Rutgers' field hockey program has named six student‑athletes to the 2026 NFHCA Collegiate Watch List, a preseason honor that spotlights the Scarlet Knights' depth and talent as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
Preseason Watch List Highlights
Senior goalkeeper Emily Nicholls returns after a standout year in which she started all 18 games, posting a 1.61 goals‑against average and a 78.8% save percentage that placed her second in the Big Ten for saves per game and third for overall save rate.
Anna Cogdell, a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and England U‑21 international, earns a second consecutive spot on the watch list, underscoring her blend of academic excellence and on‑field impact.
Olivia Fraticelli leads the returning scorers with 11 goals and 24 points last season, marking the third RU player since 2009 to reach double‑digit goals in a single year.
Samantha Arnold broke into the starting lineup midway through her freshman year, appearing in nine games, while Talia Schenck brings 27 collegiate points — 10 goals and seven assists — and earned two‑time All‑Ivy and Second Team All‑Region honors in 2024.
Season Opener Schedule
The Scarlet Knights open the 2026 schedule on the road, traveling to face Monmouth on Friday before heading to Wagner on Sunday, a pair of matches that will test the early chemistry of a squad ranked No. 17 in the preseason NFHCA Coaches Poll.