The Houghton Field Hockey team, led by Head Coach Hannah Zgrablich, are heading into the 2026 season in pursuit of their 5th straight Empire 8 conference tournament appearance. Looking to build off of their strong 10-6 record from last season, including an 8-1 record in home matchups, this group is continuing to set a high standard for themselves.
 
2025 Season Recap
The 2025 season for Houghton Field Hockey was largely defined by their impressive offensive output, ending the year ranked 15th nationally in goals per game. A strong start, winning 6 of their first 7 games, set the table for a memorable season. A first round conference tournament loss to St. John Fisher ended the year earlier than hoped for, but it continued the tradition of instilling postseason experience throughout the roster.
 
Insights from Coach Zgrablich
What are your team goals for this season?
"We want to stay as consistent as possible with our controllable habits and processes this season. Competitively I want these women to experience the joy of an empty tank after each contest--no holding back, no self-preservation, no what ifs. It's harder than you think to access that head space as a team, but we're working on it." - Coach Zgrablich
 
What are the keys to meeting those goals?
"We are going to have to celebrate and value the small moments where we see growth each day in each other and in the group. We are working on our willingness to try new things and we're becoming more comfortable with failing and trying again, and again, and sometimes again after that." - Coach Zgrablich
 
What do you feel are the team's greatest strengths heading into the season?
"This team has done an excellent job integrating the first-year players and setting a tone of unity and purpose as a group. They are prepared to withstand a lot as a group because of the ways they've invested in each other both on and off the field." - Coach Zgrablich

Are there any particular games/matchups that you and the team are excited for?
"We are excited to start competing. We scheduled a tough scrimmage and a tough opening day game very intentionally! We will continue to challenge ourselves out of conference." - Coach Zgrablich
 
Personnel Losses
The loss of last season's starting goalkeeper, Annika Galen, will certainly be a noticeable difference in this year's lineup. Having started all sixteen games of the 2025 season, and thirty-five total career starts, a new netminder will be asked to step up and perform for the Highlanders. Lilyana Good's presence will certainly be missed in the starting lineup as well, having totaled 22 points over 16 season in 2025.
 
Key Returners
Offensive leader Kylee Barshinger will return for Houghton, working to continue her success following her All-Conference Second Team performance in 2025 that included 33 points and 14 goals. She will be supported by First Team All Conference, NFHCA Second Team All-Region defender Campbell Bowers on the defensive side of the field.
 
Newcomers
With an incoming class of six newcomers, making up almost a third of the total roster, there is a lot to be excited for with this year's team. The mix of winning tradition and youthful energy should be a fun combination to see play out over the next few months.
 
Relying upon a depth of experience and the embrace of new faces, the Highlanders are ready to compete this season as a united group. The challenges yet to face this season seem to serve as further fuel in Houghton Field Hockey's pursuit of excellence.