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ABOUT US
Who We Are
Steve D’Elia
President
Steve D'Elia is the President of the Philadelphia Hockey Academy (PHA). Before starting PHA in 2018, Steve had a 26-year career in finance.
Grateful for his opportunities, Steve's career in finance included leadership roles at AQR Capital, Magnetar Capital, BNP Paribas, and CooperNeff. He has managed successful teams of talented people and large-scale businesses with global budgets. His international and cultural experiences from living and working in Sydney, Australia; Paris, France; and Bermuda have shaped his approach to leadership and development, providing him with a unique perspective on building successful, diverse teams.
Steve and his wife have raised four children, all of whom played hockey into college. His two oldest sons played club hockey at Duquesne and Penn State, while his daughter and youngest son currently compete at the NCAA level (D1 at RMU and D3 at Manhattanville, respectively).
Steve's deep personal connection to hockey and family life has profoundly influenced his commitment to creating a nurturing environment at PHA for future generations of hockey players. This dedication is a personal mission that drives him daily. His vision of having alumni return to PHA after completing their college or professional careers to join the organization reflects his unwavering dedication and plans for the future. This open invitation not only aims to provide fulfilling careers for alumni when they retire from playing but also allows them to pay it forward and stay connected to the game they love.
Steve's goal is to expand PHA while maintaining its family-centered, small-business feel. By ensuring PHA students never become just a number, Steve and the team remain true to the core values and mission of PHA, preserving the close-knit, supportive environment that defines its success.
Christine D'Elia
Director of Academics
Christine D'Elia is the Director of Academics at the Philadelphia Hockey Academy (PHA), where she has been a pivotal figure for the past six years. Instrumental in developing the role of the Learning Coach at PHA, Christine has brought structure, discipline, and a nurturing environment to the classroom while also training other Learning Coaches in the subtleties of the role. Under her guidance, PHA student-athletes excel as independent learners, leaders, and masters of time management.
Christine's journey began as she accompanied her husband to Sydney, Australia, and Paris, France, where she supported his expatriate career and welcomed their first two children. Upon returning to the United States, Christine and her husband had two more children, and she dedicated herself to being a stay-at-home mom. However, the pull of hockey for her two older boys, and ultimately all four, transformed her into a full-time hockey mom, managing the chaos of raising four children with only five years between the oldest and youngest. Her evenings and weekends were filled with practices and games, a period that unknowingly prepared her for her current role at PHA.
Christine stepped into PHA on day one and immediately took control of the classroom, shaping it into what it is today. She finds fulfillment in her role, playing an integral part in helping PHA student-athletes thrive in a supportive environment where everyone feels like family. Her contributions have been essential to creating a nurturing, structured, and disciplined academic atmosphere at PHA, ensuring that each student-athlete can excel both academically and athletically.