A fresh start for the Scarlet Knights
The Rutgers field hockey program is gearing up for the 2026 season after a solid 2025 campaign that delivered nine victories and an RPI of 19. Head coach Meredith Civico, now in her 15th year at the helm, is poised to become the second coach in program history to reach 150 career wins. The Scarlet Knights will face a demanding schedule that includes the ACC‑Big Ten Challenge, where they will host Virginia, Syracuse and Ohio State, as well as perennial powers Princeton and UConn.
Civico’s tenure has been marked by three NCAA Tournament appearances and a 2021 Big Ten Tournament championship. This season, the team will rely on a mix of experience and youthful energy, with eight players from last year’s roster moving on, including two all‑Big Ten selections, Puck Winter and Paulina Niklaus.
Returning stars such as Olivia Fraticelli, who contributed 11 goals last season, and Sophie Kuiper, who added eight, will anchor the attack. The leadership group also includes Olivia Beattie, who will serve as a captain alongside Fraticelli and Kuiper, emphasizing culture and cohesion as new faces integrate into the squad.
A notable rule change this year replaces the previous 7‑on‑7 overtime format with an 11‑on‑11 single 15‑minute period before shootouts, a shift that could influence close games. The team’s only overtime victory last season came in a double‑overtime win over Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament, highlighting the potential impact of the new structure.
The upcoming schedule also features the return of nine newcomers, comprising five freshmen, two transfers and several international athletes with collegiate experience. Freshmen Martha Goodridge and Emily Nicholls, both members of the Big Ten All‑Freshman Team, are expected to contribute significantly, with Nicholls boasting a top‑ten save percentage in her debut year.
Beyond competition, the Scarlet Knights will host Youth Field Hockey Days and celebrate the 2021 Big Ten Tournament championship team on October 18 against Michigan State. The preseason focus has been on building chemistry, maintaining consistency and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead, with the ultimate goal of translating early‑season progress into major achievements during the 2026 campaign.