The 2025 Northwestern field hockey season begins on Aug. 31 when the Wildcats take on Richmond in Virginia. Before that, we wanted to give you an overall preview of everything that you need to know about Northwestern’s quest for back-to-back.
Which game on the schedule is the most important for Northwestern?
Yanyan: The Oct. 19 match against Maryland. That stretch of consecutive games against Maryland, Michigan and Ohio State will be what I think is Northwestern’s most important stretch of the regular season, and the one that determines who wins the Big Ten. But
Maryland comes in with the best team out of the trio in my opinion (more on that later), exacerbated by the fact that the ‘Cats will play the Terrapins on the road. NU beat Maryland in College Park off the back of an early-game Ilse Tromp goal that set the tone, and I expect things to be just as competitive (if not more) this time around.
Brendan: Boston College. The Wildcats’ first EIGHT games of the season are on the road (the defending national champions don’t play at home until September 26, nearly a full month after their opener) and Boston College is the last in a long stretch of tough games. After opening with Richmond and VCU as the calendar flips to September, the Wildcats take on Duke (preseason No. 5) on September 5 before facing the Eagles (preseason No. 8) on September 7. That’s Northwestern’s last ranked game before they play at Iowa (a team it beat in a preseason exhibition) on October 3, meaning that if it performs well in Durham, it should be bringing an unbeaten record to Iowa City.
Calvin: It has to be Maryland. The Terps rank fourth in the NFHCA preseason poll and thus represent the highest-ranked matchup Northwestern has on its schedule as of now. I’m with Yanyan that the Terrapin/Wolverine/Buckeye stretch is the most crucial of its regular-season slate, and with four straight ranked matchups coming before the showdown in College Park, the Wildcats will need to avoid major mistakes for a number of games in a row. The two squads’ 2024 faceoff was an electric defensive battle and 1-0 victory for the ‘Cats, and if it weren’t for Tromp’s goal early on in the contest, the Terrapins may have had a chance to take victory.
Sai: Maryland. Aside from everything listed above, it’s critical for Northwestern to garner wins against teams that can challenge its status as the nation’s best. Going on the road to College Park and coming out with a win not only inflates NU’s chances of winning the conference, but also provides an excellent preview of the competition level the ‘Cats face come tournament time – and validation that their ready for it.
Gabe: I’m a firm believer that it takes setting an early tone for a team to have a successful season, and I certainly have the September 5th matchup with Duke circled. Per the NFHCA preseason poll, the Blue Devils are the second-highest ranked team that Northwestern plays, only one spot behind Maryland. However, I think this is the most important because it’s an early litmus test for fans to see how this revamped ‘Cats group will play with one another. This is of course without mentioning that the game will be played in front of Duke fans in Durham, an added element going against the ‘Cats. If this team is cohesive enough in this vital matchup, they could be set for a potential undefeated season if they play their cards right.
Matt: I’ve probably got the most “out there” take amongst us all, but I’m going with Michigan in October. The Wolverines gave NU its toughest matchup – and only loss – of the 2024 season in the finals of the Big Ten Tournament, and I wouldn’t be surprised if history repeats itself in 2025. Of all Big Ten teams, I think Michigan poses the second biggest threat to Northwestern’s conference championship odds (behind Maryland), and I believe a lot will be revealed about how the ‘Cats will perform in the postseason in their last top-10 matchup of the year.
Who will be the team MVP for 2025?
Yanyan: Maddie Zimmer. The reigning National Player of the Year is going to be NPOY until proven otherwise, and now she’s the single-most experienced player on Northwestern’s team as a sixth-year. As a midfielder, she was the one setting up and doing the heavy lifting toward so many of Northwestern’s significant goals last season, and she upped her offensive production as well. It’s hard not to see this uber-versatile player as the X-factor again.
Brendan: Zimmer. All due respect to Ashley Sessa, who ignited this offense to sensational levels a season ago, but Zimmer is the straw that stirs the drink for Tracey Fuchs’ squad. She’s already made three All-America First Teams and was the Most Outstanding Player for both of Northwestern’s title runs. Nine of Zimmer’s 32 points came in the NCAA Tournament, including the game-winning assists in both the quarterfinal and semifinal. She’s the most decorated active player in the nation right now, and she should add a lot more hardware this season.
