Vermont’s field hockey program reached a milestone this week as league coaches named the Catamounts the preseason favorite for the 2026 America East tournament. The selection marks the first time in school history that the team has been tabbed the outright favorite in the coaches’ poll, underscoring the rapid rise of a program that has already tasted success on the national stage.
The accolade follows a breakthrough 2025 campaign in which Vermont shared its first regular‑season title and hosted the America East Tournament for the first time. That season also produced a trio of standout performances that have set high expectations for the upcoming year.
Preseason Honors
Among the honorees, senior forward Alicia Battistelli earned a first‑team All‑Conference nod after posting 20 points (nine goals, two assists) last season, while junior midfielder Consu De Castro secured a second‑team spot with 17 points (seven goals, three assists). Freshman Veerle Nijhuis was double‑crowned, taking home Rookie of the Year and earning spots on both the All‑Rookie and All‑Conference second teams after contributing 16 points (seven goals, two assists).
The preseason poll, compiled by league head coaches who were prohibited from voting for their own squads or student‑athletes, saw Vermont and UAlbany tied at 21 points, with Vermont receiving three first‑place votes and UAlbany one. UMass Lowell followed in third with 16 points and two first‑place votes, while Maine, New Hampshire and Bryant rounded out the rankings.
Looking Forward
The Catamounts will begin the 2026 regular season on August 28 at 3 p.m., hosting Northeastern at Moulton Winder Field in Burlington. The matchup promises to be a test of the team’s depth and the new talent that earned preseason recognition, and it will be the first of many opportunities for the program to translate its early‑season momentum into conference play.
With a blend of veteran leadership and fresh talent, the squad aims to convert its early‑season promise into a sustained push for the America East title, giving fans a compelling reason to watch the Catamounts’ historic journey unfold.