The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) has released its 2026 Division I Watchlist, a preseason snapshot that spotlights the most promising student‑athletes across the nation. This year, nine individuals from the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) earned the honor, a testament to the conference’s growing competitiveness and the quality of its programs.
Conference Leaders and Representation
Three CAA programs — Towson, Drexel and Fairfield — were represented on the 212‑player watchlist drawn from 64 Division I institutions. Towson stood out with four selections, followed by Drexel with three and Fairfield with two, illustrating how each school contributes distinct strengths to the league’s overall profile.
Among the highlighted athletes, Drexel’s midfield standout Valentine Van Hellemont emerged as one of the most potent offensive threats, recording eight goals and 28 points during the 2025 season. Teammates Pili Lemoine and Fleur Hamers added further depth, with Lemoine contributing 28 points and 12 assists, and Hamers tallying four goals and five assists as a sophomore.
Fairfield’s duo, Noor Hellemans and Catalina Ness, also made notable impacts. Hellemans appeared in all 21 games, finishing with two goals and seven assists for 11 points, while Ness recorded a goal and six assists, accumulating eight points. Their contributions reflect the balanced attacking options the Stags bring to the field.
Towson’s selections — Lydia Bennett, Olivia Miller, Anouk Westerink and Ann Njoroge — were recognized for a blend of defensive solidity and midfield versatility. Bennett’s two goals and four assists, Miller’s two assists, Westerink’s four goals and 30 shots, and Njoroge’s all‑around presence underscore the Tigers’ well‑rounded skill set.
The watchlist selections are not merely statistical acknowledgments; they are the result of nominations by NFHCA member coaches who require each candidate to have demonstrated qualifying performance in the previous two seasons. This process ensures that only athletes who have already proven themselves at a high level are considered for future stardom.