Stars On A Team Or A Team Of Stars

Lafayette has certainly gotten off to a good start to the 2026 championship season. The only blemish is a 0-1 loss to the number one team in division one, Northwestern. To date they have a 3-1 record ,and along the way individual efforts have highlighted that record. Certainly and foremost could be the performances of Addie Kahn the Leopard goal keeper whose outstanding performance against Northwestern earned her goalkeeper of the week for the Patriot League last week, but her performance continues on with an outstanding game against Cornell stopping not one, but two penalty strokes preserving a 2-1 victory. She currently ranks 18th nationally in save percentage.

Another shining star on the Leopard lineup is Lena Thedrian whose goals per game, 1.25 ( which includes a hat trick against Temple), puts her ranked 9th in nation and second in the conference. Kate Gibb is ranked 7th in the nation in assists with at least 1 per game. Lena is ranked 14th in points per game.

The team itself is ranked 6th in country for defensive saves. The most important stat of course isthe won loss record of 3-1, which was against quality opponents. It does not getting any easier with Drexel, Penn State, Delaware, and Brown as future non conference foes.

However, there is always the in conference competition. Bucknell is off to its first 4-0 start in decades, BU has demonstrated a strong offense, Colgate has dangerous energy and there is always American lurking. Each game will be a”championship” game ,and Holy Cross and Lehigh will be looking for that playoff spot as well.

The prize in the conference battle of course is home field for the conference tournament. Hosting is a big advantage, as each field has it’s own characteristics. It’s been years since Lafayette was the site….it would be sweet if this year would see activity out there in late fall.

There is a whole team wearing Maroon and White and I suspect this team of stars will be making their mark in the record books.

Leopards Return From Impressive Performance In Chicago To Face Temple At Home

The Leopards flew back from Chicago with a 1-1 record having faced two opponents, one of which was the two time National Champion. The game was a solid 2-1 against Kent State at Northwestern’s field. Kent State scored their only goal with minutes left in the fourth period. Lafayette had just scored earlier on a Stella Malinowski strike which was disallowed. The official refused to recognize the Lafayette call for a review which they were entitled to. In my opinion it was a good goal. Lena Thedrian and Malinowski scored the previous two goals.

The following day was occupied by a baseball game at Wrigley Field and a visit to the “Bean,” in downtown Chicago. During the bus ride the coaches were hard at work on the game plan for Northwestern.

The game itself was a defensive tour de force by Lafayette. It was highlighted by PL goalkeeper of the week Addison Kahn, who had 15 saves all weekend, earning a season 88 pct save percentage.

The 0-1 loss was filled with impressive performances as Lafayette’s veteran defense held back Northwestern’s offense for 58 minutes led by captain Thedrian who had defensive saves as well.

The Leopards will don their home uniforms this Friday at 6 as they take on the Temple Owls who are also 1-1, having beaten JMU 2-1 and losing to Maryland 1-3. The Temple goalkeeper was not as successful as Kahn as she arrive in Easton with a 69 pct save pct. Goals were scored by Riley Gallagher, Lucia Magro and Brooke Weaver. Both Lafayette and Temple faced 31 shots this season. Coincidentally, both teams had 15 shots over the weekend.

Malinowski grabs the ball

The Owls and the Leopards are no strangers, since they have faced each other many times over the years including spring scrimmages. Make no mistake this will be an intense contest as either team would like to leave the turf with a winning record. I would hope the Leopard faithful will be out in force to tilt the energy towards the Leopards.

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Leopards Finish Preseason On High Note

In five days the Leopards will be playing for real. It’ll be a non conference game with Kent State on Friday August 28 2;30 CT. Today, they finished their preseason with a home game against Wagner. There was a lot for coaches to be pleased with, especially with a dominant performance by the offense. I don’t know if it would be wise to identify goal scorers etc, but suffice to say the Patriot League coaches got it right in their preseason selections.

Stella Malinowski can make her presence known

However, one could add to the story, the progress made by the first year players, and the improvement of the returning squad members, as well. Today I saw excellent speed and good skills against a team that at the end of last year was ranked ahead of Kent State.

