'Cats Named to Big Ten, NFHCA Preseason Watchlists

EVANSTON, Ill. - Headed into their season-opening weekend, five Northwestern field hockey student-athletes have been selected for preseason watch lists, as announced by the Big Ten Conference and the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA).

Three Wildcats were named to the 2026 Big Ten Players to Watch List, including repeat appearances for Ashley Sessa and Ilse Tromp. The pair of seniors took home last year’s Big Ten Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year accolades, respectively, and were also NFHCA All-American First Team selections. Joined by fellow All-American Olivia Bent-Cole (Third Team), the trio of ‘Cats resume their place among the top of the league after concluding last season with All-Big Ten First Team honors.

The NFHCA also announced its 2026 Division I Watchlist ahead of the start of regular-season slates. According to the organization, “this list is intended to showcase those field hockey student-athletes with the strongest potential for consideration to the current year’s NFHCA All-Region and All-American teams.”

Bent-Cole, Juliana Boon, Laura Salamanca, Sessa and Tromp were named to the collegiate list, each eligible by being previously recognized for their outstanding field hockey abilities within the past two years.

Northwestern begins its 2026 campaign on Friday, Aug. 28, at noon CT, hosting VCU at Lakeside Field. The Wildcats then take on Lafayette College at home on Sunday, Aug. 30, at 11 a.m. CT. The season-opening weekend will feature Banner Day and Kids’ Day on Friday and Sunday, respectively, with free admission and giveaways. Both games will be streamed on B1G+.