Legendary Ontario coach enters in the Coach Category
Field Hockey Canada is proud to announce the induction of John De Souza into the Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame, Class of 2024. Honoured in the Coach category, De Souza stands as the sole inductee this year, a fitting recognition for a career that has shaped the landscape of Canadian field hockey.
With a coaching career spanning over 30 years, De Souza’s influence has been felt at every level of the game. A former national team player, he represented Canada at the 1995 Pan American Games and competed internationally for seven years. His transition to coaching was seamless and impactful. He led the Canadian men’s national indoor team to a seventh-place finish at the 2007 Indoor World Cup in Vienna and served as assistant coach for the gold-medal-winning men’s team at the 2007 Pan American Games, which secured a spot at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, with the Pan Am Gold. De Souza is known for his program building, generating buy in and leading with passion. He said that culture comes first and paves the way for success.
“Our best teams aren’t necessarily the most talented teams. A lot of my teams from when I coached at U of T, to the indoor teams and outdoor teams. They have always been centred around cultural team dynamics,” he said. “That 2014 Pan Ams in Uruguay, no one gave us a chance. That group of girls was so close together and so well rounded. Every decision was about the team being first.”
De Souza’s versatility as a coach is evident in his work across both indoor and outdoor programs, with men’s and women’s teams, juniors and seniors alike. His long-standing commitment to the University of Toronto Varsity Blues program began in 1990, where he served under coaching legends Liz Hoffman and Beth Ali. As head coach, he guided the Blues to 13 OUA titles and CIS medals, including national championships in 2007 and 2010. He attributes a lot of his coaching learnings to working with Ali and Hoffman among other top Canadian coaches. He said he developed a set of core principles based off their instruction and inspiration. And for De Souza to be mentioned along side some of his hall of fame mentors and supporters, is overwhelming.
“The induction is a great accomplishment and something I really wasn’t expecting. You want to be a great coach, of course, but to be talked about [in the Hall of Fame] isn’t something I ever expected,” he said. “I really feel like I’m privileged to have had the opportunity I’ve had. To coach at U of T for 30 years, to go to the Olympics, those are privileges.I’ve always been learning. I’ve never felt like I’ve ‘made it,’ and I’m still not sure I’m actually there yet.”
Beyond the sidelines, De Souza has been an advocate for the sport. He has contributed to the development of junior athletes through his work with the Canadian junior men’s program and has held leadership roles with Field Hockey Ontario, including serving as president of the board. Still to this day, he’s coaching youth and junior hockey in Ontario and will be leading a team at Nationals this summer in Brampton.
Known for his philosophy of turning teams into families, De Souza’s legacy is one of mentorship, excellence, and community. His induction into the Hall of Fame is not only a celebration of past achievements but a guide for future generations of Canadian field hockey athletes and coaches.
Field Hockey Canada congratulates John De Souza on this amazing achievement. Thank you for your incredible continued contribution.
