The Big Ten Conference has unveiled its 2026 field hockey watch list, a 27‑player roster that spotlights rising talent and established stars ahead of the upcoming season.
Key Contenders
Northwestern Wildcats standouts Ashley Sessa and Ilse Tromp lead the group, having been recognized as Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year on the 2025 All‑Big Ten First Team.
The watch list also features seven returning All‑Americans, including Inés Garcia Prado, Dionne van Aalsum, Fréderique van Cleef from Indiana, Josie Hollamon of Maryland, Olivia Bent‑Cole, and the aforementioned Sessa and Tromp.
Season Outlook
The 2026 season opens on Friday, with five Big Ten programs ranked in the Penn Monto/NFHCA National Coaches Poll, and Northwestern arrives as the nation’s top‑ranked team after securing back‑to‑back NCAA championships.
Conference officials say the depth of talent on the watch list reflects the growing competitiveness of collegiate field hockey across the Big Ten, promising an exciting year for fans and athletes alike.