Monmouth’s Preseason Surge
Monmouth University entered the 2026 season as the clear favorite in the Coastal Athletic Association, capturing the top spot in the preseason poll and securing four of the conference’s eleven All-CAA slots. The Hawks followed that momentum by completing an undefeated regular-season slate in conference play, finishing 5-0 and clinching their third regular-season title in four years, though their championship run was halted by a narrow loss to Drexel in the title game.
Standout Honorees
The accolades highlighted the depth of talent on the roster, with senior defender Eulalie Brouwers earning both a spot on the All-CAA team and the league’s inaugural Defensive Player of the Year award. Junior forward Claire Campen, hailing from Pennsylvania, paced the offense with 12 goals and 24 points, while German midfielder Milla Frye topped the CAA with 76 shots, underscoring her pivotal role in the midfield.
Sophomore defender Florence van Doorn, a native of the Netherlands, was recognized as the CAA Rookie of the Year and also earned All-CAA honors, rounding out a defensive unit that returns virtually intact from the previous season. The team’s continuity, which includes all six All-CAA selections from last year, positions the Hawks as a formidable contender heading into the postseason.
While Drexel also garnered three preseason selections, including CAA Preseason Player of the Year Valentine Van Hellemont, Monmouth’s blend of defensive solidity and offensive firepower remains unmatched in the conference. The coaching staff’s confidence in retaining the core group suggests that the Hawks will look to translate their regular-season dominance into a championship bid.