UNC Field Hockey 2026-2027

[3397char]

Looks like Imme De Leeuw might be an absolute star for UNC?



Translation:
Imme de Lion had a wonderful week during the 8 Nations Tournament in Granada. As a captain she led the Netherlands Under 18 to the final victory, a beautiful crown on a strong tournament.

The next highlight is just around the corner.\n This summer, Imme will transfer to UNC Chapel Hill, where she'll combine her hockey career with a college degree. With one of the strongest hockey programs in the United States, she will have the opportunity to improve both on the athletic and academically.

Congratulations on this great achievement, Imme! We look forward to following your next chapter in North Carolina.

Captain of the Dutch U-18 National Team?

I love that her name means Imme the Lion.

 

[Jriv23]

Thanks 3397char. You verified what many of us already knew. A few of us did feel that the players coming in from overseas for FH were going to be able to come in and contribute right away; especially the ones coming in from Belgium, the UK, and the Netherlands. As some of us have already stated, these players from those countries seem to be further developed than some of our American players coming straight out of high school. Erin had mentioned that 8 to 9 of the newbies will probably start this season. It is nice to know that fact about Imme. Go Heels!

 

[Uncseed]

Gosh, I wish you had shared your profound knowledge before I wasted my time posting drivel.

Gosh, I wish you had shared your profound knowledge before I wasted my time posting drivel.

 

[Deja_Blu]

Thank-you 3397char for the above update on Imme de Leeuw.

It appears the below IG post on Floor Holzenbosch is from Aug 3, 2025.



Translation:

Hockey players @floorholzenbosch_ and @philippineligthart became Dutch champions with their team, HDM U18-1, in late June. They won the final 3–2 against Kampong, meaning the girls can now call themselves the best in the Netherlands for the second year in a row!

Congratulations on this fantastic title, girls—it is well deserved! We are proud!

If you allow your eyes to scroll down slightly on the actual IG post, who do you notice?

Corrections, additions welcomed...

Since I posted the above, I have come across several sources that report that Floor Holzenbosch changed her mind and signed with HDM Dames 1 squad for the upcoming season. Can anyone add to this?

 

[Deja_Blu]

Not the update I hoped to find.

https://www.hdmonline.nl/index.php?page=8673&sid=2

My apologies. Please manually browse the above link and translate the Danish; however, the salient quote follows.

"Floor would start her hockey adventure in America next season, but because she has to do her final year again, she remains in the Netherlands. That means that Floor will join Dames 1 next season."

As before, corrections and additions welcomed...

 

[minas823]

Bummer! Floor was most likely our #1 recruit in her class.

 

[Jriv23]

Yeah, I agree totally. We will just have to wait another year. When they say she has to do her final year over again, does that mean she failed to graduate? That is what I am interpreting.

 

[minas823]

 

[Deja_Blu]

Field Hockey Announces 2026 Schedule​

Field Hockey Announces 2026 Schedule - University of North Carolina Athletics

Carolina field hockey has released its schedule for the fast-approaching 2026 season.

goheels.com

X:


In addition to the Dook scrimmage on Aug 21st, Fri 5pm at Jack Katz Stadium, our Tar Heels will host WFU 2 days later, Sun Aug 23rd at 1pm.

Both opponents have talent and will test our Heels.

 

[Deja_Blu]

"Preview: UNC field hockey roster features ten accomplished newcomers"

https://www.dailytarheel.com/article/sports-field-hockey-roster-preview-20260727

This article by Eva Patel includes Floor Holzenbosch as one of the ten incoming
new players (Emersyn O'Leary also).

Is she?

What do you think about this quote from the article?

"After standout first years, Anetsberger and back Isabel Boere are offensive threats to watch. They were both cemented in the starting lineup and combined for a total of 45 points last season."

Historically, Carolina posts its updated team roster on goheels.com close to
Team Report Day (TRD) which is next week. We'll see.

 

[TommyAshley]

We plan to have a preseason interview with Coach Matson so feel free to drop some questions here that you guys would like to have answered and we will do all we can to ask them!

