Ali Desloge: All in at Aim
For 20 years, Aim Field Hockey has worked to build confident young athletes on and off the field. Few people represent that mission more than Ali Desloge — who has been part of Aim since the very beginning as a coach and who now also proudly cheers as a parent on the sidelines.
Ali fell in love with field hockey in high school at MICDS and quickly turned that passion into coaching when she returned home from college. She launched her career at Whitfield School, moving from JV to varsity head coach within a year. Today, Ali still actively coaches at Aim and extends her talents to the John Burroughs JV team as their head coach.
When Aim was just getting started, Ali would do weekly strategy sessions over coffee with Aim owner and director, Lauren. Those early meetings became the foundation of the club we know today.
“From the moment I heard Lauren speak about the type of program she wanted to start, one that would truly develop young women into superior athletes but more so superior people who would compete at high a level while always being held accountable and holding others accountable, I knew I wanted to be a part of Aim.”
Throughout the two decades, Ali has coached at every age group and every level — from Little Divots to U19, from Pumpkin Classic to NIT, Sunshine Showcase, RCC and more. But her favorite part lies in the relationships.
“One thing that I have taken away from coaching at Aim is that it is so important to meet kids where they are,” she said. “Each person is so different and what works for one person may not for another. And I have learned that if I don’t really get to know each player I can not be the best coach for them. This is important in every relationship in my life.”
Over the years, she has watched young athletes learn new skills, push through challenges, and then go on to thrive in high school and college. Those moments bring her the greatest joy. But what also brings her joy is her experiences with Aim as a mom. Her daughter, Finnley, has grown up with Aim and recently committed to Boston College for the Fall of 2027.
“As a parent, I am always proud to say that my daughter plays for Aim,” she said. “In the community, that means she plays with heart, and passion, and integrity. And, it also means that she will always be a part of a program that will support her the rest of her life.”
Ask Ali what Aim means, and her answer is simple: family. She sees it in the stands, on the field, at every carpool and celebration — players and parents who genuinely care for one another, without rivalry or ego. Aim doesn’t just shape athletes. It shapes leaders, teammates, and forms lifelong friendships.
“There are many ways that I could describe Aim to other people,” she said. “But, the first word I would use is family. I love the friendships I have established with so many different people from around St. Louis through Aim. And, I am forever grateful for the dear friends and mentors that Finnley has made in each grade and at each school. Her “Aim Family” spans so many classes and so many schools, and each of those friends has contributed so much to her success and love of the sport.”
