Coach Justine Sowry, now in her sixteenth year at the helm, has become a constant in a program that has grown from a modest start to a national contender. Under her guidance the Cardinals have earned nine NCAA tournament berths, three of which reached the quarterfinals, and even a 2020 semifinal run that still resonates with fans.
The 2025 campaign closed at 8‑10, but the finish line was far from a disappointment. The team captured the ACC Championship quarterfinals and finished the season with a roster that returns sixteen letterwinners, among them Annabel Sep, an all‑ACC selection, and Lauren Masters, a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team U‑21 squad.
This year’s influx of talent brings eight fresh faces, many of whom hail from the Louisville area. Tyler Everslage, Megan Mauzy, Tatum Bohnert, Riley Guy and Reese Johnson are expected to add depth and youthful energy as the squad looks to build on last season’s momentum.
A Home‑Court Finale
The excitement extends beyond the regular schedule. Trager Stadium will serve as the venue for the 2026 NCAA Field Hockey Championship from November 20‑22, marking the seventh time the Cardinals’ home field has hosted the event. The tournament will open with a preseason scrimmage against Bellarmine on August 19, followed by the official season opener against Miami (Ohio) on August 28.
With a blend of seasoned veterans, rising local stars and the added prestige of a home championship, the Cardinals are poised to make a strong impression. Coach Sowry’s long‑term vision, coupled with the program’s recent successes, suggests that the 2026 season could be one of the most compelling chapters in Louisville field hockey history.