UNC Field Hockey 2025-2026
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Here is one of 'em:
Tessa Shahbo is a grad transfer GK from Harvard. She is British. She earned HM All-Ivy in 2023 & 2024 so she is good. She was on the team but DNP this past season, not sure why. She may have been injured, but more likely just lost the job to a true freshman named Burger who was named conference 1st team & Rookie of the Year plus 3rd team A-A.
Played in only one game as a true freshman. So she definitely has one year remaining, possibly two if either season she DNP was medical.
gocrimson.com
Tessa Shahbo is a grad transfer GK from Harvard. She is British. She earned HM All-Ivy in 2023 & 2024 so she is good. She was on the team but DNP this past season, not sure why. She may have been injured, but more likely just lost the job to a true freshman named Burger who was named conference 1st team & Rookie of the Year plus 3rd team A-A.
Played in only one game as a true freshman. So she definitely has one year remaining, possibly two if either season she DNP was medical.
Tessa Shahbo - 2025 - Field Hockey - Harvard University
Tessa Shahbo (1) Goalkeeper - Junior Year (2024) All-Ivy League honorable mention … Ivy League All-Tournament Team selection … Ivy League Defensive Player of the
gocrimson.com
We should have great depth at GK now. FR Skubisz and Grad Wimmer split time evenly this past season, but Wimmer has exhausted her eligibility. So Skubisz and Shahbo our now in competition for 2026.
Skubisz's save percentage was 70.4% last season which is just average; she would have ranked 49th nationally had she qualified with enough minutes played (Wimmer was 27th).
By comparison, Shahbo was 80.4% at Harvard in 2024 which is pretty stellar: she would have been #2 nationally this season with that rate. And her 1.01 goals against average would have been 6th nationally this season.
Skubisz's save percentage was 70.4% last season which is just average; she would have ranked 49th nationally had she qualified with enough minutes played (Wimmer was 27th).
By comparison, Shahbo was 80.4% at Harvard in 2024 which is pretty stellar: she would have been #2 nationally this season with that rate. And her 1.01 goals against average would have been 6th nationally this season.
Hate to play the what if game but… what if Wimmer was left in for the semifinal. I had been thinking about that for a while now. Torture.
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Fair question why you'd take out a GK that goes scoreless in a half. But EM stuck to the same rotation ritual all season, good or bad.
That is a good question. We were up 3 to 1. If we could have scored another two goals we would have won. I can only assume that Erin that our offense would score one or two more goals and that probably is way she switch GK to keep then fresh. Who knows. That would be a great question to ask Erin?
We switched out GK half and half for literally every game of the season. Both played every game, both alternated on starts, no matter the foe.
Wimmer def had the better stats on the season but not by a wide, clear margin. The separation between the two actually came in this very game when NW scored 3 on Skubisz in the second half and OT. Before this day I believe Skubisz had ceded only two more goals on the entire season combined. That is well withing the margin of error for no statistical difference and perhaps could easily be explained away situationally as in who faced more tough shots.
And it is not like Wimmer was working on a shutout this day, playing on her head. She ceded a goal in the first half and had just 1 save. so I think it would be way out of the norm and thus a risk to team unity to suddenly change that with a lead in the penultimate game of the season, benching the only viable returning GK for next season. And looking at the score now we are applying a ton of hindsight bias here.
In that 2nd half, NW scored both goals on PCs. The goalie has a clear disadvantage here. I don't remember these two specific DPCs. but usually the goalie is just laying on the ground, functioning as a low wall. Stopping the attempt usually relies more on the other defenders in the DPC.
The only bad play I remember from Skubisz was ceding a PC by obstructing the ball for a split second while she was dealing with a loose ball, lying on the ground, at point blank range. Nothing egregious. Not sure if NW scored on the resulting PC from this particular play or not, I don't remember.
Coach Matson, could have played Wimmer in the OT I guess, though in the other two OT games we played, the 2nd half goalie stayed in both times, so that too was likely a part of the overall substitution plan already.
Wimmer def had the better stats on the season but not by a wide, clear margin. The separation between the two actually came in this very game when NW scored 3 on Skubisz in the second half and OT. Before this day I believe Skubisz had ceded only two more goals on the entire season combined. That is well withing the margin of error for no statistical difference and perhaps could easily be explained away situationally as in who faced more tough shots.
And it is not like Wimmer was working on a shutout this day, playing on her head. She ceded a goal in the first half and had just 1 save. so I think it would be way out of the norm and thus a risk to team unity to suddenly change that with a lead in the penultimate game of the season, benching the only viable returning GK for next season. And looking at the score now we are applying a ton of hindsight bias here.
In that 2nd half, NW scored both goals on PCs. The goalie has a clear disadvantage here. I don't remember these two specific DPCs. but usually the goalie is just laying on the ground, functioning as a low wall. Stopping the attempt usually relies more on the other defenders in the DPC.
