The Big Ten Conference has announced its preseason watch list, spotlighting three Rutgers field hockey athletes who are expected to lead the Scarlet Knights' push in the 2026 season. The recognition underscores the program's rising profile and the individual talents that have earned national attention.
Preseason Highlights
Anna Cogdell, a junior forward from Badingham, England, enters the season after starting all 35 collegiate appearances. She contributed three goals and six assists while earning All‑Big Ten Freshman honors in 2024, and she continues to collect academic accolades including spots on the Academic All‑Big Ten and NFHCA Academic Squads.
Martha Goodridge, a sophomore midfielder from Marlow, England, was a key member of the 2024 squad that captured the Big Ten All‑Freshman Team. Known for her versatility, she netted four goals and added two assists, highlighted by a game‑winning overtime goal against Ohio State that illustrated her clutch performance under pressure.
Emily Nicholls, the team’s goalkeeper from Haddon Heights, New Jersey, anchored a defense that posted a 1.61 goals‑against average and a 78.8% save percentage. Her 108 saves rank third in program history since 2006 and place her sixth nationally in save percentage, earning her a spot on the U‑21 Team USA roster.
The Scarlet Knights are slated to open the 2026 schedule with road contests against Monmouth on Friday and Wagner on Sunday. The team is currently ranked No. 17 in the preseason NFHCA Coaches Poll, reflecting cautious optimism among coaches and analysts.
Beyond individual stats, the trio’s recognitions illustrate a broader trend of Rutgers’ growing competitiveness within the Big Ten. Their blend of on‑field impact and academic excellence aligns with the university’s emphasis on developing well‑rounded student‑athletes.