A Fresh Era for Rider Field Hockey
Rider University’s field hockey program is entering its second year under head coach Gina Carey‑Smith, a former All‑America player who previously honed her craft at Florence High School and The College of New Jersey. The departure of top scorers Valeria Perales and Semra Said has opened space for a new mix of talent, but the coaching staff remains confident that the roster’s depth will carry the team forward.
Returning standout Emma Bonshak, who contributed six goals and three assists in the 2025 campaign, is expected to anchor the offense alongside teammates such as Sam Connolly, Ang Borisow and Hailey Hoffman. Their experience, combined with the leadership of seniors Kate Mahmud and the emerging roles of captains Bonshak, Borisow and Mahmud, should provide stability as the squad adjusts.
The arrival of a 10‑player freshman class adds another layer of excitement. Names like Alexandra Goins, Ella Lewis, Caroline Mauer and Addison McConnell are slated to see early action, bringing fresh energy and competitive drive to daily training sessions.
Coach Gina Carey‑Smith’s Approach
The schedule kicks off with road contests against Hofstra and Colgate before the team hosts Georgetown at Ben Cohen Field on September 20. After a stretch of seven consecutive away games, the home opener offers a chance to rally the fan base and showcase the program’s progress.
Coach Carey‑Smith emphasizes fundamentals, defensive organization and incremental improvement rather than chasing preseason rankings. She notes that the team is currently placed fourth in the Northeast Conference preseason poll, trailing Wagner, Quinnipiac and Sacred Heart, but she prefers to let the work speak for itself.
By blending veteran savvy with the promise of youthful talent, Rider aims to close the gap between potential and performance. The daily focus on small gains, mentorship of returning players and the infusion of fresh perspectives could prove decisive as the season unfolds.