Tara Danielson and Steve Danielson have been named Donna Fong Directors of Field Hockey, California Co-Directors of Athletics Jay Larson and Jenny Simon O'Neill announced Wednesday. The coaches take over for Shellie Onstead, who previously held the position for 31 years and announced her retirement in January.
 
The coaching pair bring a consistent track record of success elevating programs into national contenders, earning NCAA Tournament appearances and developing student-athletes into All-Americans and nationally recognized players. 
 
"Cal Field Hockey has a proud tradition and an incredibly loyal community of alumnae, families and supporters," Larson and Simon-O'Neill said. "Tara and Steve bring a rare combination of championship-level coaching, international experience, and a deep commitment to developing student-athletes. Their vision for the program—rooted in competitive excellence in the ACC, culture, and holistic success—aligns perfectly with what we aspire to at Cal."
 
Tara Danielson comes to Cal after previously serving as the head coach at Stanford from 2010 – 2021 alongside Steve Danielson. Tara Danielson led the Cardinal to an impressive 153-59 overall record as well as nine NCAA Tournament appearances, two Elite Eights, six conference titles and a top-20 national ranking each year.
 
"It is an honor to be entrusted with the Cal program and to lead the team is a true 'pinch-me' moment," Danielson said. "I am incredibly grateful to Jay Larson and Jenny Simon O'Neill, as well as Senior Associate Athletics Director Marissa Nichols for their belief in us and our shared vision for this next era. I also want to recognize the incredible foundation laid by Shellie Onstead. I have a deep respect for the history of this program, and it is a privilege to build upon the legacy that has made Cal so special."
 
Over Tara Danielson's tenure, the Cardinal produced 14 All-Americans - including seven on the First Team - 36 NFHCA All-Region honorees and five America East Conference Player of the Year Awards. Danielson's staff also earned the America East Coaching Staff of the Year award in 2018.
 
Inducted into the Massachusetts Amateur Sports Foundation Hall of Fame in 2018, Tara Danielson's international playing career includes representing Team USA in the FIH World Cup in Perth, Australia, Olympic Qualifiers in Sydney 2000 & Athens 2004, Pan American Games, and Pan Am Cup.
 
Steve Danielson joins the Golden Bears after spending the previous five seasons as the associate head coach at the University of New Hampshire, where he helped lead the Wildcats to an America East Conference title and a NCAA Sweet 16 appearance in 2025. Prior to New Hampshire, Danielson served as the technical director at Stanford from 2010 – 2021.
 
"I want to thank Jay Larson, Jenny Simon-O'Neill, and Senior Associate Athletics Director Marissa Nichols for the opportunity to lead Cal Field Hockey and I'm grateful for their trust and support," Danielson said. "I'm excited to be back in the Bay Area and to continue sharing my passion in a place that means so much to me. Most importantly, I look forward to cultivating a culture rooted in excellence, character, and competitive success, while supporting our Cal student-athletes as they grow as students, leaders, and teammates."
 
Danielson also has extensive experience coaching the men's national team program as a coach and consultant.

Inducted into the USA Field Hockey Hall of Fame as a player in 2018, Danielson represented Team USA at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and won a bronze medal at the 1995 Pan American Games. He also represented Team USA in the 2003 and 2010 Indoor World Cups. In addition to his international career, Danielson played professionally for two years in Australia and one year in Scotland.

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