How Sofie Gierts turned SG Pipers into Women’s Hockey India League finalists by changing the process

Even as the spotlight shone on the players, she quietly redrew the blueprint of leadership. As the only woman head coach in the Hockey India League this season, Sofie Gierts has taken her team to the final not by chasing symbolism but by building structure.

Rome was not built in a day. An all-woman backroom staff was assembled, players were taught the value of ownership, and gradually an environment was created where authority and empathy coexisted.

Thus, the new-look SG Pipers was forged, a side that has not only won matches but also found its voice. Something that was missing last season, when it managed just a solitary outright win in six games.

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The revolution began at the auction table itself, long before the stadium gates were thrown open to spectators. Digvijay Singh Deo, vice president, SG Sports, insisted on captain Navneet Kaur joining the coaching staff on the hot seat.

“More than Sofie or me, I realised Navneet was someone who would have seen a lot more of not only the senior side but also the up-and-coming talent when she trains at Bengaluru. So, of course, she would have a better idea regarding what the team precisely required. Her inputs would be invaluable. It took me two whole days to convince her to join us,” Digvijay says.

Ask the ever-cheerful Navneet, and she would say: “I resisted because I was like, ‘what am I supposed to do there?’ (laughs) Initially, I was a bit nervous when I sat with them, but then I eased into it and ended up loving the experience of raising the paddle. It was new and something that definitely boosted my confidence.”

Sofie, committed to championing gender equality in sport, was immediately on board. “I realised it fits well with my ideas to involve players in every decision we make. And when you have a player with that experience, knowing how it goes in India, it was a very good call,” she says.

One look at Sofie’s resume makes it clear why she is a respected presence in the dugout. One hundred international caps for Belgium, check. Managing a men’s team in the Belgian top-tier Royal Uccle as a woman, check. Assistant coach at the Mannheimer HC women’s squad in Germany, check. Founder of Antwerp Diamonds FC, a girls-only football club, check.

The introduction of the women’s league by Hockey India last season immediately piqued Sofie’s interest, especially after recognising the country’s potential during her stint in Bhubaneswar a few years ago as a course instructor. It may have taken a year from the league’s launch for a franchise to secure her services, but it took Sofie only days to begin implementing change once she arrived in India.

“The idea of having an all-woman team may have taken shape from the moment the franchise chose to pick me as head coach. It’s important for the women in India to show that it’s possible. We need to give them more visibility.”

“If you look at our bench, from our coach Sofie to our assistant coach Helen Mary, everyone is female. I think it is an incredible step from the team management. I am sure the girls do get inspired by these actions,” Navneet adds.

“There are certain aspects only a woman will be able to judiciously address. Take the menstrual cycle, for example. A man won’t be able to understand a girl or guide her as much as a woman would. And this is the women’s league at the end of the day. So, our mantra was to empower women,” says Digvijay, who makes it a point never to sit in the dugout.

Sofie’s growing inclination to promote local talent is evident in the composition of the squad, which features a strong yet young Indian core. That may also explain why she opted to start with the maximum permissible nine Indians on Tuesday against Shrachi Bengal Tigers, the same side the Pipers will face in the summit clash. Heavyweights like Lola Riera, Juana Castellaro, Cristina Cosentino, and Priscila Jardel were left on the bench.

“Look, we are in India, and it’s called the Hockey India League for a reason. We want Indian players to shine, and we want them to live their dreams. It’s our responsibility to put them in front. The Indian players are amazing. These are, first of all, super talents. But second of all, they use their voice. They dare to speak up. They dare to share their ideas. And I hope in the future they can have the chance to continue doing that,” Sofie explains.

While on the topic of India’s talent pipeline, Digvijay could not hide his delight over Jyoti Singh’s second goal against JSW Soorma Hockey Club in the seventh match. “It was magical. How Udita (Duhan) won the ball on the right, pushed forward, and passed to Navneet along the touchline. And then Jyoti, Ishika, and (Khaidem Shileima) Chanu combined to dispossess Shihori Oikawa in front of the goal while Sunelita Toppo held off defenders at the far post. Jyoti, Ishika, Chanu, and Toppo are all from the under-21 batch, and they fit in so well in our group. Indian hockey’s future is bright,” he says.

In a group shaped by different cultures and habits, contrasting opinions are inevitable. Sofie’s philosophy, however, has ensured they converge under a shared vision.

Navneet says, “From the very beginning, Sofie has been very careful to make me feel included in the entire process. She considers my opinions. Actually, not just me; she takes into consideration the inputs and POV of all players on the team.”

Sofie’s response is more nuanced. “Well, it’s very simple. We must learn to respect their voice, listen to everybody, and make decisions all together. They’re all human beings. Where they come from is not important. What is important is to create a platform so that they can use their voice. All 20 players can say what they think, and then we make a decision together with a lot of conscience and care. I cannot speak for the others, but what I know is that it works.”

The ‘care’ Sofie speaks of has translated into performances on the field. Last season’s bottom-dweller is now not only leading the pack but has also become the first team to qualify for the final. A side that conceded the most goals in the previous season (13) and scored the fewest (4) has turned the tables, registering the highest tally (9) while conceding the least (4). The Penalty Corner conversion rate has also seen a sharp rise, climbing from 6.7 to 19 per cent.

As the big stage beckons on Saturday, the Pipers may finally be able to put the 2024–25 season behind them and dismiss it as a bad dream. Sofie, however, is careful not to look too far ahead.

“I think for all the players and for the people working around, it’s already very special. But it’s not over yet, and if we want to convert it into a life-changing moment or experience, we will have to win.”

A side that once forgot how to win has learned how not to lose. Hockey fans are not complaining.

Published on Jan 07, 2026