SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Skidmore College field hockey team will kick off its 2026 season on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 4 p.m. at home against Utica University. The Thoroughbreds have defeated the Pioneers in each of the last six meetings and nine out of the last 10.
 
Tuesday's contest will mark the first for new head coach Kate Lenox, who joined Skidmore after serving as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Williams College, where she helped guide the Ephs to a Final Four appearance in 2024 and multiple NCAA Tournament runs.
 
A REWIND OF 2025
Skidmore finished the 2025 season at 9-10 overall and 3-4 in the Liberty League. The Thoroughbreds narrowly missed out on a playoff spot. Five of the losses were by a single goal. Overall, Skidmore outscored its opponents by a 43-41 margin.
 
The 2025 season also marked the final campaign of head coach Beth Hallenbeck's illustrious career. Skidmore's 2-1 win over Ithaca on Oct. 19 was her 400^th win as she became one of only six active Division III coaches to reach the milestone.  
 
THE SCHEDULE AHEAD
After the non-league opener against Utica, the Thoroughbreds will host Geneseo on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 2 p.m. at Wagner Park. Then, after road games against NESCAC foes in Trinity (9/13) and Hamilton (9/13), Skidmore will return home for to more non-conference games against Thomas (9/19), and Castleton (9/22). Liberty League play is set to commence on Saturday, Sept. 26, against St. Lawrence.
 
Skidmore will host three more league contests against Union (10/2), Rochester (10/10), and Rensselaer (10/18). The regular season concludes with four straight on the road.
 
The Liberty League Tournament commences with the first round on Tuesday, Nov. 3 followed by the semifinal on Friday, Nov. 6, and the title game on Sunday, Nov. 8. Skidmore's last championship was in 2016.
 
RETURNING
Skidmore has 16 returning players to the 2026 rosters, which includes 14 from the 2025 team and two back after a one-season hiatus. A season ago, Gianna DiGioacchino and Erin Ohlenbusch were both voted to the All-Liberty League Second Team. Both were also the team's representatives on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District At-Large Team.
 
Ohlenbusch had three goals and five assists last year as a junior, while averaging over 55 minutes per game in the midfield. DiGioacchino started all 19 games in 2025 on the back line, while also contributing on the offensive end with three goals and a pair of assists.
 
Ella Costa and Colby Paul return having both recorded 18 points apiece in 2025 leading the way for returning point-getters. The Thoroughbreds also return all three of their goalkeepers. Nicole Sylvestri recorded a .788 saver percentage and 1.51 goals-against average in 16 games played as a junior last season.
 
INCOMING
Skidmore welcomes five new student-athletes, all first-years, to the roster in 2026.
 
PROGRAM HISTORY
One of the most storied programs in Division III, Skidmore has won 10 league titles and made 15 NCAA Tournament appearances. The team has played in three Final Fours (2001, 2010, 2013) and has reached the national quarterfinals six times.
 
Skidmore has boasted 38 NFHCA All-Americans and five CSC Academic All-Americans®.
 
FROM HEAD COACH KATE LENOX    
"We are excited about the season ahead, and each opportunity to grow together as a team. Our focus has been competing every day while supporting one another and representing Skidmore field hockey with great pride, grit, and passion."