Your Coaches

Led by the staff who run Birmingham's varsity team

Parents do not just choose a sport, they choose the people who will shape their child. From the 4–5 group through varsity, your players learn from the same trusted coaches and the same standards.

Head Coach

Amy Murray

Varsity Head Coach and program lead for Birmingham Field Hockey.

Amy played at Dartmouth College and still plays whenever she gets the chance. She has coached high school field hockey in New Hampshire, Connecticut and Michigan, and is involved with the USA Field Hockey Nexus Program. Two of her children have graduated from Seaholm, with a third making their way through now.

“Once you have signed up and said yes, I'm in, you show up for your team, your coaches, your teammates, and yourself.”

See Our Programs

The Coaching Staff

More of the team

The same staff runs every level, so your player sees familiar faces as she moves up.

Jillian Chesney

Middle School Head Coach

Jill played field hockey for Dexter for about 8 years and was the head coach for Dexter Middle School in 2024. She lives in Royal Oak and works in medical sales.

Courtney Effinger

Coach

Courtney helps lead Birmingham United and co-owns the direction of the program. She started playing in 1986, became a goalie in 1989, and played through middle school, high school, and college at Denison University, and afterward with a women's team at UNC. She coached varsity field hockey in North Carolina.

Kay Cantwell

Coach

Kay joins the Birmingham United coaching staff for the 2026 season, working with players at every level on the roster.

Courtney Pachuta

Assistant Coach and Team Admin

Courtney holds a Master of Education and taught for 12 years in Troy. She has a player on the varsity team and has been working alongside Coach Amy to grow this program since it began in May of 2025. She handles schedule, gear, payments and paperwork.