Monmouth Field Hockey entered the 2026 campaign ranked No. 18 in the Division I National Poll, a preseason designation that underscores the program’s rising stature. The Hawks carry the added weight of being the CAA Preseason No. 1, a testament to the consistency they have shown over the past few years.
A Legacy of CAA Dominance
The team captured its third CAA regular‑season title in four seasons, a feat that has become a hallmark of the program. Last year the Hawks went 5‑0 in conference play, outscoring opponents by a 3.00 goal differential while posting a .862 save percentage. Their offensive engine generated 115 shots and 50 corners, numbers that topped the league and set the stage for another title chase.
Returning almost the entire roster, Monmouth added seven newcomers, including six freshmen and the highly anticipated junior Éabha Curran. Curran, who honed her skills at University College Cork and with Ireland’s U21 side, is expected to inject fresh attacking flair into a unit that already boasts a potent blend of experience and youthful energy.
Key Players to Watch
All‑CAA selections dot the lineup: Florence van Doorn, the 2025 Rookie of the Year, and Eulalie Brouwers, who earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, headline a defensive corps that also features graduate defender Luisa Schlueter. Midfielders Milla Frye and Lilly Ricks, both NFHCA All‑Region honorees, were named to the Preseason All‑CAA list, while forward Claire Campen joins them after a standout 2025 season that earned her regional accolades.
Head coach Carli Figlio, the reigning CAA Coach of the Year, returns with a staff that blends tactical acumen with player development. Figlio’s leadership helped the team secure seven top‑20 victories in the past six seasons, a streak that fuels the current optimism.
The season opened with a 4‑2 win over Rutgers, snapping a six‑game losing streak against the Scarlet Knights and delivering a historic home victory that set a positive tone for the schedule. The win also marked the first time in seven years that Monmouth opened its campaign with a home triumph.
Looking Ahead
With a favorable home slate that includes matchups against Delaware and Rider before a road test at Temple, the Hawks are positioned to build momentum. The ultimate goal remains a postseason trophy, the first since the program joined the CAA in 2022. If the early performances are any indication, the path toward that ambition is already taking shape.