UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – A new program brings new opportunities, and John Carroll University Field Hockey Head Coach Gina Stephan has big plans. Having a strong debut as a club sport, the team is ready to officially make its mark as a varsity sport.

As field hockey becomes the 25th varsity sport at John Carroll, the Blue Streaks are ready to compete with the same passion and determination that define JCU Athletics.

Making their mark as a varsity sport in this 2026 season, Stephan isn't focused on the wins and losses, but rather on the team coming together and finding a system that works well for them. 

"Since we are a new program, I'm honestly not sure what's ahead," said Stephan. "This season will bring lots of growth and development. We are really just trying to find the style that works best for us- with a focus on possession, teamwork, and overall cohesion on and off the field." 

The past three scrimmages have provided the Blue Streak squad valuable insight into this upcoming season. After securing 1-0 victories over both Wooster and Oberlin in shortened matches, the Streaks are ready to carry that momentum into their inaugural season. A 1-1 tied game with Kenyon College, with a strong showing from the defensive side, gives the Blue Streaks good insight to what the season will look like. The scrimmages have been a great gauge of where the team is at and what needs to be worked on. 

Coach Stephan defines this season as a "learning process," giving the Streaks the ability to learn their identity and system as a new team, while also growing within.

The Blue Streaks welcomed a large group of newcomers as they build the foundation of the program. The roster includes 12 first-years, three sophomores, one junior, and four seniors, all of whom have never played collegiate field hockey. 

Three members of the 20-person roster are dual-sport athletes here at Carroll. Mary Wymard, Annalise Caulfield, and Abbey Murray carry over Blue Streak experience from the JCU Women's lacrosse team. Their successes on the Women's Lacrosse team has prepared them to be assets to the Field Hockey program. 

While the team may be new, it is not without veteran leadership. Seniors Annalise Caulfield, Sophia Schultheis, Mara Sidloski, and Mary Wymard bring strong leadership and power onto the field. Coach Stephen emphasized that the roster is filled with strong players who will contribute a great deal to the success of the team. 

There is no doubt that the Blue Streaks are ready to add to the powerhouse athletic tradition that defines JCU. And from the looks of it, this team is ready to be a strong competitor in the North Coast Athletic Conference.

John Carroll begins its inaugural season with a match against SUNY Brockport on Tuesday, September 1 at 4 pm in Brockport, NY. The Streaks travel back to University Heights for their home opener vs Centre College on Saturday, September 12 at 12 pm.