The National Field Hockey Coaches Association has released its watchlist for the upcoming 2026 Division I season, and Villanova’s program is well represented with four of its players earning recognition.
A Watchlist of Talent
Ava Borkowski, a graduate student who anchored the Wildcats’ attack in 2025, paced the team with nine goals, 18 points and 37 shots, earning BIG EAST Co‑Offensive Player of the Year and a spot on the All‑BIG EAST First Team. She was also named Preseason BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year, underscoring her impact before the new campaign even began.
On the other side of the ball, defensive stalwarts Gemma Lysaght and Molly Zimmerman helped the team hold opponents to a .173 shot percentage. Lysaght contributed eight points with two goals and four assists during her junior year, while Zimmerman started 17 of 18 games and added four assists from the back line.
Freshman Impact
Freshman Aimee Largoza made an immediate mark, recording her first career goal against La Salle and appearing in every game off the bench, a promising start for the newcomer.
Season Opener
Villanova will open the 2026 schedule with matches against Delaware on August 28 and La Salle on August 30, giving the newly recognized cohort a chance to translate watchlist recognition into on‑field results.