The only bad play I remember from Skubisz was ceding a PC by obstructing the ball for a split second while she was dealing with a loose ball, lying on the ground, at point blank range. Nothing egregious. Not sure if NW scored on the resulting PC from this particular play or not, I don't remember.
Coach Matson, could have played Wimmer in the OT I guess, though in the other two OT games we played, the 2nd half goalie stayed in both times, so that too was likely a part of the overall substitution plan already.
Bottom line, we just did not get it done against a really good NW team. This is going to sting for a while because we had them. The same way in basketball against Louisville. IMO there is no blame. We just let this slip away. I know the players feel bad enough about how this slipped away.
Right and unfortunately luck played a little part in it for NW in OT.
Load up and leave no doubt for 2026.
And EM seemed particularly fired up for this one…
So now we wait for the names of 4 new Heels!
FH College Path is instituting a new star ranking system for HS recruits and it really makes sense to me:
Worth following in the coming recruiting season in addition to the Max FH player rankings we already reference.
Star values are based exclusively on verified USA Field Hockey achievements.
*JUSWNT = Junior US Women’s National Team | *JUSWNIT = Junior US Women’s National Indoor Team
The downside, as with Max Field Hockey, is that this will reward girls with the resources for travel, evaluation camps, etc... above just plain natural talent you see in dominant HS play. But of course there are very few FH prospects without significant resources as it is still mainly a private school and pay-for-play club team sport on the prep level. I think there are 21 NC public schools that play varsity FH currently as an example. And nearly all of them draw from the really affluent parts of major cities.
FH College Path Launches the Individual Player Rating System (IPRS).
FH College Path is proud to introduce the Individual Player Rating System (IPRS), a modern, transparent, and competitive framework designed to evaluate field hockey players across the United States....
www.fhcollegepath.com
Worth following in the coming recruiting season in addition to the Max FH player rankings we already reference.
IPRS STAR PROGRESSION CHART
Star values are based exclusively on verified USA Field Hockey achievements.| USAFH Achievement | Stars Awarded | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus Championship | (2.0) | True National entry point. |
| Junior Olympics | ½ (+0.5) | Honors Top Performance within Nexus. |
| JUSWNT (Selection Camp) | (+1.0) | Highest tier of youth evaluation. |
| JUSWNT (Roster) | (+1.0) | Elite National Recognition. |
| JUSWNT (Travel Team) | ½ (+0.5) | International Representation. |
| JUSWNIT (Roster) | ½ (+0.5) | Elite National Recognition. |
| JUSWNIT (Travel Team) | ¼ (+0.25) | International Representation. |
| Maximum Rating Allowed | (5.0) | Additional achievements visible but do not increase rating. |
*JUSWNT = Junior US Women’s National Team | *JUSWNIT = Junior US Women’s National Indoor Team
The downside, as with Max Field Hockey, is that this will reward girls with the resources for travel, evaluation camps, etc... above just plain natural talent you see in dominant HS play. But of course there are very few FH prospects without significant resources as it is still mainly a private school and pay-for-play club team sport on the prep level. I think there are 21 NC public schools that play varsity FH currently as an example. And nearly all of them draw from the really affluent parts of major cities.
Heading into the new season, we will (to my recollection) have 11 newcomers. This will have to be the most in program history? 6 true freshman announced in November, and the 5 late additions announced over the end of December. I’m assuming if we had more transfers, they would be announced by now. So perhaps the remaining players are all internationals. It was mentioned on Twitter that Matson was in attendance at a MBB game with recruits from Germany…
Lots of opportunity for first years to step into a leading role. Will be eager to see who is announced, and what names emerge through the spring.
Happy New Year to my fellow FH folks. Go Heels!
Lots of opportunity for first years to step into a leading role. Will be eager to see who is announced, and what names emerge through the spring.
Happy New Year to my fellow FH folks. Go Heels!
The last 5 additions, only the Harvard transfer GK is known. The remaining 4 is a mystery (to us). Hopefully we find out soon.
All known incoming players are listed in the first post in this thread. Always have been. I try to keep it updated.
3 Heels score in the 4-0 win vs. Japan. Hoffman, Sholder and Heck.
#12 USA had a couple of pretty big wins in this mini-tournament: they beat #9 New Zealand and #11 Japan. the only team left is the New Zeeland development team tomorrow, which I assume does not count in world rankings but I could be wrong.
Win or lose tomorrow we will face the winner of Japan vs New Zealand for the tournament crown 10 PM Saturday night.
Max FH just released the 2025 HS A-A team:
15 seniors, 5 juniors.
