News & Events

Head of School Travis Larrabee sent this letter to the Norfolk Academy family on February 4, 2025:

It is my pleasure to share with you some exciting news about our Field Hockey Program, which has achieved an extraordinary level of success under the leadership of longtime Head Coach Mary Werkheiser, who announced her retirement from coaching this past fall after a storied, 30-year career, including six state championships (the sixth earned in 2024). We immediately embarked upon a search for her successor, and not surprisingly, it was a search that drew an incredibly strong pool of candidates and, ultimately, finalists.

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Natalie Holder, who currently serves as Associate Head Coach for Field Hockey at Old Dominion University, as our new Head Field Hockey Coach and Program Director. With an impressive background as both a player and coach, exceptional technical expertise, and an innate ability to connect with, motivate, and support players and colleagues alike, Coach Holder is the ideal candidate to propel our field hockey program into its next era of excellence.

"I am honored to be named the next Head Field Hockey Coach at Norfolk Academy and grateful to Travis Larrabee, Chad Byler, and the Administration for this opportunity. A special thank you to Mary Werkheiser for building such a strong and successful program,” Holder said. “After 12 wonderful years at ODU, this move is the best decision for my career and my family. Norfolk Academy’s excellence in academics and athletics, along with its top-tier teams, facilities, and resources, make this an incredible opportunity. I can’t wait to get started!"

A native of Glasgow, Scotland, Holder captained her high school team at Craigholme School while also representing the Scotland National Team at the U16 and U18 levels. She went on to play at Kent State University, where she served as captain and led the Golden Flashes to a 2008 MAC championship while ranking among the nation's top 20 teams. She later earned her Master of Arts in Sports Management and Leadership from Kent State and served as a graduate assistant field hockey coach.

She has spent the past 12 years at Old Dominion University, where she serves as Associate Head Coach. In that role, she plays a key part in player development, recruiting, scouting analysis, and program administration. Prior to Old Dominion, Holder was an assistant coach at Christopher Newport University and Syracuse University.

Throughout her career, Holder has been a dedicated and inspiring mentor, helping student-athletes navigate both their athletic and academic journeys while preparing them for life beyond field hockey. She has actively promoted programs for young players; she has coached youth camps for beginners, designed and operated programs for high school players, and coached USA national field hockey futures events.

Coach Holder’s professional achievements are impressive, but at Norfolk Academy we know that the teacher-coach model is defined by more than just credentials — it demands warmth, enthusiasm, commitment, and a genuine passion for nurturing young people’s growth. These qualities are best experienced in person, and I assure you that once you meet Coach Holder, you will see them shining through. She will be stepping into her new role this summer, and I’m confident you will join me in giving her a very warm welcome.

I look forward to seeing you at school events in the months ahead. We are wrapping up the winter season, and spring is just around the corner. Go Bulldogs!