PITMAN, NJ – Defending New Jersey Athletic Conference champion Rowan has been selected as the preseason favorite to repeat in 2025, according to a vote of the league’s seven head coaches.
TCNJ was picked second in the poll, followed by Montclair State in third, while Stockton was tabbed as the league’s dark horse selection in fourth. Kean, Ramapo, and William Paterson rounded out the rankings.
The top four teams will advance to the 2025 NJAC Tournament, scheduled for November 5 (semifinals) and November 8 (championship). The tournament winner will secure the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
NJAC FIELD HOCKEY PRESEASON POLL
(first place votes in parentheses)
- Rowan (6)
- TCNJ (1)
- Montclair State
- Stockton (dark horse)
- Kean
- Ramapo
- William Paterson
ROWAN
Rowan brings back the firepower of two of its top three scorers along with the NJAC’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, setting up another promising campaign. Reigning Rookie of the Year Jenna Gray leads the offense after racking up 35 points, while fellow first-teamer Alexa Ronning adds balance with 15 points. Defensively, Tess Herman, a two-time all-conference pick and reigning conference Defensive Player of the Year, provides leadership, while Paige Gray contributes on both ends of the field. In goal, Mariah Juiliano returns after logging nearly 1300 minutes in the cage and recording a .756 save percentage. Combined with a strong class of newcomers, the Profs are once again built to contend for conference and NCAA postseason success.
Head Coach Michelle Andre: “With losing one senior we return a core experienced group with experience in the cage. We have a strong group of newcomers that are expected to come in and contribute.”
TCNJ
After graduating two-time NJAC Offensive Player of the Year Rayhanah Ahmed and 2023 Midfielder of the Year Claire Engebreth, TCNJ turns to a balanced group of returners ready to maintain the Lions’ championship pedigree. Leading the charge is forward Jadyn Huff, the team’s second-leading scorer a season ago with 22 points, while Julia Neff and Isabel Maher add proven offensive punch in both the midfield and forward lines. The defense is anchored by first-team goalkeeper Brigitte Racey, who posted a 0.91 goals-against average, along with veterans Rachael Tetzlaff and Taylor Wielechowski in the backfield. With an infusion of talented newcomers joining an already hardworking group, the Lions look poised to stay among the league’s top contenders.
Newcomers to Watch: Olivia Cano (D; Lawrenceville, NJ/The Pennington School), Lindsey Hoffman (M; West Chester, PA/B. Reed Henderson), Elena Bonfrisco (D; Medford, NJ/Shawnee), Kayla Crai (M; Mahwah, NJ/UMass-Dartmouth)
Head Coach Sharon Pfluger: “The 2025 team encompasses a terrific group of student-athletes who are super excited about the season. Everyone works extremely hard and it is obvious that there was a lot of effort put into the summer preparations for the season. The team possesses incredible potential to be successful. We are taking one day at a time.”
MONTCLAIR STATE
Montclair State graduated several key all-conference players particularly on offense, but the Red Hawks still return a core with both experience and versatility. Forward Natalie Surma leads the attack as the top returning goal scorer, while Bella Heiser provides another scoring option up front. Defensively, First Team All-NJAC pick Sadie Eichlin and Honorable Mention standout Anna Donaldson will anchor the backline along with veteran returner Kasey Watson providing a defensive spark. Goaltender Sydney White also returns after starting 17 games in the cage last year, logging over 1000 minutes with a 1.19 goals against average. With a talented group of newcomers set to join the mix, Montclair has the pieces to remain in the hunt for an NJAC title.
Newcomers to Watch: Mani’a Lacy (G; Merchantville, NJ/Haddon Heights), Colleen McGavin (F/M; Denville, NJ/Morris Knolls)
Head Coach Eileen O’Reilly: “Montclair State will continue to compete as one of the top teams in the conference and our goal is to win an NJAC championship. We are excited about our returning group as well as an exciting group of newcomers who are already enhancing our team culture and elevating our level of play.”