 

[tmatheny]

I didn't think Boere was returning?

 

[Deja_Blu]

That is my understanding.
reference

Isabel Boere to Bloemendaal​

Peter Klanke|17.02.2026

Isabel Boere to Bloemendaal

tulphoofdklasse.com

 

[unc80]

It seems Patel missed badly on Boere's status, unless something has changed.

 

[JOB1937]

We plan to have a preseason interview with Coach Matson so feel free to drop some questions here that you guys would like to have answered and we will do all we can to ask them!

Who do you expect to help make up for the offensive loss of Ryleigh Heck?

How can you be more productive on penalty corners?

Are there rule changes you would like to see?

 

[Deja_Blu]

We plan to have a preseason interview with Coach Matson so feel free to drop some questions here that you guys would like to have answered and we will do all we can to ask them!

Thank you, Sir.

What is the status of Liv Anderson since she suffered a lower body injury this past spring?

Is Jenna Narleski healthy after her 1st year set backs? (Her Nexus U-21 team won Gold).

Reid Miller played well in Santiago, nothing spectacular, just solid (she defended and advanced the ball efficiently).
When are redshirt decisions typically made?

Although its early days, who could play Center Halfback?

Carolina's center back position is known for attacking from the rear. Does the
staff have a player in mind that fits that description?

Tell us about Micky Van Baasbank and grey shirt Devon Anderson.

Goals and assists by players not returning number 58 and 52 respectively.
Although Carolina practices its short game daily, what can it do to achieve a
higher percentage of APC goals?

Does Carolina still award the "Duck of the Day"?

If Floor Holzenbosch does not enroll, perhaps the question is this.
What became of those University resources that were committed to her being signed?

 

[Jriv23]

Did you expect more from Coco Courtright for this upcoming season? She is very tall for a field hockey player which I feel is good. My question is: how can you utilize her height in certain situations for this upcoming season? Do you feel that she is gotten stronger and faster since her freshman year?

 

[minas823]

Too many unknowns heading into this season to speculate much beyond what we can expect from Bruder (in my opinion). But I will give it a shot! Hopefully we have had some players in our system who worked hard and improved greatly in the offseason. Our work horses are gone and our kids are going to be asked much, much more out of them.

Defensively - Unless one of the internationals steps in and takes the center back position, I’m guessing 5th year Grace will. Freshman Morgan O’Donnell is highly regarded for defense so I would expect to see her starting on the back line. Isabel was excellent for us last season, but even she had trouble with the speed of the game at times. Hope Haynes did very well for us last year defensively - I hope her stick skills improved and she can get more involved on the attack. I mentioned this a few times, but I felt Caroline Golden looked very comfortable when she was on the field in the back. Imme is listed as a defender as well, so if that's where she falls to help facilitate offense - then so be it. Sofia Ferri could end up on the back line too. I feel because we have many unknowns attacking wise, we will focus more on defense to keep us in games - more so the first two weekends.

Offensively - Bruder is somewhat of a 'one trick pony'. Albeit a very good one trick pony! I hope Bruder continues to evolve into more of a dynamic player. We will need it this season! One can assume Cecily will step into a starting role up top. Molly is a great role player. Coco played well in the midfield last season, with her sliding to the back occasionally. Reese is a technically sound player and found herself in the right position around goal many times, but failed to finish often. She is a player who could easily step into a much bigger production role this season should she rise to the occasion. Freshman Micky Van Baasbank will likely see time in the midfield as a facilitator. Eliza Perrin has a high motor, but would be out of control at times leading to several cards. If she is able to become more disciplined, she could have a promising future for the Heels.

Likely to see another split goalie situation between Shabo and Skubisz.

Losing Floor for this season definitely hurts right out of the gates. She is someone who would have stepped right onto the field to make an immediate impact in the attack for us. I'm sure our staff was upset by that news, and did not expect to lose such a presence for this upcoming season. Floor does still have her UNC signing posts on her social media - which is good news. Hopefully she sees it through and does eventually end up in a Heel uniform.

