A Promising Start
Philadelphia's Drexel Dragons field hockey program has reason to celebrate as three of its standout athletes earned spots on the 2026 National Field Hockey Coaches Association Collegiate Watch List.
Valentine Van Hellemont, a two‑time CAA Player of the Year and the first Dragon to be named a First Team All‑American by the NFHCA, continues to set a new standard for the university. Her impact goes beyond accolades; last season she co‑led the team in scoring with eight goals and added twelve assists, underscoring her dual threat on the field.
Pili Lemoine, who was selected to the 2025 All‑CAA First Team, returns to the lineup after tying for the team lead in points with eight goals and twelve assists, a performance that helped the Dragons close the previous season strong.
Fleur Hamers, an All‑CAA Second Team selection and All‑Rookie honoree, also earned a Preseason All‑CAA nod after contributing four goals and five assists, signaling that her development is already paying dividends.
Season Opener
The excitement is palpable as the Dragons gear up for their 2026 opener on the road against No. 13 Maryland in College Park. The match, scheduled for August 28 at noon, will be a litmus test for a squad that hopes to translate individual recognition into collective success.
Watch List Implications
Being listed on the NFHCA watch list not only highlights individual excellence but also raises the profile of Drexel’s program on a national stage, attracting attention from recruits and sponsors alike. The coaching staff sees the Maryland encounter as an opportunity to gauge chemistry and fine‑tune strategies before conference play begins.