Newport Harbor's Boyer Named CCA's Rookie Coach of the Year

Amanda Boyer, field hockey coach at Newport Harbor High, has been named the California Coaches Assn.'s Rookie Coach of the Year.

In her first season at the program's helm, Boyer guided the Lady Sailors to their third consecutive Los Angeles Field Hockey Assn. Tournament of Champions title with a 2-0 victory over Huntington Beach in November. Newport Harbor also finished as Sunset League champion, co-winner of the Orange County tournament with Huntington Beach, and champion of San Diego's Highlander Cup. 

It's the first titles sweep for the Lady Sailors since 2003, when Boyer was a member of the team. She played goalie for the varsity team for four years and was presented with the Coach's Most Inspirational Player Award as well as being named the Sunset League's most valauble goalie. Boyer also played soccer and lacrosse for the Sailors.

"I am very humbled to receive this honor," Boyer said. "Coaching is one of my passions and a big part of my life. It is really gratifying to be recognized in this way.... I appreciate and am grateful for the attention that this draws to the growing sport of field hockey here in Orange County."

Boyer coached at the junior varsity level for three seasons at Newport Harbor before taking over the varsity team this past fall. She also coached one season of junior varsity lacrosse.

A walk-on coach, Boyer's full-time job is Director of Media for Student Ministries at St. Andrews's Presbyterian Church, where she is also an Associate in the Communications Department. She graduated from Chapman University with a BFA in television and film production.

On the team's impressive website, Chix With Stix: Newport Harbor Field Hockey, she credits hers and her team's success "to the tremendous amount of support given by her husband, Jason Boyer; her family; her mentor, Devon Kelly; her Assistant Coach, Judy Schaefer; her amazing team; the NHHS Athletic Department; and the Newport Harbor Field Hockey Boosters, families and fans."

Boyer will receive her award at the 54th annual CCA awards banquet on June 11 in Sacramento. Coach of the year recognition is bestowed in every sport, but there is only one Rookie Coach of the Year.