Meet the Coaches

Hi! I’m Abbie Faircloth—a wife and mom of two (Clara, 7 and William, 5). I grew up playing soccer, basketball, and field hockey in Pennsylvania, where some of my best memories (and lifelong friendships) were formed on the field and court.

After graduating from college, I coached middle school field hockey before life as a registered nurse and busy mom took center stage. Currently living in North Raleigh with my family, I found that it was surprisingly hard to find field hockey opportunities for my daughter in the Wake County area.  

My kids also play soccer, baseball, and lacrosse but there seemed to be very little focus on the basic understanding and skills required for game play. While there are many sports leagues across Wake County, many jump straight into competitive play without first teaching the basics. Also, as a busy mom of 2, I wanted my kids to explore different sports without the pressure of committing to a full season - both in terms of time and cost -before deciding if it was something they truly enjoyed.  

The decision to start Foundation Sports Clinics was easy! I wanted to share my love for field hockey and help grow the game locally. My goal is to provide a safe, fun space where kids can learn fundamental skills, build confidence and form lasting friendships through sports. 

Looking ahead, I hope to expand Foundation Sports Clinics to include additional sports - always with the focus on teaching core skills in a low-pressure, supportive environment.  

Phia Gladieux is a standout field hockey player, educator, and coach whose impact on the game reaches far beyond the field. A graduate of Penn State University, Phia earned her degree in Early Childhood Education while serving as captain of the Penn State Field Hockey Team. During her collegiate career, she became Penn State’s all-time leading goal and points scorer, a 5x All-American, 2x Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Big Ten Player of the Year, and a 2x Honda Award finalist—cementing her legacy as one of the most decorated players in program history.

Phia now proudly represents her country as a member of the United States Women’s National Field Hockey Team. She was a Team USA 2024 Paris Olympian and a key contributor to the Pan American Cup team that recently qualified for the 2026 FIH World Cup.

Field hockey has profoundly shaped who Phia is today—both as an athlete and as a person. The sport has taught her invaluable life lessons about leadership, perseverance, teamwork, and humility. It has pushed her to grow through challenges, inspired her to pursue excellence every day, and gifted her with lifelong friendships that mean more than any accolade. Phia is forever grateful for the game that has given her so much and continues to drive her passion both on and off the field.

Phia is deeply passionate about giving back to the sport she loves. She has spent the past several years coaching private lessons, group sessions, clinics, and making guest coaching appearances across the country. Through her coaching and social media presence, Phia strives to inspire the next generation of athletes to chase their dreams, play with confidence, and embrace the joy of the game.

Phia is thrilled to work with Foundation Sports Clinics to provide young athletes with an opportunity to experience the incredible game of field hockey!