Harvard field hockey has been ranked first in the Ivy League preseason poll, narrowly surpassing Princeton with 10 first-place votes and a total of 121 points. The team enjoyed a historic last season, making it to the NCAA Tournament Semifinals and setting a school record with 19 wins. They return 85% of their goal production and boast three returning All-Americans, matching Northwestern for the most in that category. Harvard is also ranked fourth in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association preseason poll, marking their highest ever ranking. The season kicks off on September 4 against UMass Lowell and features a match against No. 11 UConn shortly thereafter.

By the Numbers
  • Harvard received 121 total points in the preseason poll, along with 10 first-place votes.
  • The team set a record last season with 19 wins and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Semifinals for only the second time in school history.
Yes, But

While Harvard leads the Ivy League, Princeton closely follows with only three points less, indicating a competitive race for top honors in the upcoming season.

State of Play
  • Harvard's ranking in the Penn Monto/National Field Hockey Coaches' Poll is the highest in school history.
  • The team is on a school record 10-week consecutive streak in the top five of the national coaches' rankings.
What's Next

The upcoming matches will be pivotal for Harvard to maintain their leading position and momentum as they face UMass Lowell and No. 11 UConn, providing early tests of their season strength.

Bottom Line

Harvard's strong preseason placement reflects a combination of last season's success and a solid returning roster, setting high expectations for the 2026 season's performance.