California Director of Field Hockey Shellie Onstead has announced her retirement after 31 seasons as head coach, according to Co-Directors of Athletics Jay Larson and Jenny Simon-O’Neill.
“Shellie is not only a Golden Bear icon, she is an icon in the sport of field hockey,” Larson and O’Neill said. “It’s hard to quantify the imprint she has left on our program, our athletic department and our University. We can’t thank Shellie enough for her contributions to Cal, and we are excited to watch her enjoy her well-deserved retirement.”
Onstead played a key role in elevating California’s field hockey program from regional recognition to national prominence. Her leadership was noted for fostering competitive success, innovation, and long-term growth within the team.
“Coaching at Cal has been the honor of my life,” Onstead said. “I am deeply grateful for every student-athlete who wore the Blue and Gold with heart and integrity, and to the countless colleagues and supporters who championed this program, this sport, and the principle that athletics can change lives. Watching the players grow into leaders – on the field and in life – has been the greatest reward.”
A graduate of Cal herself, Onstead became the program’s first First-Team All-American in 1982. She contributed as a player during significant postseason runs—including a runner-up finish at the 1980 AIAW tournament—and later served as an assistant coach under Donna Fong before taking over as head coach in 1995.
During her tenure, Onstead led California through various conference changes while achieving several milestones: she became just the 23rd coach in NCAA field hockey history to reach 300 career wins; her teams secured six NCAA Tournament appearances; they won 11 conference championships (including 12 NorPac titles), captured both a NorPac Tournament championship in 2011 and an America East Tournament championship in 2023; and she was named NorPac Conference Coach of the Year six times.
Onstead coached nine All-Americans—including Liz Klompmaker last season—along with seven conference Players of the Year and six Rookies of the Year. Her teams were recognized for improvement on the field as well as academic performance.
Beyond California’s program, Onstead served as assistant coach for Team USA at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. She held multiple roles within USA Field Hockey, including becoming—in 1999—the first woman appointed head coach of the U.S. Men’s Under-16 National Team. She also managed youth training camps nationwide, coached U.S. youth squads abroad, and participated on NCAA committees focused on coaching education.
As a player herself, Onstead represented Team USA from 1985-86.
Throughout her career, Onstead advocated for Title IX enforcement and gender equity across college sports—working toward expanded opportunities for women athletes and coaches.
“Shellie has been more than a coach — she’s been an ambassador for this sport and a tireless advocate for gender equity,” said Kathleen Wiler, Kent State’s longtime head coach. “Her impact on field hockey, on Title IX progress, and on the lives of her players is immeasurable.”
Onstead was inducted into Cal Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008.
“My family has shared every part of this career with me — from long seasons to unforgettable moments — and I’m so very appreciative for the opportunity to now spend more time with them in this next chapter,” Onstead said. “I will be forever grateful for this amazing journey and I am excited for what lies ahead — for both myself and the program.”
Assistant coaches Katrina Carter and Kieran Minton will serve as co-interim head coaches while a national search begins immediately for Onstead’s successor.
