A New Chapter for Princeton Women's Hockey
Princeton University’s women’s hockey program has long been a magnet for elite talent, a reputation built on championship pedigrees and a pipeline that regularly feeds the Professional Women’s Hockey League and international competition. The Tigers have consistently turned collegiate standouts into professional stars, and the current recruiting cycle continues that tradition.
The latest wave of recruits underscores that legacy, introducing a pair of sisters whose family name is already etched into the Tigers’ storied history. Their mother, Alison Coughlin, reached the Patty Kazmaier final twice at Princeton, and their father was once an NHL draft pick, while another sister, Anne, skates for Dartmouth. This deep-rooted connection to the program adds a compelling narrative to their arrival.
Caroline Averill will join the varsity squad for the 2026‑27 season, with her younger sister Maggie following a year later. Maggie arrives after a breakout junior campaign in which she captained the USA’s U‑18 national team to gold and earned Best Defender honors at the U‑18 World Championship. She also recorded 20 goals and 52 points for Philips Academy Andover, showcasing a blend of offensive flair and defensive reliability that promises to strengthen Princeton’s blue line.
Adding to the excitement, Christina Scalese, a two‑time U‑18 World Championship medalist and 2026 gold‑medalist with the U.S. roster, will enroll as a top‑tier playmaker. She honed her game at Assabet Valley and posted five points in six games at the 2026 Worlds, earning a reputation for vision, passing precision, and clutch performances that could immediately impact Princeton’s offensive schemes.
The class also features standout forwards such as Iris Cheng, Chloe Brinson, and Lia Cericola, ensuring that Princeton’s attack will be both balanced and deep. These recruits join a program that, despite recent departures, maintains a robust talent pool and a history of producing players who make immediate impacts at the professional level.
Anticipating the 2026‑27 Campaign
With the incoming talent, head coach Cara Morey is poised to blend veteran leadership with fresh energy, aiming to contend for another ECAC title and to extend the Tigers’ streak of producing players who transition smoothly to the professional ranks. The upcoming season promises a dynamic mix of experience and youthful vigor, setting the stage for another compelling chapter in Princeton women’s hockey.