A Milestone Schedule for a Dynasty in the Making
Northwestern University’s field hockey program has released its 2026 schedule, a slate that blends a historic home presence with a rigorous non‑conference road trip. The announcement comes as the Wildcats prepare to defend back‑to‑back national titles that have placed them among the elite in the sport.
Opening the Campaign at Home
The campaign opens on August 28 at Lakeside Field in Evanston, where the team will host VCU and Lafayette in its first weekend of play. Free admission will be offered to all fans for every regular‑season home game, underscoring the program’s commitment to community engagement.
After the opening weekend, the Wildcats will travel to Boston to meet Duke and Boston College, then head westward for a three‑game stretch against Stanford, California and UC Davis from September 17‑20. Those matches will test the squad against some of the nation’s top programs before conference play begins.
Big Ten Battles and Tournament Road
Big Ten competition kicks off on September 25 when Michigan State visits Evanston, followed by road trips to Ohio State and Michigan and a home showdown with Iowa on October 9. The schedule also includes a rematch with Princeton on October 11, a repeat of the 2025 championship final, and later home games against Maryland and Rutgers on October 22 and 25.
The regular season will close on the road at Penn State on October 30, after which the 2026 Big Ten Field Hockey Tournament will be staged in Columbus, Ohio, from November 5‑8. The NCAA Tournament’s first and second rounds are slated for November 13‑15, with the championship weekend set for November 20‑22 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Leading the charge is a coaching staff that has been named national coaching staff of the year for three consecutive seasons. Tracey Fuchs, Georgia Holland and Will Byrne bring a blend of experience and innovation that has helped the Wildcats qualify for seven straight NCAA Tournaments and reach five consecutive championship games.
The 2025 campaign marked the program’s first title sweep, capped by a 2‑1 double‑overtime victory over Princeton in the national final. With a tradition of excellence and a schedule that balances home comforts with challenging away trips, the Wildcats are poised to add another chapter to their storied legacy.