Calvin: Maddie Zimmer. The ‘Cats are extremely lucky to have their top three scorers all returning in Sessa, Tromp and Zimmer, but the latter is more dominant than anyone in the country given her versatility and ability to set up her teammates offensively. Sessa will likely be the far-and-away leader in goals again this season, but the offense doesn’t run smoothly without Zimmer, who is an incredibly fast, team-first player. There are endless reasons to be watching Northwestern field hockey right now, but despite her talented supporting cast, Zimmer remains the best of the Wildcats.
Sai: Zimmer. The 2024 NFHCA Player of the Year acts as the engine of Northwestern’s offense and comes through as the clutchest player on the team. But what drives Zimmer over the edge is that she’s more than just a solo wrecking machine. She also has a unique and underappreciated ability to draw the best out in both herself and other teammates, as evidenced by her clutch assists in last year’s NCAA tournament. Players like that cannot be underestimated, and in my eyes that’s what makes her the most valuable player on NU’s squad.
Gabe: Perhaps a boring answer, but it has to be Zimmer. She was the best player in the country last season for a reason, and fans have no reason to believe that she’ll be slowing down any time soon. Whether she’s assisting one of the best forwards in the nation or taking it to the net herself, Zimmer will be the key to success in Evanston this season.
Matt: I’m going with Ashley Sessa. I think she’s coming after that Honda Sport Award this season, especially after leading the conference in nearly every offensive stat category, while ranking top five nationally in goals and assists per game. It’s hard to assume a regression in her offensive production from a year ago, and Zimmer is the facilitator of this offense, Sessa’s stick to the ‘Cats attack is like the glass slipper on Cinderella: the perfect fit that leads to the fairy tale ending.
Aside from Maddie Zimmer and Ashley Sessa, which player are you most excited to watch?
Yanyan: The answer’s got to be Julianna Boon, the presumed starter in goal to replace Annabel Skubisz. She comes in with U.S. U21 junior national team experience as an alternate for the Junior Pan American Games, which obviously shows she has great potential despite not playing in a single college game before. It will be very interesting watching her adjust to college field hockey – whether she can live up to Skubisz’s towering legacy will be a major storyline this season.
Brendan: Boon is certainly the most intriguing player on the squad this year, but the most exciting player is easily Ilse Tromp. After a strong freshman season in which she showed flashes of greatness, Tromp burst onto the national scene in 2024, starting all 24 games and leading the Big Ten with 1,439 minutes played. I’m probably biased, but she’s got the most powerful shot I’ve seen in person, and used it to devastating effect in the national title game (two goals, one assist). With the two Laurens (Wadas and Hunter) both departed, Tromp will have an even bigger role in the offense this season.
Calvin: I’ll go a different route here and say Princeton transfer Grace Schulze. Schulze played really well in her first season as a full-time starter with Princeton in 2024, putting up four goals and seven assists. The Tigers usually boast a solid field hockey squad (last year was no exception), and while Schulze’s Northwestern impact is likely to pale in comparison to that of, say, Tromp’s, it’s always fun to see how newcomers fit into Fuchs’ scheme. As a grad transfer, Schulze will only see one season in Evanston, but that also means she provides an immediate high level of Division I experience for this Wildcat squad. Seeing how Fuchs’ coaching acumen elevates Schulze’s play — especially following the graduate student’s injury in 2023 — should be a fascinating storyline.
Sai: I’m going with the player who has the most to prove this season: Maja Zivojnovic. Despite being a senior, this year will be (fingers crossed) Zivojnovic’s first full season as a Wildcat after both 2023 and 2024 were marred by injuries. However, during her time on the field, she demonstrated her potential as both a scorer – netting nine goals in her 12 games in 2023 – as well as a defensive specialist – having previously NFHCA DI Player of the Week and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week. Zivojnovic’s two-way success brings so much value to NU, and I’m excited to see her fully showcase it.
Gabe: There were glimpses of greatness from Piper Borz last season and I’m thoroughly excited to witness a full-fledged breakout season. The junior went from hardly playing in her first-year season to being a reliable substitute off the bench, even making a start against Miami (OH) in the tournament. Borz made her mark largely in blowout games, notably two goals against Stanford and UC-Davis respectively, she consistently made shots on goal against strong foes like St. Joseph’s, Michigan and Massachusetts. The big room for improvement in her case is finding shots that can’t be protected by some of the sport’s elite goalies. With her third season about to begin, I’ll be keeping an eye on Piper Borz for an offensive outburst.
