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OUR STAFF

KEELY TAMER

OWNER, DIRECTOR, COACH

KEELY TAMER

OWNER, DIRECTOR, COACH

In 2024, Keely Tamer became the second owner and Director of Pinnacle Field Hockey, building on 12 years of coaching and leadership within the organization. A former two-time captain at the University of Michigan, Keely brings a lifelong passion for the sport and a deep commitment to player development.

After earning her degree in secondary education from Michigan, Keely went on to serve as a graduate assistant coach at Kent State University, where she completed her Master’s in Sports Administration. Her experience spans all levels of the game—from youth to collegiate—rooted in a coaching philosophy that emphasizes both personal growth and athletic excellence.

Beyond Pinnacle, Keely has been instrumental in growing the game across the Midwest. She helped establish the Dexter High School field hockey program in 2010, guiding the team to five state championships as Head Coach or Associate Head Coach. She currently serves as Executive Director of Great Lakes Regional Field Hockey, working to expand opportunities and access to the sport throughout the region.

Keely’s leadership continues to shape the next generation of athletes, while honoring Pinnacle’s tradition of excellence, integrity, and community.

KELSEY CHUN

Site Director - Pinnacle West

KELSEY CHUN

Site Director - Pinnacle West

Kelsey Chun is a dedicated field hockey leader with a strong legacy both on and off the field. A 2014 Northwestern University graduate, Kelsey started every game throughout her collegiate career and played a pivotal role in transforming the program. As captain during her senior and fifth-year seasons, she led Northwestern to a Big Ten Championship in 2013 and the program’s first-ever Big Ten Tournament Championship in 2014—earning the Wildcats their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 20 years. Before Northwestern, Kelsey was a standout at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School, where she earned four varsity letters in both field hockey and lacrosse. She helped lead Pioneer to four consecutive state championships (2006-2009), captained the 2009 championship team, and was twice honored as a first-team All-State player. That same year, she was named Washtenaw County Player of the Year. Hailing from a strong field hockey family, Kelsey is the second oldest of seven children. Her younger sisters, Molly (Thompson) Argersinger and Tess Thompson, have continued the family tradition playing at Georgetown University and Yale University, respectively. Molly is also a valued member of the Pinnacle coaching staff. Kelsey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. Kelsey now lives with her family in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Here, she serves as the head coach for the East Grand Rapids High School field hockey team and contributes to Pinnacle West’s coaching staff.

TAMARA DURANTE

U14 Director, Lead Coach

TAMARA DURANTE

U14 Director, Lead Coach

Tamara Durante brings more than two decades of high-level coaching experience to Pinnacle. Currently in her 10th season with the Michigan State field hockey program and her seventh as Associate Head Coach, Tamara has played a key role in the development of numerous All-Big Ten and NFHCA All-Region athletes.

Before joining MSU in 2015, she spent 10 seasons at Yale University, where she served as Associate Head Coach and led recruiting efforts while working primarily with goalkeepers and forwards. Her coaching helped Yale set a school record with 69 goals in a single season and earn a share of the Ivy League title in 2011.

Tamara has also made a significant impact on the national level. She has coached within the U.S. Field Hockey system since 2002, serving roles with the U-16, U-19, and Rise national teams, and earning gold and bronze medals at the Young Women’s National Championships.

Originally from Lachine, Quebec, Tamara played at the University of Alberta, helping the Pandas to multiple national podium finishes. She brings a sharp tactical mind and a passion for player development to every team she coaches.

KRISTI GANNON FISHER

U12 Director, Lead Coach

KRISTI GANNON FISHER

U12 Director, Lead Coach

Kristi Gannon Fisher joins Pinnacle with a wealth of high-level playing and coaching experience. A former two-time All-American at the University of Michigan, she was a key part of the Wolverines’ 2001 NCAA Championship team and earned multiple Big Ten honors during her standout collegiate career.

