Middlebury tabbed No. 1 in DIII preseason coaches poll: NFHCA

The Middlebury field hockey team performs the can-can during a post-season game in 2023. Photo: Bob Benscoter

Middlebury field hockey has won the NCAA Division III title for seven consecutive years, establishing the longest-standing winning streak in that division.

The National Field Hockey Coaches Association published the Division III preseason poll on Tuesday, placing the reigning champions in the No. 1 position.

Since 2017, they have consistently outpaced, outscored, and defended their cage with exceptional skill.

Last season, they clinched a 2-1 victory against Tufts in the championship, a significant win considering they had lost to the Jumbos by the same score during the regular season.

Both Middlebury and Tufts are once again at the top of the NFHCA Division III preseason coaches poll, setting the stage for another thrilling season.

Looking at individual performances, Izzy Redzic, a junior from South Burlington, Vermont, had a challenging game against Tufts last year on October 19, 2024, facing eight shots and allowing two goals.

However, she also showcased her skills with three crucial saves against Babson in a separate game, highlighting her potential for this season.

With Middlebury adding eight freshmen to their roster and Tufts bringing in five, the competition promises to be intense.

According to the NFHCA, the poll is voted on by designated NFHCA member coaches from each conference and has no bearing on selection to the NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship.

25. Rochester

24. Bowdoin

23. The College of New Jersey

22. Swarthmore

21. SUNY Geneseo

20. Ithaca

19. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

18. Ursinus

17. Lynchburg

16. Amherst

15. Bryn Mawr

14. Rowan

13. Wesleyan

12. SUNY Cortland

11. Shenandoah

10. York

9. Messiah

8. Bates

7. Babson

6. Christopher Newport

5. Johns Hopkins

4. Williams

3. Salisbury

2. Tufts

1. Middlebury

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