EM and staff have their hands full. I have the utmost confidence in them. Will be very interesting to see how things shake out.

Goooo Heels!

 

[Jriv23]

You forgot to mentioned Reid who was redshirted last year and was highly ranked as a freshman coming out of high school. Also, EM stated in her interview that just because an athlete is a freshman or first year player does not mean that they cannot be good right out of the gate. EM was that person, AS and RH were like that too as freshman, and I am sure there is a freshman coming in that will come in and surprise folks. Caleb Wilson did it in basketball. I am not worried because I know that EM already knows who those people will be. Notice she stated that she will likely have 8 newcomers starting this year.

 

[Nate1972]

Too many unknowns heading into this season to speculate much beyond what we can expect from Bruder (in my opinion). But I will give it a shot! Hopefully we have had some players in our system who worked hard and improved greatly in the offseason. Our work horses are gone and our kids are going to be asked much, much more out of them.

Defensively - Unless one of the internationals steps in and takes the center back position, I’m guessing 5th year Grace will. Freshman Morgan O’Donnell is highly regarded for defense so I would expect to see her starting on the back line. Isabel was excellent for us last season, but even she had trouble with the speed of the game at times. Hope Haynes did very well for us last year defensively - I hope her stick skills improved and she can get more involved on the attack. I mentioned this a few times, but I felt Caroline Golden looked very comfortable when she was on the field in the back. Imme is listed as a defender as well, so if that's where she falls to help facilitate offense - then so be it. Sofia Ferri could end up on the back line too. I feel because we have many unknowns attacking wise, we will focus more on defense to keep us in games - more so the first two weekends.

Offensively - Bruder is somewhat of a 'one trick pony'. Albeit a very good one trick pony! I hope Bruder continues to evolve into more of a dynamic player. We will need it this season! One can assume Cecily will step into a starting role up top. Molly is a great role player. Coco played well in the midfield last season, with her sliding to the back occasionally. Reese is a technically sound player and found herself in the right position around goal many times, but failed to finish often. She is a player who could easily step into a much bigger production role this season should she rise to the occasion. Freshman Micky Van Baasbank will likely see time in the midfield as a facilitator. Eliza Perrin has a high motor, but would be out of control at times leading to several cards. If she is able to become more disciplined, she could have a promising future for the Heels.

Likely to see another split goalie situation between Shabo and Skubisz.

Losing Floor for this season definitely hurts right out of the gates. She is someone who would have stepped right onto the field to make an immediate impact in the attack for us. I'm sure our staff was upset by that news, and did not expect to lose such a presence for this upcoming season. Floor does still have her UNC signing posts on her social media - which is good news. Hopefully she sees it through and does eventually end up in a Heel uniform.

EM and staff have their hands full. I have the utmost confidence in them. Will be very interesting to see how things shake out.

Goooo Heels!

Bruder played on the US indoor team in February, where her slap shot is not legal, so maybe she will have developed a second trick this year.

 

[DeaconSSI]

You forgot to mentioned Reid who was redshirted last year and was highly ranked as a freshman coming out of high school. Also, EM stated in her interview that just because an athlete is a freshman or first year player does not mean that they cannot be good right out of the gate. EM was that person, AS and RH were like that too as freshman, and I am sure there is a freshman coming in that will come in and surprise folks. Caleb Wilson did it in basketball. I am not worried because I know that EM already knows who those people will be. Notice she stated that she will likely have 8 newcomers starting this year.

I could be wrong but I think EM stated in the interview that she might have 8 newcomers play versus start. Feel free to fact check but this is my recollection.

Field Hockey Announces 2026 Schedule​

Field Hockey Announces 2026 Schedule - University of North Carolina Athletics

Carolina field hockey has released its schedule for the fast-approaching 2026 season.

goheels.com

X:


In addition to the Dook scrimmage on Aug 21st, Fri 5pm at Jack Katz Stadium, our Tar Heels will host WFU 2 days later, Sun Aug 23rd at 1pm.

Both opponents have talent and will test our Heels.

