games Hall of Fame, which recognizes athletes, coaches, and sports organizers who have had significant careers or have contributed greatly to the organization.
Through her extensive and outstanding coaching career, Danielson has demonstrated not only a knack for success but also a passion for the game. TeachAids is pleased to have a leading force like Coach Tara Danielson as part of the CrashCourse Advisory team, and we are overjoyed to see her support and eagerness to collaborate on such an important issue affecting our youth.