The Mid‑Atlantic Conference’s preseason coaches’ poll has placed the James Madison University field hockey team fourth, awarding them 60 points. The ranking reflects both the program’s recent momentum and the high expectations placed on the squad heading into the 2026 campaign.
Preseason Rankings
Miami leads the poll with 81 points, while the University of Massachusetts follows in second with 73. Each of those programs earned a first‑place vote, underscoring the depth of competition within the conference.
James Madison’s 12‑8 record from the previous season, coupled with a 6‑3 conference slate, earned them a pair of MAC Tournament Semifinal appearances in consecutive years. That consistency has helped cement their reputation as a rising force.
The Dukes will field a roster anchored by returning standouts Ava Drexler‑Amey, who earned All‑MAC Second Team honors, and Puck Jansen, a freshman who made the All‑MAC Freshman Team. Their experience should provide a solid foundation for the upcoming schedule.
Early Schedule and Coaching Vision
First‑year head coach Alyssa Parker Rosenblum will guide the team through a challenging opening stretch that includes Conference Cup matchups against Temple and Drexel. Those early games are seen as critical barometers for the squad’s title aspirations.
Beyond the immediate matchups, both Miami and Massachusetts are also positioned inside the top 15 of the NFHCA preseason poll, suggesting that the conference’s overall strength will be a major factor in the Dukes’ path to success.
With a blend of veteran leadership, fresh talent, and a coach eager to imprint her vision, James Madison hopes to translate early momentum into a deeper tournament run. The combination of experience and ambition sets the stage for an exciting season ahead.