Corners were well executed with Lena

The hockey was as sound as it was exciting to watch. As they step on that plane Thursday, I don’t see how they can be better prepared. In a cautious observation, first games can be difficult and I remind everyone of last years game with William and Mary…a game that should been a W, The second game on Sunday may be a different story but the Leopards should not look ahead. The most important game is always the next one.

I think Lafayette fans are in for a treat this fall and the team deserve every bit of support. This is a serious minded battle tested group and it will be fun to watch this all come together. Wagner opened with a press and Lafayette handled it in way that should give concern to opponents, League and Non League. It time to set the tempo early.

I have my tickets in hand for Chicago and I hope the return trip will be with a smile on my face. The first game will NOT be televised and Sunday’s match will be on the Big Ten network.

Go Pards!!!

Leopards Continue Preseason Prep

The 2026 Leopards continue to work under hot late summer conditions preparing for the coming season which is only one week away. They traveled to Monmouth and got taste of intense high level hockey. Monmouth showed their skill and experience by jumping out to a first quarter two goal lead, surprising Lafayette fresh off the bus ride from Easton. However, this is a gritty team and they battled back and soon would get help from first year Elsa Wood nailing her first goal in a maroon and white uniform.

Following Elsa’s lead, senior Katie Gibb would even the score in the second quarter. Monmouth would eventually add one more goal, but this was a good afternoon as the upper classmen showed the skill that brought them success last season while the first years gained confidence.

As each day goes by the team is starting see where they are on the field and where their teammates are. Lena Thedrian deserves special mention as she had 3 defensive saves during the afternoon. Her work last year merited recognition as the preseason defensive player of the year. She was selected along with Stella Malinowski and Rosalie van Gool to the Patriot League preseason all league team. Lafayette was recognized by being picked second in the Patriot League poll…American was picked first by the coaches.

In 25 years of watching Leopard hockey, I have never seen us picked first. The first League game is September 18 th at Colgate.

Preseason Beginning To Show Results…Lafayette Reloads

Stella Malinowski finds open space

Lafayette Field Hockey had their first live competition of the season during a preseason game with the University of Albany. Remarkably, for an early early preseason game, the offense showed strong organization with considerable depth. Scoring was spread around the squad with Lafayette being able to solve the Albany defense from the first push-off. The defense was strong and played a role in starting attacks and showed strong field awareness.

Linda Novas evades an Albany defender
Linda Novas evades an Albany defender

There is still progress to be made with additional ball speed, but no doubt it will be there in time for the first game with Kent State and the game with Northwestern two days later. Of interest to all fans is the competition at the goal. The two goaltenders who played, showed that whoever prevails, the area between the pipes will be well protected.

The first year players were well represented on the field, and will make their presence known as the season progresses. I was particularly impressed with the speed of Mia Barreto, who chased down an Albany player in the second half attempting a fast break.

The attack penalty corners and defensive penalty corners were up to the challenge as they exhibited mid-season form. As the weeks go by, I expect to see more deception in the APC’s and maybe more attempts to fast break after DPC’s.

The returning players seem to have made progress which will be bad news to upcoming opponents, including the League Rivals. I am trying to temper my enthusiasm, but there is still a week to go and two more preseason games with Monmouth and Wagner before it begins for real!

Next up is Monmouth which should provide another measure of progress.

For those of you attending the opening week end at Northwestern, there will be a reception after the Kent State game Friday afternoon. More on those details later.

Patriot League Turns Over 57 Percent Of Head Field Hockey Coaches

Leopards go to Championship game

Apparently, in an attempt to upgrade the weaker programs in the League, or to replace a retiring Head Coach, the Patriot League will see a huge turnover at the top of four programs. Lehigh, Holy Cross, Boston University and Colgate will be changing leadership. In recent years, Lafayette, American, Bucknell and Boston have had regular appearances in the League Tournament. Perhaps these changes, if accompanied by cultural and material support can raise the profile of the League and give the League two bids to the national tournament.