Now serving as Head Coach at Michigan, Gannon Fisher spent six years as an assistant coach with the Wolverines, helping lead the program to Big Ten titles and four NCAA Tournament appearances, including a national runner-up finish in 2021.

Internationally, she competed with the U.S. Women’s National Team from 2003–2006, earning 45 caps and contributing to medal-winning performances at the Pan American Cup and America’s Cup.

Kristi is passionate about mentoring the next generation of athletes. “I’m excited to join the Pinnacle family and help young athletes with their field hockey and life journeys,” she says. “I love what Pinnacle has built, and I can’t wait to contribute.”

NANCY COX

FOUNDER, RECRUITING, COACH

NANCY COX

FOUNDER, RECRUITING, COACH

Nancy Cox founded Pinnacle Field Hockey in 2009 and served as Owner and Director for 15 years, building one of the most respected developmental programs in the Midwest. A lifelong advocate for the sport, Nancy has been shaping field hockey in Michigan since 1981, with a coaching career that spans the high school, collegiate, and national levels.

Before founding Pinnacle, Nancy spent a decade with the University of Michigan field hockey program—first as an assistant coach from 1998 to 2004, helping the Wolverines capture the first NCAA championship in women’s athletic history at Michigan (2001), and then as Head Coach from 2005 to 2008. Under her leadership, the team won Big Ten titles in 2005 and 2007 and reached the NCAA Elite Eight twice, compiling a 56–31 overall record.

Nancy’s coaching roots run deep. She co-founded the Ann Arbor Pioneer High School field hockey program in 1981, where she spent 16 years developing a powerhouse team recognized at both state and national levels. She also served as Coaching Director for the USFHA Region 9 Futures Program and earned honors such as the USFHA Developmental Coach of the Year (1999) and Big Ten Coach of the Year (2007).

Now, in her return to a more hands-on role, Nancy serves as Pinnacle’s Recruiting Coordinator and Coach for the Under-16 and Under-19 program. Her mission remains the same: helping young athletes grow in confidence, skill, and love for the game.

COREY BLOCK

U16/U19 Coach

COREY BLOCK

U16/U19 Coach

Corey Block has been a foundational member of Pinnacle Field Hockey since its inaugural season in 2009. Raised in Ann Arbor, Corey’s field hockey journey began with Ann Arbor Rec and Ed programs and continued as captain of the Washtenaw Whippets club team during high school.

She played collegiately at Michigan State University, where she was a two-time team captain and helped lead the Spartans to a Big Ten Championship and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. After graduation, Corey served as a volunteer assistant coach at Ohio University while pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Today, she is a Sports Certified Specialist in physical therapy, bringing a unique blend of athletic insight and scientific expertise to her coaching.

In addition to her role at Pinnacle, Corey coaches at Chelsea High School, fueling her passion to grow the game at all levels. She is dedicated to developing Michigan athletes into national leaders and is proud to be part of the Pinnacle coaching staff.

TARYN DAMM

All Ages

TARYN DAMM

All Ages

Taryn Damm has been a valued member of the Pinnacle family for several years, transitioning from a dedicated player to a passionate coach. She honed her skills and leadership as a captain at Central Michigan University, where she balanced a versatile field hockey career with her academic pursuits.

Holding degrees in Physical Education and Health Education, Taryn brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to her coaching. She is deeply committed to helping young athletes grow by focusing on proper technique, child development, and fostering a genuine love for the game.

Taryn actively coaches with Pinnacle, Nexus, and other local programs, and holds a Level 1 coaching certification. Outside the field hockey community, she inspires and educates as an elementary physical education teacher in Ann Arbor.

ABBY TAMER

GUEST COACH

ABBY TAMER

GUEST COACH

Abby Tamer, a proud Pinnacle alumna and Dexter High School graduate, is entering her senior year in 2025 as a two-time captain of the University of Michigan field hockey team (2024 & 2025). In 2024, she led the Wolverines with career highs of 12 goals, 14 assists, and 38 points, earning NFHCA First Team All-America honors and All-West Region First Team recognition.

