HIGHLIGHTS
FIH Coach of the Year 2026
Women’s Coach of the Year: Alyson Annan (Head Coach – China Women)
One of hockey’s greatest tactical innovators, Alyson Annan continued her remarkable coaching legacy. Having transformed China into a disciplined, resilient, and counter-attacking world powerhouse, Annan’s tactical flexibility and squad development were on full display throughout the World Cup and the FIH Pro League circuit, where her side consistently challenged and defeated the world’s top-ranked nations. The 2026 Coach of the Year Award is a record-extending 7th title for Annan, as she continues to be a trailblazer for women coaches in international hockey. Annan also continues to hold the unique distinction of being the only former FIH Player of the Year (1998 & 2000) to also receive an FIH Coach of the Year award.
Speaking at the ceremony Annan said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award, and I accept it on behalf of the women coaches who have shared this journey with me: Liu Pan, Long Fengyu, Liang Meiyu, Cui Qiuxia, Li Hongxia, Katie Allen, Kate Richardson Walsh, Eva de Goede, Pietie Coetzee and Charlotte Stapenhorst. Promoting women in coaching is something I am passionate about, and this year I have worked hard to create space for women coaches to be visible and recognised for the outstanding coaches they are and the work they do. My hope is that, in the years ahead, more and more women will have the opportunity to coach at every level of our sport.”
Alyson Annan Shortlisted for the 2026 Orchid Awards
Alyson has been selected as one of 30 finalists for the prestigious Orchid Awards, organised by China International Communications Group. The awards recognise individuals who make outstanding contributions to international cultural exchange, mutual understanding and friendship. Her nomination highlights the impact of her work with China’s women’s national hockey team, extending beyond sport to building bridges between cultures.
China has qualified for the FIH World Cup 2026
14 September 2025, China win the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 and qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026.
Alyson Annan, coach of the Chinese team, speaking after their win said: “Qualifying for the World Cup directly through the Asia Cup was really important for us because there’s Pro League, Asian Games and the World Cup next year, so avoiding having to go through the qualifiers in a busy year is definitely good for us. This wasn’t an easy tournament for us despite the results, and the advantage of playing in home conditions with great fan support definitely helped us.
Alyson received the official FIH Master Coach title
(Part of the FIH statement regarding Alyson’s coaching journey, and in recognition of her receiving the official title of FIH Master Coach in 2025.)
Transitioning seamlessly into coaching, Annan has established herself as one of the sport’s most influential tacticians. From 2015–2021, she led the Dutch women’s national team to Olympic silver (Rio 2016) and Olympic gold (Tokyo 2020), secured the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup, and claimed EuroHockey titles in 2017 and 2021).
Under her stewardship, the Oranje women remained undefeated throughout 2018—an extraordinary run built on her philosophy of simplicity, intelligent passing, and player empowerment. Her coaching prowess earned her consecutive FIH Women’s Coach of the Year awards in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
In 2022, Alyson undertook a new challenge as head coach of China’s women’s national team. She steered them to a gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games, a historic silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and another gold medal at the 2025 Asia Cup, which also secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Her approach blends high-performance Northern European methods with cultural sensitivity— boosting speed, fitness, and belief in a side that long sought its breakthrough.
Beyond titles, Annan is recognised as an empathetic and intellectually curious coach—continually learning, innovating, and nurturing player behaviour, resilience, and decision-making.
In recognition of her outstanding career, Annan was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2013 and awarded the Order of Australia Medal. She has emerged as a role model in a traditionally male-dominated field, not only for her achievements but also for her advocacy of female coaching representation and her mentorship of future coaches.
Alyson Annan’s impact on hockey is monumental: from being one of the greatest players ever, to pioneering coaching success across three continents, to shaping modern coaching methodologies and championing inclusivity. Her contributions have elevated the sport not just in terms of medals, but in cultural depth and global reach.
Alyson received Friendship Award
Alyson received the Chinese Government Friendship Award during an official ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijng on September 30, 2024.
Established in 1991, the Chinese Government Friendship Award is the Chinese government’s highest honor bestowed on foreign experts. It is presented to commend foreign experts who have made outstanding achievements and contributions to China’s social development, economic, technological, educational, cultural endeavors, and talent cultivation. Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin presented the Award.
Silver at the Paris Olympics
China head coach Alyson Annan on the team’s silver medal at the Olympic Games in Paris (2024):
“So very proud of this group of women. We almost pulled of the impossible. These women showed courage grace, determination. I am so very proud of them and the staff for this amazing achievement. We were so close.”
“JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE RIGHT DOES NOT MEAN I AM WRONG. YOU JUST HAVEN’T SEEN LIFE FROM MY SIDE.”
Beyond the Limits was founded in 2012 by Alyson Annan. It is also the title of a 2004 book by Nicole Jeffery about Alyson, published by Simon & Schuster Australia.
For more information, please send an email via contact. Photo on the top is by Pippa Photography.