COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The National Field Hockey Coaches Association announced its 2026 Division I Preseason Watchlist, which included 14 total Mid-American Conference student-athletes.

UMass lead the way for the conference as six Minutewomen were named to this year’s list. App State, Bellarmine, and Ohio all followed with two student-athletes apiece while Central Michigan and James Madison each added one selection.

The 2026 NFHCA Watchlist recognizes field hockey student-athletes who have demonstrated a high level of achievement and are considered among those with strong potential for NFHCA All-Region and All-American consideration this season.

Student-athletes were nominated by their NFHCA member coaches and must have earned qualifying field hockey recognition within the previous two years. Qualifying honors include NFHCA All-Region, NFHCA All-America, All-Conference, Senior Nexus Championship selection, NCAA All-Tournament Team, or selection to a U.S. National or international team roster.

The Watchlist is intended to highlight returning and emerging standouts entering the 2026 season. Selection does not guarantee future NFHCA postseason recognition.

The full list of MAC Players on this season's watchlist can be found below:
 

2026 NFHCA DI Preseason Watchlist
Sophia Baxter, Senior, Defender, App State
Calista Schwartz, Senior, Midfielder/Defender, App State
Amy Stripling, Sophomore, Midfielder/Defender, Bellarmine
Luna Tuncay, Junior, Midfielder/Defender, Bellarmine
Mora Rulli, Sophomore, Midfielder, Central Michigan
Brynna Hill, Senior, Midfielder, James Madison
Emily Barrett, Sophomore, Forward, Massachusetts
Chiara Curcio, Junior, Defender, Massachusetts
Amber Fairon, First-Year, Forward, Massachusetts
Cara Falconer, Junior, Midfielder, Massachusetts
Niamh McKenzie, Graduate Student, Forward, Massachusetts
Elani Sherwood, Junior, Forward, Massachusetts
Tiana Nhamoinesu, Sophomore, Forward, Ohio
Iona Roderick, Sophomore, Midfielder, Ohio