Abby made history as Michigan's first-ever Olympian, representing Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She started all five games and led the team in scoring with two goals. Her international experience also includes silver medals at the 2024 Olympic Qualifier and the Pan American Games.

At Pinnacle, Abby is dedicated to developing athletes of all ages, focusing on skill and tactical growth during practices. Her journey—from Pinnacle to the Olympics—embodies the club's commitment to fostering excellence at every level.

ABBY BURNETT

INDOOR DIRECTOR

ABBY BURNETT

INDOOR DIRECTOR

Abby Burnett, hailing from Zionsville, Pennsylvania, is a standout midfielder for the University of Michigan Field Hockey team. In her sophomore season, she started all 20 games, contributing significantly to the Wolverines' defensive efforts with six assists and playing a pivotal role in the team's attack-corner unit. Her consistent performance helped the team maintain an average of just 1.1 goals and 3.6 corners allowed per game.

Abby's exceptional skills and leadership were recognized as she captained the U.S. Women's Senior National Indoor Team in 2024. She also played a crucial role in the team's gold-medal victory at the 2024 Indoor Pan American Cup and contributed to their seventh-place finish at the 2025 FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup.

Additionally, Abby represented the USA Junior U21 Team at the 2024 Junior Pan American Championships in Surrey, British Columbia, where the team secured a silver medal.

At Pinnacle, Abby brings her extensive indoor field hockey expertise to develop the club’s indoor curriculum and programming, helping athletes elevate their game year-round.

EMMY TRAN

Indoor Specialist

EMMY TRAN

Indoor Specialist

Emmy Tran is originally from Harrisburg, PA. She is currently a Redshirt senior on the University of Michigan Field Hockey team. During her time at Michigan, she has appeared in 30 games, playing both the midfield and backfield and has been a member of a Big Ten tournament championship team. She will be earning her degree from the College of Literature, Science and Arts, majoring in information. As a member of Central Penn Elite Field Hockey Club, Emmy was an accomplished indoor athlete and will bring her talent, passion and expertise for the indoor game to Pinnacle.

CLAUDIA KEEN

CLUB ADMINISTRATOR

CLAUDIA KEEN

CLUB ADMINISTRATOR

Claudia is an active member of the field hockey community in Ann Arbor. As the mother of three daughters, Sofia, Isabel and Elizabeth, and wife of Tom Keen, Claudia is actively involved in Ann Arbor Community Rec and Ed Field Hockey as a coach and mentor. A previous field hockey athlete at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School, under the tutelage of Nancy Cox. Claudia earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan and her teaching certification from Eastern Michigan University.

Claudia handles the organizational pieces for Pinnacle related to travel, scheduling, venues, uniforms and registration of athletes.

ANNIKA SPORNING

PINNACLE WEST COACH

ANNIKA SPORNING

PINNACLE WEST COACH

Annika Sponring joined the Pinnacle West coaching staff in 2025 after relocating to Grand Rapids from Charlotte, North Carolina. Originally from Pennsylvania, Annika was a standout player at Wilmington Christian School, earning all-conference and all-state honors four years in a row. She also competed at the national level with WC Eagles, capturing both the U16 National Indoor Tournament and National Club Championship titles.

Annika went on to play Division I field hockey at Liberty University, where she was a consistent presence in the backfield, appearing in every game throughout her collegiate career. She earned both a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and an MBA, and now works as a CPA in the tax industry.

Her coaching journey includes roles with Focus Field Hockey (VA), Charlotte Ambush (NC), and two seasons as assistant coach at Covenant Day School. In 2024, she joined the East Grand Rapids coaching staff as the JV coach.

Annika brings both competitive experience and a calm, strategic presence to the field. “I’m excited to be part of the Pinnacle family and to help grow the game in West Michigan,” she says.”

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