PITMAN, NJ - Rowan's five-time conference champion field hockey team has been dubbed the preseason favorite as the 2026 NJAC Preseason Coaches Poll was announced, with the Profs earned seven out of a possible eight first-place votes.

The Profs captured their fifth consecutive NJAC title in 2025, running their total to 12 conference championships all-time. Rowan finished the year ranked 13th in the nation while posting a 16-6 record and making its seventh appearance in the NCAA Championship under head coach Michelle Andre.

Rowan, ranked #14 in the 2026 NFHCA Preseason Poll, enters the season with a solid group of returners with attacking midfielders Mia Foti and Gracie Merrick, defensive midfielder Sydney Kowalczyk and back Aurelia McManis. Kowalczyk topped the team with 19 goals and 44 points in being named the NJAC Rookie of the Year. Foti (10 goals), Merrick (11 points) and McManis (7 assists) joined Kowalczyk in being named to the All-Conference First Team.

"Our team is returning a core group that has a ton of experience," said Andre, now in her 13th season at her alma mater. "We're a very balanced team."

TCNJ was second in the poll and received one first-place vote, followed by Stockton, Montclair State and new conference member New Paltz in fifth. Kean, Ramapo and William Paterson round out the preseason selections.

The Profs open the new year with three straight games on the road, starting with Wednesday, September 2 at Ursinus. Rowan will be tested right away with Top 25 matchups against #12 Stevens (September 6) and #2 Johns Hopkins (September 9) before opening the home schedule on September 12 against Moravian at noon.