In an era of NIL, portal activities, and eligibility extended to five years, these changes may be an action in response. I have for years recognized that the regional nature of the League corresponds to Field Hockey’s regional nature. It is not unusual to see a majority of the domestic players on the power school’s roster coming from the areas domiciled by Patriot League schools.

The list of changes follow:

Lehigh- Corey Mayer joined in May from an asst coaching position at Villanova

Holy Cross- Kim Coszenza joins from WPI and has already filled her staff of three assistants plus a technical director,

Colgate- Gareth Tenet comes from a five year tour as an assistant at Cornell and filled his staff. He has strong international background and I would bet we will see more internationals in Red Raider uniforms. Interestingly he has a very strong recruit from Easton in Olivia Milian

Boston University- Sarah Shutte is a 2008 alum in the well planned succession to Sally Starr. Boston beat Lafayette in the Patriot League final last year. Sarah was the head coach at MIT and has her staff in place.

Meanwhile, the three remaining teams are not letting grass grow under their cleats. American has recruited two transfers from Michigan State and Boston College to add to its five member class. Lafayette has its five member class ( and perhaps two international players) to announce along with a new assistant coach. Bucknell has shown improvement on many fronts.

Lafayette opens with Kent State and national champion Northwestern on the 28th and 30th of August respectively, It is about 30 days before the team reports for preseason and the full roster and staff additions should be announced by then! Lafayette has a number of nexus players coming in and two players are playing for the Canadian National team.

It will be a challenging year of hockey and fun for our fans.


Spring Games End On Positive Note

On a cold, rainy spring day, reminding fans and players of late fall, Lafayette trained for their autumn challenges ahead. In the four previous contests this spring, they proved they could compete with good opponents, displaying a defense up to the task. But like most sports the offense take s a little more time to emerge.

This game with Drexel prove to follow that pattern. The return of Stella Malinowski from the Junior World Cup would prove to be a spark as she scored a second period goal giving an Lafayette early 1-0 lead. Throughout the game the Leopards were to manage several penalty corners setting up numerous scoring opportunities. They managed to beat the Drexel press and fast break offense that is the signature of their play.

Lafayette decided to flip the script using a high press and several fast breaks of their own in the second half. However, the Dragons managed to slip past the Leopards and score a tying goal before time ran out in the third period. The weather was miserable , providing a test for Leopard concentration and perhaps a reminder for the challenges ahead.

From now until early August there will be individual challenges to be ready for the fall. Training will depend on preparation guided by written instructions from the strength and conditioning staff and hopefully some group play away arranged by captains. There will be a new group of first year players added to the mix hopefully bringing added depth to an already experience squad.

As a summary, this senior class of Emma Maher, Stella Malinowski, Maddie Evans, Ines Araujo, Katie Good, Naomi George, and Lena Thedrian will provide the experienced anchor for another run at the playoffs. But it is true also that team depth ,will prove crucial, and our underclassman will provide spark.

This is a good team, if healthy by end of the season, could provide some real thrills for their followers!!

Spring Continues To Show Improvements

The Leopards continue to hone crucial skills this spring as they continue to march through a competitive spring schedule. After four games the Leopards have scored six goals and only given up three. Today they met St Joseph University at Hawk Hill, the first meeting since the NCAA game two years ago. The Leopards fell 0-1 and the Hawks went on to advance to the National Championship game.

Today, Lafayette left on the positive side led by a second period goal by rising soph, Linda Nova who found the upper corner on a reverse chip shot. The defense remained stout as the Leopards held back the aggressive play of St. Joe’s for the remainder of the game

The Hawks opened the game with a high press which Lafayette handled well , as the Hawk intensity inspired the Leopards aggressiveness of their own . St. Joe’s is adjusting to a new Coach, Sam Brown. Coach Brown comes from Syracuse ironically headed by former Head Coach Lynn Farquhar. Hannah Prince, last year’s St. Joe’s Coach left for Penn State at the turn of the year.

