California, September 5, 2025
News Summary
As the Division II field hockey season begins, Kutztown University is positioned as a top contender, ranked first in the NFHCA National Coaches Poll and the PSAC Preseason Poll. The Golden Bears, coming off a national championship victory, retain seven starters and welcome a strong rookie class. While they stand out, Saint Anselm College and Shippensburg University are also strong contenders with notable rosters. Teams aim to build on last season’s performances, showcasing a competitive landscape in Division II field hockey.
California– As the Division II field hockey season officially commences this Thursday, Kutztown University emerges as a leading contender, ranked first in both the NFHCA Division II National Coaches Poll and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Preseason Poll.
The Kutztown Golden Bears made a splash in previous seasons, notably making back-to-back trips to the national championship game. In 2023, they claimed their first national title after defeating Saint Anselm in the finals, having lost to the same team in their previous championship appearance the season before.
This year, the Golden Bears return with a seasoned roster, having lost All-American players Juliana Donato and Sarah Gatehouse but retaining seven of their starters for the upcoming season. Among the noteworthy returners are senior Erin Gonzalez, last year’s leading scorer with 13 goals, and Grace Harrold, who topped the team with six assists. Additionally, the team welcomes an energetic rookie class of 11 new players, which includes 2023 Wisconsin State Player of the Year Meyrl Mesenbrink and Warwick High School’s all-time leading scorer Bree Zoccolo. Also joining the Golden Bears are three sophomore Division I transfers: Olivia Kirkpatrick, Ellie Myers, and Taylor Vaccaro.
Head Coach Marci Scheuing, in her twelfth season, emphasizes the depth of this year’s team, stating that it is the “deepest team that Kutztown has ever had.” The anticipation surrounding the team builds as they aim to continue their successful trajectory.
In the mix, Saint Anselm College remains a formidable force as the reigning national champion. The Hawks aim to solidify their position after defeating Kutztown last season and have been ranked first in the NE10 Preseason Poll. Though the team graduated nine starters, including three NFHCA All-Americans, they remain steadfast in developing their talent this season, showcasing senior midfielder Millie Forster, who is also recognized on the 2025 NFHCA Division II Watchlist. The freshman class from Saint Anselm includes promising athletes Bella DiFiore, Breanna Shorey, and Audrey Payeur.
Shippensburg University, with aspirations of extending its NCAA Tournament appearance streak to five years, returns 16 out of 22 players from last year’s roster. This established foundation includes three NFHCA All-American honorees: Emma Albee, Agus Garibaldi, and Hannah White. Albee was awarded the PSAC Defensive Player of the Year last season, while Garibaldi earned a spot on the First-Team All-American list. Shippensburg has also made strategic moves by adding two Division I transfers along with four first-year players. The team is now led by Head Coach Rayell Wallace, following the departure of former coach Tara Zollinger.
Assumption University seeks to build momentum on last season’s success, having clinched the NE10 title with an impressive 18-4 record. They are currently predicted to finish second in the NE10 Preseason Poll, buoyed by four players recognized on the NFHCA Division II Watchlist, most notably Julia Carbone, who netted ten goals last season.
East Stroudsburg University maintained its strong performance last season as the PSAC runner-up and is aiming to secure another top position this year. They are currently placed second in the PSAC preseason poll, returning talented players such as senior Kerry Kaufman and junior Minke Klijn.
West Chester University, with a previous season’s overall record of 12-7, is looking to rebuild after finishing in the PSAC Tournament Quarterfinals last year. The team hopes to blend seasoned upperclassmen with fresh talent in their lineup.
Summary of Division II Field Hockey Landscape
| Team | Key Players | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Kutztown University | Erin Gonzalez, Grace Harrold | 2023 National Champion |
| Saint Anselm College | Millie Forster | 2022 National Champion |
| Shippensburg University | Emma Albee, Agus Garibaldi | 3 NFHCA All-Americans |
| Assumption University | Julia Carbone | NE10 Champion |
| East Stroudsburg University | Kerry Kaufman, Minke Klijn | PSAC Runner-up |
| West Chester University | N/A | 12-7 Record |
FAQ
What is the NFHCA Division II National Coaches Poll?
The NFHCA Division II National Coaches Poll ranks field hockey teams based on votes from coaches across the nation, reflecting their performance and potential for the upcoming season.
What is the PSAC Preseason Poll?
The PSAC Preseason Poll ranks teams within the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, indicating expected performance based on past seasons and current rosters.
Who are the notable transfers in Division II field hockey this season?
Key transfers include Olivia Kirkpatrick, Ellie Myers, and Taylor Vaccaro to Kutztown, while Shippensburg also added two Division I transfers to bolster their roster.
Which teams are considered strong contenders this season?
Teams like Kutztown University, Saint Anselm College, and Shippensburg University are seen as strong contenders based on their performance and return of star players.
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Additional Resources
- Kutztown University News
- Wikipedia: Field Hockey
- Kutztown University Season Opener
- Google Search: Division II Field Hockey
- USA Field Hockey Season Preview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Field Hockey
- IUP Athletics Field Hockey Preview
- Google News: Kutztown Golden Bears 2025
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