Enjoy the discussion here! Will be interested in the Wake scrimmage results, if anyone is able to attend. We will be missing 2025 ACC OPOY Mia Schoenbeck, who will be participating in the World Cup at that time. Should be another exciting ACC season.

 

[Jriv23]

Hi DeaconSSI, I just read the article and EM stated that she will have 8 players to play immediately. That was the words that she used in the article so I guess it will come down to one's interpretation of the word immediately. We can assume that some of them will be starting. How many we will know when they play their first game. But if you read the article and you look at some of their accomplishments; especially the ones coming in from overseas, I would assume at least five of them will be starting.

 

[DeaconSSI]

Hi DeaconSSI, I just read the article and EM stated that she will have 8 players to play immediately. That was the words that she used in the article so I guess it will come down to one's interpretation of the word immediately. We can assume that some of them will be starting. How many we will know when they play their first game. But if you read the article and you look at some of their accomplishments; especially the ones coming in from overseas, I would assume at least five of them will be starting.

Fair point! My guess as far as returners who will start: Bruder, Pottebaum, Catchpole, Haynes, Barbacci, Anetsberger, Skubisz, maybe Miller. Hard to predict, though, with so many newcomers.

 

[Deja_Blu]

Fair point! My guess as far as returners who will start: Bruder, Pottebaum, Catchpole, Haynes, Barbacci, Anetsberger, Skubisz, maybe Miller. Hard to predict, though, with so many newcomers.

Hello DeaconSSI,
Did you get a chance to watch any of the games played earlier this year when college teams played the National team?

 

[DeaconSSI]

Hello DeaconSSI,
Did you get a chance to watch any of the games played earlier this year when college teams played the National team?

I did not! Would love to hear any feedback. Did Wake play them? Believe Wake was missing Schoenbeck (national team duties), Moore (U21 duties), Storey (injury), Keller and Montag (U21 duties) for most of the spring.

 

[Deja_Blu]

I did. I saw 6 of the 7 games played. The team does not promote their scrimmages or friendlies; so, I missed their game against UVa. It is such a treat to watch field hockey played well and at the National Teams' pace. They are each and everyone one of them incredibly fit, some even more so than others. The USWNT outscored all collegiate teams except for --- Northwestern which played to a 1-1 tie. In the shoot out, NW prevailed 5-2.
Now, there is a reason for this outcome. Maddie, Ashley and Ms Waddus played for NW. And, the National team had not practiced in a week. It showed. It was their last and worst scrimmage of the series. Carolina did not play them. Wake, like Dook, managed two goals against the Eagles. The Terps fell 12-0. But, then the Terrapins next scrimmaged the Deacs and won. I cannot explain it.

Now, let me brag on your Ms Mia Schoenbeck a bit. As her teammates have nick named her, "Schoenbeast". Game in point. Last fall at Davidson, your #23 practically willed the Deacons to victory. The Wildcats have improved over the years with better players that compete. It showed against Wake. But, to be up in the waning minutes of the game over WFU? Mia scored both the Deacons goals to come back in the last seconds of the game. The second, winning goal is perhaps her trademark play, IMO. This is it. Mia intercepts the ball in the Deacons defensive third and heads for the right sidelines. Is she not fleet of foot? Soon, Davidson is chasing but not catching her. The Wildcat goalie wisely attempts to reduce the line of attack by charging the approaching Mia; but, to no avail as Mia darts to the left and fires that backhand shot into an open goal. You know the Deacon cheer that rang loudly after that. She is so much fun to watch play - when it is not against our Tar Heels. Your Deacs are deep, talented and have, at least on paper, more of the same coming in this fall. Coaches Shelton and Averill were fierce competitors but shared a mutual respect for one another and it showed. And of course you have Associate Coach Jackie Kintzer Briggs on staff. Wake recruits well anywhere - the United Nations of Field Hockey. Just look at the roster and count the different countries represented. And they are skilled. You guys, IMO, are a load. If your team stays healthy and your Internationals are not called up, you are dangerous to the rest of the field at the end of the season - again, IMO.

