The UMass Lowell field hockey program is gearing up for the 2026 season, entering with a blend of senior leadership and a wave of fresh talent that could reshape its fortunes.
A Season of Transition
Ranked third in the America East Preseason Coaches’ Poll, the River Hawks hope to translate that optimism into on‑field success under head coach Shannon LeBlanc, who is entering her 25th year at the university.
LeBlanc says the team’s energy and preparedness are evident as they fine‑tune passing, receiving and high‑intensity play during preseason workouts.
The roster returns key contributors such as senior midfielders Christina Wagner and Alice Van Hemelen, forward Karli Penrod, and both starting goalkeepers Veerle Mous and Megan MacMiller, who combined for a .679 save percentage last year.
Freshmen Sophia Setouhi, Ella Sluder, Shaye Lastella, Kendal Leeland, Sophie Han and Mae Kemps will add depth, while the team opens the season with a road trip that includes matches against Stanford, UC Davis, Harvard and Massachusetts before returning home to host Stanford on August 28.
The early schedule is designed to test the squad against both winnable and reachable opponents, building fundamentals that will be crucial when America East conference play begins.
With a focus on team connection and goal‑scoring improvement, the River Hawks aim to improve on their 8‑10 record from 2025 and climb higher than the third‑place preseason projection.