University of Connecticut Athletics
FH Adds Elliot Van Strydonck As Assistant Coach
4/22/2026 4:00:00 PM | Field Hockey
STORRS, Conn. – UConn field hockey head coach Paul Caddy has announced the addition of Elliot Van Strydonck as assistant coach, pending the successful completion of the university's employee onboarding process.
Van Strydonck comes to Storrs following the conclusion of a decorated professional playing career that spanned international competition at the highest level. An Olympic silver medalist and longtime Belgian national team standout, he represented Belgium across two Olympic Games and was part of a generation that helped establish Belgium as one of the premier forces in international field hockey. His playing career also included stints with some of Europe's most respected club programs, providing him with a breadth of tactical and competitive experience he will now bring to the Huskies sideline.
In addition to his playing career, Van Strydonck has dedicated himself to developing the next generation of elite talent. He has served as a coach and mentor within Belgium's youth national team pathway, working with players across the U16 through U21 age groups. On the club level, he has held assistant coaching roles with the Royal Léopold Club, the Waterloo Ducks, and the Racing Brussels Club, building a reputation for expertise in defensive structure, technique, and high-performance player development.
"I'm officially ending my playing career in three weeks to embark on this exciting adventure with UConn," said Van Strydonck. "The team and staff really appealed to me, and I am ready to be a resource and help this program win. My goal as a player was always to strive for championships, and I want to bring that same drive and mentality to my role as assistant coach."
Head coach Paul Caddy expressed enthusiasm about what Van Strydonck will add to the program both on and off the field.
"Elliot brings world-class experience, highlighted by two Olympic Games and a silver medal, along with proven defensive leadership and a deep understanding of high-performance environments," said Caddy. "His journey with Belgium's rise on the international stage, combined with his passion for athlete development and mindset, will have a powerful impact on our program. We're thrilled to welcome him to the UConn family."