"We now return to our regularly scheduled program...." Go Heels.

 

[DeaconSSI]

I did. I saw 6 of the 7 games played. The team does not promote their scrimmages or friendlies; so, I missed their game against UVa. It is such a treat to watch field hockey played well and at the National Teams' pace. They are each and everyone one of them incredibly fit, some even more so than others. The USWNT outscored all collegiate teams except for --- Northwestern which played to a 1-1 tie. In the shoot out, NW prevailed 5-2.
Now, there is a reason for this outcome. Maddie, Ashley and Ms Waddus played for NW. And, the National team had not practiced in a week. It showed. It was their last and worst scrimmage of the series. Carolina did not play them. Wake, like Dook, managed two goals against the Eagles. The Terps fell 12-0. But, then the Terrapins next scrimmaged the Deacs and won. I cannot explain it.

Now, let me brag on your Ms Mia Schoenbeck a bit. As her teammates have nick named her, "Schoenbeast". Game in point. Last fall at Davidson, your #23 practically willed the Deacons to victory. The Wildcats have improved over the years with better players that compete. It showed against Wake. But, to be up in the waning minutes of the game over WFU? Mia scored both the Deacons goals to come back in the last seconds of the game. The second, winning goal is perhaps her trademark play, IMO. This is it. Mia intercepts the ball in the Deacons defensive third and heads for the right sidelines. Is she not fleet of foot? Soon, Davidson is chasing but not catching her. The Wildcat goalie wisely attempts to reduce the line of attack by charging the approaching Mia; but, to no avail as Mia darts to the left and fires that backhand shot into an open goal. You know the Deacon cheer that rang loudly after that. She is so much fun to watch play - when it is not against our Tar Heels. Your Deacs are deep, talented and have, at least on paper, more of the same coming in this fall. Coaches Shelton and Averill were fierce competitors but shared a mutual respect for one another and it showed. And of course you have Associate Coach Jackie Kintzer Briggs on staff. Wake recruits well anywhere - the United Nations of Field Hockey. Just look at the roster and count the different countries represented. And they are skilled. You guys, IMO, are a load. If your team stays healthy and your Internationals are not called up, you are dangerous to the rest of the field at the end of the season - again, IMO.

"We now return to our regulary scheduled program...." Go Heels.

Really interesting. Great commentary, thank you! Appreciate the national team recaps, wish this info was more readily available. Spring scrimmages are unpredictable b/c you're playing so many role players, inexperienced, etc. and probably experimenting in ways you would not during a game with actual ramifications.

Yes, Schoenbeck is fun to watch and such a versatile player. Great description of her talent. So rare to have a defender earn OPOY. Interestingly, the last time I can recall this was Anna Kozniuk (WFU) in 2014. I think UNC has earned this accolade (with an attacker, case in point) just about every year since!

Have been a fan since the early 2000s and always admired the sportsmanship and friendship between Shelton and Averill. Similar coaching styles, though perhaps Shelton tended towards structure, whereas Jen always encouraged creative/unconventional flair. Shelton dominated Wake the last decade+ of her career (with a few exceptions...) but Averill seemed to have her number in the early 2000s, even in the years when UNC was the better team. Always a battle and lots of fun to watch! Always really enjoyed Shelton's postgame commentary: super humble, cited specific positives and areas for improvement, and consistently made a point to credit the other team.

Last season was fun to cheer for a deep and talented Wake team, especially after a few years of mediocre results. We have some exciting players (in addition to Schoenbeck, really fun to watch Montag attack from the back, Phume is so consistent and makes tackles out of nowhere, Moore is an engine, Storey hits the cover off the ball, excited to see Rees-Gibbs, sounds like she is a goal scorer) but remains to be seen if they can play as a team and maximize potential. Hope they can put together a memorable 2026! Jen Averill is such a fantastic ambassador for the sport, would love to see her earn some big wins.

 

[minas823]

Ashton Odiorne joins Kelsey Usefara (Kolojejchick) on staff as an assistant coach at Bucknell this season. Congratulations to Ashton!