STOCKTON
Stockton enters 2025 with a dynamic blend of experience and young talent that should keep the Ospreys in the NJAC playoff conversation. Two-time all-conference standouts Kirsten Bailey (30 points) and Carlee Thompson (23 points) provide a dangerous one-two punch on offense, while reigning NJAC Goalie of the Year Erika Roura gives Stockton a proven anchor in the cage after recording five shutouts last season. Defensively, Makayla Alessi adds consistency and toughness to the backline. With the addition of several talented freshmen from powerhouse high school programs, Stockton’s depth and competitiveness should be among the best in the league.
Newcomers to Watch: Maura Somers (M; Berlin, NJ/Eastern Regional), Brooke Ruiz (F/M; Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Regional), Mia Collins (F; Branchburg, NJ/Somerville)
Head Coach Sarah Elleman: “This year's squad is an excellent mix of a strong core group of experienced players and a great group of newcomers who will help push our team forward. We expect to be highly competitive in the NJAC this season.”
KEAN
Kean brings back two of its top three scorers from 2024 and a defensive unit with valuable experience, setting the stage for another competitive campaign. Midfielder Shannon Conroy, a First Team All-NJAC pick, leads the Cougars’ offense after finishing with 14 points a year ago, while forward Madison Brege adds another steady scoring threat. In the midfield, Adrianna Duda provides both two-way play and offensive support, and the backline is anchored by All-Conference defender Juliana Cannizzaro, who also recorded four defensive saves. With added depth and energy from this year’s roster, Kean is focused on turning last year’s growth into a breakthrough season.
Newcomers to Watch: Emmah Devlin (F; Millville, NJ/St. Joseph’s Hammonton), Karli Pritchett (M; Glassboro, NJ/Glassboro)
Head Coach Maura Johnston: “Last year we gained valuable experience against a competitive NJAC schedule, and now we return stronger and motivated to take the next step as a program. With the depth, and energy from this group, we are in a great position to build on our foundation and compete at a high level.”
RAMAPO
Ramapo enters 2025 with a veteran senior core that has shown both offensive firepower and defensive toughness. Midfielder Victoria Chavez has led the team in scoring each of the last two years while also ranking among the NJAC leaders in defensive saves, and she’ll be complemented up front by forward Kayla Gray, who started all 18 games last fall. On the other end, the Roadrunners return Allison Tanasy, who chipped in eight points and tallied eight defensive saves, alongside defender Maddie Kulik, another steady presence on the backline. With experience at every level of the field and the addition of key newcomers – including first-year head coach Rachel McHale – Ramapo looks primed to make waves this season.
Newcomers to Watch: Abbey DeYoung (F; Vernon, NJ/Vernon Township), Isabella Casale (M; Freehold, NJ/Freehold Boro)
Head Coach Rachel McHale: “Ramapo Field Hockey is entering the season with a strong core of senior returners who know exactly what they want to achieve and have done the hard work to grow. This group is hungry for success and committed to bringing more discipline and focus than ever before. Their energy, determination, and positive attitudes are setting the tone for the entire squad, positioning the team for a season filled with growth and achievement.”
WILLIAM PATERSON
William Paterson, under the guidance of first-year head coach Melissa Zurawiecki, will lean on its veteran leaders as it looks to climb the NJAC standings in 2025. Forward Alexandra Stoner returns as the team’s leading scorer, while midfielder Julia Dennehy provides another reliable offensive option after ranking second on the squad in points last year. On defense, Kourtney Scipio brings experience and leadership to anchor the backline. Scipio returns to the Pioneer lineup after a few seasons away, and had guided the program through the covid seasons – including a defensive save to help the team win the spring 2021 NJAC Tournament. With a strong freshman class set to provide immediate depth, the Pioneers are ready to challenge opponents across the tough league.
Newcomers to Watch: Giuliana Pasquarella (M; Bensalem, PA/Bensalem), Courtney DiPrenda (D; Pompton Plains, NJ/Pompton Plains)
Head Coach Melissa Zurawiecki: “The 2025 William Paterson field hockey team is committed to pushing themselves and each other to elevate our program to the next level. With focus, grit, and determination, this united group is prepared to rise to every challenge and compete fiercely in a competitive NJAC conference.”