Season Outlook
The IUP Crimson Hawks open the 2026 field hockey season with a preseason ranking of eighth in the PSAC coaches poll, a position that reflects both promise and the challenge of a new leadership era.
Stephen Hamill, the program’s first-year head coach, takes the reins after a 2025 campaign that saw the Hawks clinch a historic road win over West Chester and secure a postseason berth for the third time since 2021.
The roster will miss All-American attacker Jess Davidson, who finished the previous season with 12 goals, but the team retains scoring threats in senior Lilly Fringer and sophomore Hayven Mumma, each of whom earned All-PSAC honors after netting five goals apiece.
Between them, six returning athletes contributed multiple goals last year, and goalkeeper Celeste Pagliaroli posted a 1.16 goals-against average with 50 saves, starting every game in 2025.
The schedule kicks off with road matches at Wingate University and Belmont Abbey in North Carolina before the Hawks host D'Youville on September 12, a home debut that fans hope will spark early momentum.
Coach Hamill emphasizes building on the road victory and the experience of his core players as the team looks to translate preseason optimism into a competitive season.