The 2026 field hockey season kicked off for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons with a pair of home contests that placed the team at the center of the new ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Ranked No. 7 in the preseason poll, the squad opened with a showdown against Iowa on August 28 before welcoming Michigan two days later on August 30.
A milestone for the program
Coach Jen Averill, now in her 34th year at the helm, is poised to reach a personal landmark. With nine victories separating her from 450 career wins, Averill’s longevity has helped shape the program’s identity and sustain its competitive edge.
The roster returns five of the top point‑scorers from the 2025 campaign, including Mia Schoenbeck, who finished the season with 51 points, and Lauren Storey, who contributed 34. Alongside them, Mia Montag, Sarah Mudd and Faye Janse provide depth, while eight freshmen from seven different countries have arrived to add international flair.
Two exhibition matches gave a glimpse of the team’s firepower. In a 5‑4 thriller against Iowa, Ava Moore and Sarah Mudd each found the net, and a 3‑2 victory over North Carolina saw the same duo combine for decisive goals. The early scoring bursts underscore the offensive potential that the coaching staff expects to carry into the regular season.
Individual accolades have already begun to accumulate. Schoenbeck was named the 2026 ACC Offensive Player of the Year, Montag earned Defensive Player of the Year, and Reabetswe Phume was crowned ACC Freshman of the Year. Senior Mia Schoenbeck also earned a spot on the U.S. Women’s National Team, contributing a game‑sealing goal in a 3‑2 win over Scotland at the 2026 FIH World Cup.
Fans will have ample chances to experience the action at Kentner Stadium, where the Demon Deacons remained unbeaten at home last season with a 10‑0 record. The schedule offers ten home dates, promising a lively atmosphere as the team looks to extend its winning streak and contend for Big Ten supremacy.