The 2026 NCAA Division II field hockey campaign is set to be one of the most dynamic in recent memory. With a wave of new programs entering the fray and reigning powers looking to extend their dominance, fans can expect a season filled with high‑stakes matchups and breakout performances.
Defending Champions Eye Another Crown
Shippensburg University enters the season as the reigning NCAA Division II champions, chasing what would be their seventh title. Under the steady guidance of head coach Rayell Wallace, the team boasts a blend of experience and talent, highlighted by captains McKenna Boyle and Kayla Snyder. Returning star Rayell Wallace, who has already led the program to multiple PSAC Championships and All‑American honors, anchors a squad that looks poised to defend its crown.
Newberry College, fresh off a historic run that culminated in the 2025 NCAA championship game, returns with a vengeance. Parker Keeler, the 2025 NFHCA Player of the Year, headlines a talented roster, while her twin sister Payton Keeler, the 2025 SAC Tournament MVP, adds depth and versatility. The Keeler duo will be central to Newberry’s pursuit of its first national title.
Emerging Programs and Coaching Changes
Dominican University of New York is making its Division II debut, joining the East Coast Conference (ECC). The program has appointed Evan Drauschak, formerly of Marian University (DIII), as its new head coach. Drauschak brings a proven track record of rapid development, and his arrival signals a promising start for the new entrant.
Kutztown University, a semifinalist in 2025, returns with a core of First Team All‑Americans Olivia Kirkpatrick, Julia Traynor, and Marissa Rice. The Bears also welcome back Tess Adolf, a key contributor from the previous season, and look to translate their record‑setting win streak into another deep tournament run.
Assumption University finished the 2025 campaign with a 13‑7 record, falling just short in the NE10 Semifinals and the NCAA Quarterfinals. The team’s blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent positions them as a dark horse in the upcoming season.
A Deepening Competitive Landscape
Beyond the headline programs, a host of other schools are poised to make noise. West Chester University, with its own returning talent, aims to climb the conference rankings, while the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) and Northeast 10 Conference (NE10) regions promise tightly contested matchups. The presence of multiple All‑American athletes across the board — such as Emma Albee, Lilly Cantabene, Agus Garibaldi, Gianna Funari, Veerle Hersman, Sofia Brown, Daisy Stone, Julia Carbone, Ayanda Mangenah, Amber Tozana, and Hannah Dave — ensures a rich tapestry of skill and competition throughout the schedule.
As the season unfolds, the interplay of established powerhouses and ambitious newcomers will define the narrative of Division II field hockey. Whether it is Shippensburg’s quest for a seventh title, Newberry’s pursuit of its first championship, or the rise of Dominican University, the 2026 season promises to cement the sport’s growing prestige and competitive depth.