UNC Commits Fwd Molly Nussbaumer and MF Morgan O'Donnell both make the 2nd team.
maxfh.longstreth.com
- ELLA BEACH - Glenbrook North High School (IL) - Senior – Midfield (MD Commit)
- REBECCA BLOCK - The Episcopal Academy (PA) - Senior – Midfield (Cornell commit)
- KATY CHAPMAN - John Burroughs School (MO) - Senior – Midfield (UVA Commit)
- LILLY CIMAROLI - New Trier High School (IL) - Senior – Midfield (Princeton commit)
- CAITLIN CONNELL - Villa Maria Academy (PA) 0 Senior – Forward (UVA Commit)
- ADELAIDE COSSE MINNELLI - West Essex High School (NJ) - Senior – Forward (Villanova Commit)
- GRACEY CRAWFORD - St. John’s School (TX) - Senior – Midfield (UVA Commit)
- SOFIA FERRI - The Hill School (PA) - Senior – Defense (UNC Commit)
- AIDA IERUBINO - Central Bucks West High School (PA) - Senior – Forward/Midfield (MD Commit)
- ANNA CLAIRE KOSEK - Sacred Heart Academy (KY) - Senior – Midfield/Forward (Miami, OH commit)
- MORGAN LALA - Christian Academy of Louisville (KY) - Senior – Goalkeeper (WF Commit)
- MAEVE MCGINLEY - Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (PA) - Junior – Forward/Midfield (UNC Commit)
- LILLY MCMAHON - Oak Knoll School (NJ) - Senior – Midfield/Forward (Princeton commit)
- REESE MILONE - Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (PA) - Senior – Forward/Midfield (Princeton commit)
- BREE MOFFETT - Smyrna High School (DE) - Senior – Midfield (NW Commit)
- KIERA SACK - Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (PA) - Senior – Forward/Midfield (NW Commit)
- JACK SHAW - Villa Maria Academy (PA) - Junior – Midfield (UNC Commit)
- CHASE STROHM - Lower Dauphin High School (PA) Junior – Forward/Midfield (NW Commit)
- KIRA TRADER - Tabb High School (VA) Senior – Forward (Penn St Commit)
- MELINA VOLIOTIS - Oak Knoll School (NJ) Junior – Midfield/Defense (dook commit)
15 seniors, 5 juniors.
UNC Commits Fwd Molly Nussbaumer and MF Morgan O'Donnell both make the 2nd team.
2025 High School National All-American Teams - MAX Field Hockey
Congratulations to MAX Field Hockey's 2024 High School National All-Americans
maxfh.longstreth.com
Looks like we may have lost Boere to the pros?
Her new team lists games through the spring. I don't know the full length of the Dutch Pro FH schedule, but I doubt she will do both simultaneously?
The article does not specifically say she is done in Chapel Hill but it sounds like it. Here are the relevant portions translated:
Isabel Boere joins Women's 1: “I want to be a player the team can rely on”
HC Bloemendaal welcomes a special addition to Women's 1 for the coming season. Isabel Boere, who played her entire youth career at Klein Zwitserland and was active as a youth international for many years, brings not only talent but also leadership and international experience to 't Kopje.
Board member Tophockey Michiel Hilders is enthusiastic about her arrival: “We are incredibly happy that Isabel will be joining Bloemendaal next year. She is a great talent and bursting with ambition. She has already shown in the Dutch youth selections that she can lead a team; with us, she will have all the time and space she needs to continue to grow in the coming years.”
Wearing the orange jersey meant a lot to Boere. “I always wore it with great pleasure and pride, and it also led to some close friendships,” she says. A very nice addition to her last youth tournament was wearing the captain's armband. “That was a real honor. It taught me to stay calm when things get exciting and to stand up when necessary.” That mental strength and responsibility form the basis of her game today.
International experience
Last year, Boere played at the University of North Carolina in the United States—an experience that further broadened her perspective on top-level sport. “The way they approach sport there is really very professional,” she says. With two matches per weekend, the pace was fast and everything revolved around preparation, recovery, and performing again. That intensity has visibly made her stronger. “I've learned to play with more confidence, make quicker decisions on the ball, and step onto the field with greater intensity. I want to bring that with me to Bloemendaal.”
Team spirit as a decisive factor
The move to a new club automatically means a new dynamic, but it is precisely that prospect that gives her energy. What struck her most in conversations with future teammates? “Everyone said that they really do it as a team. I strongly believe in that too.” Although she doesn't know everyone personally yet, it immediately feels right. “I have a very positive feeling about the team and am really looking forward to joining them.”
The key to a strong defense
As a defender, Boere understands the importance of organization and communication at the highest level. “Coaching is a crucial component of a strong defensive line. In addition, you must be well attuned to each other—knowing what you are comfortable with, both on the ball and in coaching.”
