BOSTON - The University at Albany field hockey program has been picked to finish third in the 2025 America East Preseason Coaches' Poll, the conference announced Wednesday. In addition, two Great Danes have been named to the Preseason All-Conference team.
The two-time defending America East Regular Season Champions are looking at nearly an entirely new team after graduating a class of 12 seniors and graduate students. A testament to the success of Head Coach
Phil Sykes and Associate Head Coach
Andy Thornton, the Great Danes are projected to finish third behind 2024 AE Championship contenders, New Hampshire and Vermont.
With just one point difference, the Wildcats beat out the reigning America East Champion, Vermont, with 24 points and four first-place votes. The Catamounts are close behind with 23 points and the remaining two first-place votes.
UAlbany (15), UMass Lowell (13), and Maine (12) are differentiated by just three points for third through fifth place. Bryant rounds out the conference with five points.
In addition to the annual Coaches' Preseason Poll, the America East coaching staffs voted for the AE Field Hockey Preseason All-Conference Team. As part of the 11-person team, the Great Danes placed two on the second list published by the league.
Both honorees in their respective rookie season, senior
Sophia Schoonmaker and junior
Mara Küskes were selected to represent UAlbany. Schoonmaker, a constant in the Great Danes' attacking line, opened her career with the game-winning overtime goal in the NCAA First Round upset at Michigan in 2022. She has started all possible games throughout her collegiate career. Küskes has been the Purple and Gold's primary corner inserter since arriving on campus. Ranked fifth in the nation in assists per game as a freshman, she has been a staple in both the Great Danes' defense and corner unit. Küskes is the only defender selected to this year's AE Preseason All-Conference Team
Check out the full AE Preseason Poll and All-Conference Team below.
2025 America East Preseason Coaches' Poll
- New Hampshire - 23 (4)
- Vermont - 22 (2)
- UAlbany - 15
- UMass Lowell - 13
- Maine - 12
- Bryant - 5
2025 America East Preseason All-Conference
Tasmin Cookman - F - New Hampshire (two-time selection)
Olivia Geniti - M - Maine
Karlijn Kerkof - M - UMass Lowell
Kathelijne Knuttel - New Hampshire
Mara Küskes - D - UAlbany
Sofia Lefranc - M - Vermont (two-time selection)
Madison Leeper - F - UMass Lowell (two-time selection)
Faye Meijer - M - New Hampshire
Nicole Poulakis - F - New Hampshire (two-time selection)
Sophia Schoonmaker - F - UAlbany
Merle Vaandrager - GK – Vermont
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