The Wake Forest University field hockey team, currently ranked No. 7 nationally, will welcome Ohio University to Kentner Stadium this Sunday at 12 p.m. ET, reviving a rivalry that last met in 2023.
Historic Rivalry Revived
Since 1990 the Demon Deacons hold an 8‑2‑1 edge over the Bobcats, and they edged out Ohio 2‑1 in their most recent encounter, underscoring a long‑standing dominance that continues to shape the matchup.
Key contributors are already making early-season impacts; seniors Ava Moore and Rory Heslin scored their first goals of the year in the home opener against Iowa, while freshman Bianca Rees‑Gibbs found the net for the first time in her collegiate career during the same game.
Star Power Takes Center Stage
Senior Mia Schoenbeck, the reigning ACC Offensive Player of the Year and a former USA World Cup participant, will make her season debut against Ohio after netting two goals at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, adding a layer of international experience to the lineup.
Freshman Amelia Blood also recorded her first career goal against Michigan from a penalty corner, and Mia Montag, the 2025 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, opened her season with a penalty‑corner strike versus Michigan, while Lena Keller and Mia Montag contributed to bronze‑medal performances with Team Germany at the EuroHockey U21 Women’s Championship.
Coach Averill Nears Milestone
Veteran Coach Jen Averill, a nine‑time ACC Coach of the Year in her 34th season, stands eight wins away from reaching 450 career victories, a testament to her sustained excellence and the program’s stability.
The schedule also guarantees eight home contests at Kentner Stadium, providing a familiar backdrop for fans and a platform for rising star Reabetswe Phume, the ACC Freshman of the Year, to re‑enter the lineup after a promising start.
Beyond the ACC, the program’s profile is elevated by participation in global events; Mia Montag and Lena Keller earned bronze medals with Germany at the EuroHockey U21 Women’s Championship, while Mia Schoenbeck represented the United States at the FIH Hockey World Cup, highlighting the program’s capacity to develop world‑class talent.