Her preparation is as professional as it is goal-oriented: analyzing video footage and ensuring a focused warm-up. Small details that often make the difference at the Hoofdklasse level. With her calmness, international experience, and team-oriented mindset, Isabel Boere seems set to become a valuable link in the Women's 1 selection. One thing is certain: Bloemendaal is gaining a defender who not only holds her own, but also makes the team stronger.
Her new team lists games through the spring. I don't know the full length of the Dutch Pro FH schedule, but I doubt she will do both simultaneously?
The article does not specifically say she is done in Chapel Hill but it sounds like it. Here are the relevant portions translated:
Isabel Boere joins Women's 1: “I want to be a player the team can rely on”
HC Bloemendaal welcomes a special addition to Women's 1 for the coming season. Isabel Boere, who played her entire youth career at Klein Zwitserland and was active as a youth international for many years, brings not only talent but also leadership and international experience to 't Kopje.
Board member Tophockey Michiel Hilders is enthusiastic about her arrival: “We are incredibly happy that Isabel will be joining Bloemendaal next year. She is a great talent and bursting with ambition. She has already shown in the Dutch youth selections that she can lead a team; with us, she will have all the time and space she needs to continue to grow in the coming years.”
Wearing the orange jersey meant a lot to Boere. “I always wore it with great pleasure and pride, and it also led to some close friendships,” she says. A very nice addition to her last youth tournament was wearing the captain's armband. “That was a real honor. It taught me to stay calm when things get exciting and to stand up when necessary.” That mental strength and responsibility form the basis of her game today.
International experience
Last year, Boere played at the University of North Carolina in the United States—an experience that further broadened her perspective on top-level sport. “The way they approach sport there is really very professional,” she says. With two matches per weekend, the pace was fast and everything revolved around preparation, recovery, and performing again. That intensity has visibly made her stronger. “I've learned to play with more confidence, make quicker decisions on the ball, and step onto the field with greater intensity. I want to bring that with me to Bloemendaal.”
Team spirit as a decisive factor
The move to a new club automatically means a new dynamic, but it is precisely that prospect that gives her energy. What struck her most in conversations with future teammates? “Everyone said that they really do it as a team. I strongly believe in that too.” Although she doesn't know everyone personally yet, it immediately feels right. “I have a very positive feeling about the team and am really looking forward to joining them.”
The key to a strong defense
As a defender, Boere understands the importance of organization and communication at the highest level. “Coaching is a crucial component of a strong defensive line. In addition, you must be well attuned to each other—knowing what you are comfortable with, both on the ball and in coaching.”
Her preparation is as professional as it is goal-oriented: analyzing video footage and ensuring a focused warm-up. Small details that often make the difference at the Hoofdklasse level. With her calmness, international experience, and team-oriented mindset, Isabel Boere seems set to become a valuable link in the Women's 1 selection. One thing is certain: Bloemendaal is gaining a defender who not only holds her own, but also makes the team stronger.
I believe it was reported when she signed that she only intended to play 1 year here.
Yeah, the article did say that at the beginning of the season that Boere was only going to play one year at UNC and then she was going to go back home and play professionally. This is no surprise here because she was very transparent about this when she signed to play at UNC. I just glad we had her for one year. This also helped us to get the other players from her home country to sign and play at UNC this year. I wish her nothing but the best and I want to thank her for her contributions this year although it was a one and done year. Go Heels!
Reese D'Ariano, the last uncommitted 2027 and the prized recruit is a Tarheel.
Insane player. Think Chloe Humphrey but field hockey version. Not hyperbole because she's that good.
Huge win for Erin Matson as Northwestern were right there and it came down to the wire. Caps off a stellar 2027 class for UNC with three top 10 players
Insane player. Think Chloe Humphrey but field hockey version. Not hyperbole because she's that good.
Huge win for Erin Matson as Northwestern were right there and it came down to the wire. Caps off a stellar 2027 class for UNC with three top 10 players
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Wow!!! She has UNC field hockey tagged in her bio. Lots to celebrate in this one.
Congratulations to the staff for getting her in a Tar Heel uniform. I honestly thought she would forego college field hockey.
Wow, what a big get by Erin and her staff. She is the Chloe Humphrey in Field Hockey IMO. She is generational talent. She is a phenom in field hockey. She will make you want to watch UNC field Hockey. I love watching Chloe Humprey and company. I love watching our field hockey team. Now with Reese coming in, I am going to really love watching her and the field hockey team even more. As fans, we must support Erin and the field hockey team by purchasing one of her field hockey jerseys for her NIL deal. I already know that I am going to get one as soon as they go on sale. I got one for Chloe and I know I am going to get one for her. This is truly a great day to be a tarheel. I did not see this one coming. I just knew she was going pro. I am elated that she has committed to us. Go Heels!