Hawks Make History Competing in NCAA Division I Field Hockey National Championship

Field hockey made University history this weekend, competing in the NCAA national championship game on Sunday, Nov. 24. While the Hawks’ run ended against No. 2 Northwestern University, 5-0, the achievements and milestones of a celebrated season continue to mount.

Today’s game was not only the first time the Hawks made an appearance in a national championship, but it’s also the first time an Atlantic 10 team competed in a national championship game since UNC Charlotte’s men’s soccer team in 2011.

“What an incredible day to be a Hawk,” says University President Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD. “We couldn’t be more proud of these student-athletes and coaches whose passion, persistence and spirit are so worthy of this national stage.” 

The Hawks have been gaining momentum for over a decade: Last season alone, they advanced to their eighth consecutive Atlantic 10 title game, winning their third consecutive A-10 crown and sixth in the past seven seasons.

“Making program history is surreal,” says midfielder Jordan Carr, MS ’26. “From day one, our goal has been to be legendary and to have a legendary season, and to know that we've done that feels incredible. We had lofty goals but not once did we doubt ourselves this season. To make it all the way shows just how much we all believed.”

Field hockey alums, fellow Hawks, and sports fans alike cheered on St. Joe’s on the ground in Michigan and back on Hawk Hill in Philadelphia. Alumna Annie Harkins, BA ’05, says she feels intrinsically connected to the team, even though she played for St. Joe’s nearly two decades ago.

“To have this year's team play for the national championship is like a manifestation of all the hopes, dreams, resilience and beliefs of all the field hockey Hawks who played before them. They are living out our wildest dreams. Each team that came before this one — going back to the start of the program — was a small brick along the way to this moment,” says Harkins.

St. Joe’s field hockey co-founder Angela Lin, BS ’76, MD, was in fact there at the start and shares Harkins’ sentiments.

“Just seeing them make it to the national championships is huge,” says Lin, who co-founded the original team in 1974 with Pam McClatchey. “Playing women's sports at SJU (field hockey and crew) provided great memories and leadership skills that have served me in medicine. Treasure this time and congratulations!”

Field hockey is evidence of an athletics era on Hawk Hill focused on competitive excellence, transformative student experiences and facility upgrades. The University’s Ellen Ryan Field was host to the First and Second Rounds of this year’s NCAA Division I Field Hockey Tournament. 

“Seeing our departmental culture take hold and watching our amazing people lead us to the national championship game has been so rewarding,” says Vice President and Director of Athletics Jill Bodensteiner. “These athletes bring a tenacity and a selflessness to their efforts that is inspiring. They represent their University and the A-10 with class. It’s been an honor watching them make history.”

Head Coach Hannah Prince says she is in awe of the dedication and hard work displayed by this year’s team.

“I love competition, but what I love even more is seeing my team grow — both in their game and as leaders and individuals.”

This focus on growth is something the players don’t take for granted. 

“We have such a great coaching staff and they work tirelessly for us,” says Carr. “The scouting reports they do, the film sessions, the individual workouts, just demonstrate their dedication and commitment to this team.”

With such a well-formed path to success, the team knows that Michigan is right where they were meant to be.

“Making history doesn’t come as a surprise to us,” says midfielder Celeste Smits, BS ’24, MBA ’26. “We work hard every day to achieve the goals we set and it feels so rewarding.”

As the team closes out a milestone season and prepares to return to Hawk Hill, the focus remains on the incredible journey and the lessons for the future. 

“Being a Hawk means valuing relationships, fighting for the name on the front of your jersey, and doing everything you do with passion and commitment,” says field hockey back Kate Crist, BS ’24, MBA ’26.