 

[Deja_Blu]

Really interesting. Great commentary, thank you! Appreciate the national team recaps, wish this info was more readily available. Spring scrimmages are unpredictable b/c you're playing so many role players, inexperienced, etc. and probably experimenting in ways you would not during a game with actual ramifications.

Yes, Schoenbeck is fun to watch and such a versatile player. Great description of her talent. So rare to have a defender earn OPOY. Interestingly, the last time I can recall this was Anna Kozniuk (WFU) in 2014. I think UNC has earned this accolade (with an attacker, case in point) just about every year since!

Have been a fan since the early 2000s and always admired the sportsmanship and friendship between Shelton and Averill. Similar coaching styles, though perhaps Shelton tended towards structure, whereas Jen always encouraged creative/unconventional flair. Shelton dominated Wake the last decade+ of her career (with a few exceptions...) but Averill seemed to have her number in the early 2000s, even in the years when UNC was the better team. Always a battle and lots of fun to watch! Always really enjoyed Shelton's postgame commentary: super humble, cited specific positives and areas for improvement, and consistently made a point to credit the other team.

Last season was fun to cheer for a deep and talented Wake team, especially after a few years of mediocre results. We have some exciting players (in addition to Schoenbeck, really fun to watch Montag attack from the back, Phume is so consistent and makes tackles out of nowhere, Moore is an engine, Storey hits the cover off the ball, excited to see Rees-Gibbs, sounds like she is a goal scorer) but remains to be seen if they can play as a team and maximize potential. Hope they can put together a memorable 2026! Jen Averill is such a fantastic ambassador for the sport, would love to see her earn some big wins.

Thanks

 

[Deja_Blu]

I had not noticed this until now.

Note the third line caption under the photo for #10 Ms D'Ariano.

FIH Hockey World Cup Roster

www.usafieldhockey.com

Soon.

FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026

2026 USWNT World Cup ScheduleDateTime ETPoolVenueTeamTeamSat., August 1511:30 AMBBelfius Hockey Arena, BELArgentinavsUSAMon., August 175:00 AMBBelfius Hockey Arena, BELUSAvsScotlandWed., August 198:00 AMBBelfius Hockey Arena, BELUSAvsGermanySat., Augus...

www.usafieldhockey.com

 

[Jriv23]

Thanks for sharing.

 

[oldwell]

Any word on any of the graduating seniors returning in regards to the extra year being given after the lawsuit?

 

[minas823]

In today’s UNCFH instagram story, I’m assuming they posted an old first day of preseason video… because it appears Dani is in it..

 

[Deja_Blu]

FDoP video

 

[Deja_Blu]

In today’s UNCFH instagram story, I’m assuming they posted an old first day of preseason video… because it appears Dani is in it..

My apologies, minas823. I failed to see your earlier post before I posted the above. I do not have an IG account. But, I do appreciate your posts. Thank-you.

 

[minas823]

My apologies, minas823. I failed to see your earlier post before I posted the above. I do not have an IG account. But, I do appreciate your posts. Thank-you.

It is a different video than the one I was referencing! The Twitter video I believe did not show Dani

 

[Deja_Blu]

It is a different video than the one I was referencing! The Twitter video I believe did not show Dani

Correct. The Charlie Bruder post is current. Note the presence of two newcomers: a very enthusiastic Morgan O'Donnell; behind her is Tessa Shabo.

 

[tmatheny]

I know Ryleigh is with the USA team at the World Cup. Hypothetically, If she wanted to come back could she do that and play in World Cup since it would not finish until end of August?

 

[Deja_Blu]

CBS Sports to Air USWNT’s 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Games​

CBS Sports to Air USWNT’s 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Games

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Field Hockey is pleased to announce that CBS Sports Network will air the U.S. Women’s National Team’s matches at the upcoming 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, taking place in Wavre, Belgium.The agreement with USA Field Hockey, C...

www.usafieldhockey.com

 

[Jriv23]

Can someone repost or post the Twitter video for us to see? Thanks.