Preseason Forecast
The Mid‑American Conference announced its 2026 preseason poll for women’s field hockey, crowning the Miami RedHawks as the overwhelming favorite. The RedHawks collected 81 points and secured nine of the ten first‑place votes, signaling strong expectations from coaches and sports information directors.
Following Miami, the UMass Minutewomen earned 73 points and one first‑place vote, placing them second, while Appalachian State climbed to third with 62 points. Kent State and Ohio rounded out the top six with 44 and 42 points respectively, setting a competitive landscape for the upcoming campaign.
The 2026 season will officially begin on August 28, a date that marks the start of a schedule that will culminate with the MAC Field Hockey Championship in Oxford, Ohio, from November 4‑7. Miami University will serve as the host institution for the tournament, showcasing the region’s growing commitment to the sport.
Beyond conference play, the RedHawks enter the national conversation ranked tenth in the NFHCA Division I preseason poll. The coaching staff and players are targeting their ninth straight regular‑season title and a tenth consecutive tournament championship, a feat that would cement their dynasty in the Mid‑American Conference.
The team’s recent highlight came in the 2025 MAC Tournament final, where they edged UMass 2‑1 in double overtime. That victory not only delivered the program’s latest regular‑season crown but also propelled them to the NCAA Elite Eight for the second consecutive year, underscoring their ability to perform under pressure.
Looking Ahead
As the first whistle blows in late August, the RedHawks will rely on a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. Their schedule features non‑conference matchups against traditional powerhouses, providing early tests that could shape their postseason aspirations. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether Miami can translate preseason optimism into another championship run.