COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – After dedicating more than 14 years to USA Field Hockey, Steve Horgan has announced that he will officially retire in the middle of July. Horgan began as a rules interpreter for the organization in 2008, went on to be the part-time director of umpiring in 2011 and became full-time in 2012.
“As we know, all good things come to an end,” commented Horgan. “The old saying, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life’ has been true for my time with USA Field Hockey. The staff, members, coaches, players and especially the umpires have made my job as the Director of Umpiring the most enjoyable and rewarding that anyone could imagine. Throughout a career of just shy of 40 years in umpiring, the opportunities afforded to me because of the hard work, passion, support and dedication of others is something that I could never repay.”
“It has been a great honor for me to represent USA Field Hockey and the United States through hockey. I hope that I have done so with grace and in a way that made you all proud. To thank everyone who has influenced my life in field hockey would take another 40 years. So, the best I can do is to say one huge THANK YOU to everyone and please know you are all part of my family forever.”
A field hockey official since 1983, Horgan has worked virtually every level of the game from club and high school contests to the Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. He also has umpired NCAA contests at every division. On the international stage, he has umpired 85 contests, which include World Cups and the Pan American Games in addition to the Olympics Games. In June 2017, Horgan was appointed to the FIH Rules Committee as the Pan American Hockey Federation representative, and in August 2021, he was named the chair where he was set to oversee the committee of six representatives from different continental federations. In September 2017, Horgan became the NCAA National Assignor of Field Hockey Officials, where he was responsible for overseeing the assignments for the NCAA Field hockey Tournaments and also Rules Interpreter on behalf of the NCAA.
“Steve’s story in field hockey is both remarkable and unique,” said Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey’s Executive Director. “To rise to the very top of his profession, representing USA in the Olympic Games as an Umpire at Athens and Sydney and as an Umpire Manager is a testament to his skill, commitment to his trade, and his passion for our sport. As an American male this is even more impressive understanding the hurdles he has overcome. Perhaps even more admirable though is his unrelenting commitment to help other umpires. We have had the privilege to work with Steve at USA Field Hockey, where he has spent every waking hour encouraging, supporting and mentoring umpires at every level of the game. Truly a legend in our sport.”
“As a person in our hockey family, Steve has done it all,” said Alberto Coco Budeisky, Pan American Hockey Federation President. “When it comes to umpiring or anything dealing with the rules of the game or mentoring umpires he was involved. The mark of the man is that he has always been very committed to ensuring that PAHF umpires received the benefit of his vast experiences over the years.”
“The PAHF family, and by extension of myself, would like to celebrate the incredible and remarkable journey that Steve had in the service to hockey and also to the PAHF family.”
“Steve has poured his heart and soul into his position as USA Field Hockey’s Director of Umpiring,” added Jeanne O’Brien, USA Field Hockey Board of Directors Vice Chair and Umpire Representative. “Through his expertise, experience, dedication and love of the game he has helped raise the bar for quality umpiring on the local, national and global stage. Umpires, both experienced and new, have benefitted from the programs he has developed and implemented. His reputation as a leader in the field hockey umpiring community spans the globe. He will be sorely missed! However, the many opportunities and programs that he has established will continue to grow and flourish. Thank you, Steve for all you have given us. We will miss you!”
“It has been my utmost pleasure to work with Steve over the years as an umpire, colleague and friend,” said Rene Zelkin, Former USA Field Hockey Board of Directors Member and Chair, and Fellow USA Technical Official. “Steve’s love of the game of hockey is seen through his passion and dedication to the sport and his commitment to the development of umpires, coaches, players and spectators. Steve and I have shared many memorable moments in our careers, from kicking off the Disney Showcase, leadership within PAHF and FIH, to international appointments at Pan American events and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. I will always hold a very dear place in my heart for Steve and will forever be grateful for his leadership, guidance and friendship.”
Horgan’s last day with USA Field Hockey will be July 19, 2022. USA Field Hockey would like to honor him on 14 years of excellent service to the organization and celebrate the legacy of hard work and commitment he will leave behind. All the best in your retirement.
