Field Hockey: 2024 Season Outlook

Links: 2024 Roster | 2024 Schedule | 2024 Coaches | 2023 Statistics

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. – Success is synonymous with the Williams College field hockey team.

There is no reason to think that trend will not continue during the 2024 season under the extraordinary leadership of 24th-year head coach Alix Barrale '93.

The track record is beyond impressive, as Barrale has powered the program to a 244-147 record in 23 seasons. She has the most wins by any Eph field hockey coach, a .624 winning percentage and is six victories shy of 300 at the NCAA Division III level.

Barrale has led the team to nine NCAA Tournaments, including in her first seven seasons from 2000-06. The squad won NESCAC Championships in 2001, 2002 and 2004. The Ephs are ranked eighth in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association national preseason poll.

"The team culture makes Williams field hockey special," said junior forward Kiki Higgins, who led the 2023 team in goals (11) and points (27). "Alix creates an environment that pushes each individual to work hard, while keeping the love of the game alive."

Recent years have been immensely successful. The Ephs reached the NCAA Tournament in 2022 and 2023, including going to the program's first-ever Final Four during the 2022 season. The 2023 team won and hosted a first-round NCAA game for the second straight season. The unit reached the NESCAC Championship game and defeated seven ranked opponents.

"Coaching in one of the toughest conferences in Division III field hockey is both an immense challenge and remarkable opportunity," said Barrale. "The level of competition demands constant preparation, adaptation and a deep understanding of the game. Every NESCAC game feels like a battle, with no easy wins. The margin for error is slim, which means attention to detail is critical. This environment forces coaches and student-athletes to grow continuously, as the competitive atmosphere breeds resilience, determination and pursuit of excellence."

The Ephs return substantial talent, including Higgins. Junior Pilar Torres (8 goals, 5 assists in 2023) is a force on the defensive end. She contributed with three game-winners, including one during a 3-2 overtime win against Wesleyan in the NESCAC Quarterfinals. Last season, Higgins and Torres were named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division III All-Region II First Team and NESCAC All-Conference First Team.

Other strong returning student-athletes feature Meaghan Boehm (8 goals, 1 assist), Claire Colvin (6 goals, 5 assists), Anna Miller (2 goals, 4 assists), Natalia Nolan (3 goals, 1 assist), Madeline Rowland (1 goal, 1 assist), Kaela Smith (1 goal, 1 assist), Margot Bernardo (1 goal), Chloe Bush (1 goal), Tess Everett (1 goal), Keira Harder (1 goal), Laura Ryan (1 goal) and Linda Bibeau (1 assist).

Defender Grace Rebak started 18 games. Aggie Ryan, Haley McAuslin and Charlotte Hassenforder saw time on the field and will look to take the next step. Goalkeeper Miriam Silver did not relinquish a goal in seven minutes, 24 seconds, in relief during an Ephs' win against Worcester State in the NCAA First Round.

The Ephs welcome six first years in goalkeeper Ellie Smith, Mikaela Condran, McKenna Dwyer, Sienna Alday, Ali Meyer and Isabella Mitreska. 

"Every year is a completely different team," said Torres. "The members of this incoming class are equal to everyone else, and that is how they will be treated. We are excited to welcome them and grow as a team. All returners are eager to help the first years in any way, and we are eager to learn from them. In the past two years, we had first years step up in big moments and we cannot wait to see what this class accomplishes." 

Assistant Coach Kate Lenox returns for her second consecutive season role and fifth overall at Williams, being as an assistant from 2017-19. Bernardo, Bibeau and Boehm are senior captains.

"Margot, Linda and Meaghan will be phenomenal captains," said Torres. "They are talented and intelligent student-athletes on the field, but what makes them stand out are their positive attitudes. They are the perfect role models and will set a standard of effort and support, which will be emulated by the rest of the team."

The Ephs' schedule consists of 15 games, with 10 being in the NESCAC and six occurring at Williamson Field. The season starts on Sept. 4 with a 4 p.m. game at Union. Williams' home opener is 1 p.m. against Tufts on Sept. 7. 

Additionally, the Ephs compete against Babson (Sept. 8), Smith (Sept. 11), Salisbury (Oct. 19) and Swarthmore (Oct. 20) in non-conference action. The NESCAC Quarterfinals occur at the higher seed on Nov. 2, and then the highest remaining seed hosts the Final Four on Nov. 9 and 10.

The program will forever be grateful for the contributions from last year's senior class in Elizabeth Scarcella, Molly Hellman, Payton Ahola, Jacqui Sandor and Gates Tenerowicz. 

Scarcella was named to the NFHCA All-Region II Second Team and NESCAC All-Conference Second Team. Hellman led the team in assists (12) and tallied the second-most points (26). Tenerowicz recorded two individual shutouts and appeared in every game. Ahola buried the game-winner in the NCAA Tournament against Worcester State and Sandor started every game.

"We had five strong seniors that played crucial roles across the field," said Bibeau. "Our mentality entering this season is not to try and recreate last season's team. Each season brings a new group of individuals and it will be exciting to see how we build off the success of past squads, while cultivating our own identity. We have a strong junior class that will be exciting to watch as the student-athletes step into their new roles and a large and talented sophomore class that put in a bunch of work in the off season to be in a competitive position this fall."

Bernardo added, "Since my first year, the team has always had strong senior leadership. Last year's seniors were no exception. They created a culture of accountability and supported each one of their teammates. This year's team is excited to continue this legacy for the upcoming season." 

As the roster changes, two foundational pieces remain, which are the bar is set high and a rock-solid culture.

"Our goal is to continue competing at the highest level within the NESCAC and to make a strong push in the NCAA postseason," said Barrale. "We will continue to focus on development, both individually and as a team. This means pushing our student-athletes to hone their skills, improve fitness and deepen the understanding of the game. We will stress the importance of mental toughness and resilience, as these qualities are crucial in navigating the ups and downs of a season. We will continue to build on what has worked well for us in the past, while staying adaptable. Lastly, we will continue to cultivate a positive and supportive environment where each student-athlete feels valued and motivated to give their best."

Written by Trevor Wenners
Manager of Athletic Statistics and Record Keeping
tw11@williams.edu