The Alvernia Golden Wolves field hockey program enters the 2026 campaign with a sense of continuity that stretches back nearly three decades, a legacy built under the steady guidance of Coach Cody Savitsky.
Savitsky, who returned to the helm after a period of transition, emphasizes relationship‑building with his roster and the preservation of the culture that has defined the program since its early years.
Building on a Legacy
Among the returnees are junior forward Ava Michael, the 2025 MAC Player of the Year, who led the team with 18 goals and five assists for a total of 41 points, and senior captain Caroline Martin, who contributed 11 goals and three assists in her final season.
Midfielder Kelsy McClintock, an All‑MAC Commonwealth Second Team selection, also returns, bringing 21 points from eight goals and five assists, while defensive stalwarts Sarah Schaffer and Sofia Mollura anchor a back line that posted a 1.79 goals‑against average and held opponents to a .140 shot percentage last year.
The schedule promises a mix of rematches and fresh challenges, beginning with a September 1 showdown against Gettysburg College, a team that edged the Wolves in a 3‑2 overtime thriller a year ago, and continuing with contests against Franklin & Marshall, Kean University, York College and Neumann University before concluding with an October 31 clash with Widener.
Coach Savitsky believes the blend of experienced leadership and a defensive foundation will give the Wolves the confidence to push beyond the 8‑11 record they posted in 2025 and to compete with the top‑ranked programs in the MAC Commonwealth.