The last game of the spring season will occur on Saturday with Drexel at home. After that we have to wait until Labor Day week-end when the Leopards will meet Kent State and national Champion Northwestern in Chicago.

There of course will be some preseason games before that in August. In any case, things are looking good so far in 2026!

Spring Will Drive Fall Success

As our seniors prepare for graduation and moving onto careers or graduate school, underclass teammates begin the process to reload for the fall. In many ways it can be a more intense process as players a shifted to unfamiliar positions and new connections on the field.

The Leopards are mid way through spring competitions. Two players are missing playing for their national under 21 teams in South America and there are the usual injuries that seem to crop up from time to time but that does not mean there are some interesting processes in the works.

Perhaps the most interesting change will be at goalkeeper as two underclassmen are vying for playing time. From what I have seen so far, that issue looks in good hands as both seem up to the job against very good teams having given up only 3 goals in 3 games.

The other issue that will interest fans is that 40 percent of the Patriot League coaches will turn over this fall, Colgate, Holy Cross, and Boston College. To date, Colgate has inexplicably not announced their new leader. The other two are in place as I write.

As to my impressions so far, I see no reason why Lafayette can not be in the hunt again for the title. It’s always interesting to see the schedule of out of conference games as an indication of the coach’s belief in the fall prospects. There is no stronger indication this year as early on they will be meeting national champion Northwestern in Chicago. In addition, American and Boston will be at home this year. As to support, it was great to see familiar faces of parents in the stands.

As to other transitions, I have termed out as the chair of USA Field Hockey Foundation which leaves me more time to travel and pay attention to the Leopards. It was an intense two years with establishing an MOU with the Association, writing new By Laws and Articles of Incorporation and placing 6 new BOT members. The chair is in good hands with Sara Kocmond at the helm guiding them to and through the 2028 LA Olympics,

Not The Outcome We Wanted

Stella Malinowski and Josephine van Wijk surround a Boston player

It was a game well anticipated….a chance for our Leopards to add another ring to the finger, but Boston had other ideas. It needed a record setting effort by Boston and they got it. Boston always brings a stout defense, and they delivered, but they also got a record hat trick from Caroline O’Brian, that the Leopards failed to halt when needed.

For a while it looked like the Leopards would pull it out…a goal by. Maddie Evans in the third tied things up, but answered by O’Brian 6 minutes later…then 9 minutes later a goal by Malinowski only to be trumped by O’Brian with only 2 1/2 minutes to go in the game. This was the first time a 4 seed won the tournament and the first time there was a hat trick that did it.

I delayed writing this blog because I wanted to reflect on this and the upcoming tournament. First of all the Leopards left it all on the field and all praise to a marvalous senior class who led us here. Mackenzie Switzer, Carolina Rubel, Ellie Barton, Josephine Van Wijk, Peyton Guinter, and Raffi Fragomeni, who thrilled us with their courage, skill and determination for four years. They earned their rings from last year, something a majority of teams in Patriot League cannot say.

To the team, you prevailed through training, injuries and other adversities, for that you have our admiration and thanks. We are proud to be your fans!!

Josephine Van Wijk unloads a shot against Bucknell

To our amazing freshman, sophomores and juniors, you will challenge again I am sure, using this game as motivation. The League is getting better and the challenges will certainly be there, but I know you are up to it. To our coaches, who will hit the recruiting trail to replace and strengthen an extraordinary squad, our good wishes.

For the moment to Boston, congratulations on overcoming a difficult season. Best of luck and carry the League Flag with pride!! Boston will move onto Fairfield for the play in game, and I suspect after that. Princeton.

The success of the Ivy League this year has come as a shock to the power schools. Harvard, Princeton, and Yale will continue playing, pushing out teams like Maryland and Michigan.

A black mark to the Patriot League for asking the Lafayette team to leave the pitch after the game. The optics made it seem like they were bad sports. Several American players in the stands corrected the impression by noting the League had demanded the loser leave the field….terrible optics!!!

The success of the Ivies shows that excellence is possible, even at the Patriot League level with all its demands!!