Matt: I’m surprised I’m the only one mentioning Olivia Bent-Cole in this discussion. It’s almost like many forget her name was posted on the All-Big Ten First Team in her freshman season. I’m certain she’s going to continue to fill holes in this Northwestern attack wherever she can. I feel that she’s not given her credit as often as it should be given, partly because Zimmer, Sessa, and Tromp overshadow her on the offensive side of things, but NU followers shouldn’t forget the major role she plays. Without her, Northwestern probably loses matchups against No. 16 Princeton and No. 9 Harvard last season. Someone needs to sing the praises of the junior, and I’ll be doing it all fall, even if I’m alone.
Who will be the biggest threat to back-to-back titles for Northwestern?
Yanyan: With Northwestern’s title, it’s easy to forget that North Carolina was ranked No. 1 for most of the latter stretch of 2024 and steamrolled its way into the Final Four. Sure, it suffered an upset loss to Saint Joseph’s in the NCAA semifinals, but it returns players like 2023 Honda Award winner Ryleigh Heck, 2024 NCAA goals leader Charly Bruder and second-team All-American Sietske Bruning. Revenge will certainly be on the back of the Tar Heels’ minds, and one cannot bet on the greatest program in college field hockey history (especially the only team to defeat Northwestern in the NCAA tournament since 2020).
Brendan: I’m gonna zag a little bit and say Michigan. Much like when Northwestern lacrosse won it all in 2023, the Wildcats’ biggest challenger last year proved to be in conference play. Northwestern needed overtime to beat the Wolverines on the road last season, and even that victory took a Lauren Wadas redirect in overtime. Then in the Big Ten Tournament Championship, Michigan held the Wildcats to just four shots on goal and basically erased Zimmer and Sessa from the game en route to a 1-0 victory. North Carolina’s always going to be scary, but Michigan’s got a lot more opportunities to catch the ‘Cats lacking.
Calvin: It’s definitely North Carolina for me here. While the ‘Cats probably have the better roster between the two teams entering 2025, it’s very close, and Northwestern was very fortunate to avoid facing the Tar Heels in its NCAA Tournament final matchup. The performance against Saint Joseph’s makes me think the Wildcats would have won either way, but nonetheless, UNC will be out for revenge in 2025. With Heck and Bruder at the helm, the sky’s the limit for this team.
Sai: I agree that North Carolina poses the biggest challenge for NU. The school will be as motivated as ever after last year’s disappointing finish, and history indicates that championship success is always within the school’s wheelhouse. It will be interesting to see which team outpaces itself throughout the season, and whether we’ll get a highly anticipated matchup in this year’s postseason.
Gabe: Is the correct answer North Carolina? Yes. Have you heard enough explanation about this already from some of our amazing writers? Also yes. Insert Virginia, arguably the toughest test the ‘Cats faced all postseason on their way to a title last season. The Cavaliers will look to build on an impressive season, which saw new addition Suze Leemans come over from the Netherlands and immediately cement herself as one of the best midfielders in the country. While leading points scorer Dani Mendez transferred to division rival North Carolina, Virginia’s young core may come back with even more authority, posing a serious threat to the ‘Cats come tournament time.
Matt: Considering how Virginia dragged Northwestern into the deepest of waters in the NCAA Tournament, it’s hard to name a bigger threat to the ‘Cats. North Carolina is an obvious choice, but I personally think the loss to Saint Joseph’s in the Final Four a year ago reveals some flaws in its offense. If I had to pick a team that could upset the ‘Cats come playoff time, it would be the Cavaliers.
Which newcomer catches your eye the most?
Yanyan: Grace Schulze will probably be the most impactful newcomer, but I’m curious about how 2024 CAA All-Rookie team honoree Kate Janssen will fit after a season with Delaware. Jassen’s ability to be a key player so early in her career on a consistent NCAA tournament team cannot go unnoticed, and it will be interesting to see how she fits in Northwestern’s already deep midfield. Getting a young transfer like her with three years of eligibility is huge for development.
Brendan: I’ve got to go with Lindsey Brown here. Making the USA U18 Field Hockey Team is no small feat, and Brown has balanced out her strong international play with even stronger high school play, with a 25-goal season to cap her high school tenure. Two other big reasons for this — getting the #1 jersey as a freshman is awesome (even though that has no actual significance) and the Wildcats could use a strong rotation player in the midfield. Brown fits that profile perfectly.
Calvin: I mentioned her before as my most exciting player to watch, so I’ve got to take Schulze again, as she’ll be instrumental in setting up Northwestern’s top scorers in 2025. However, if Brown can break out in her first-year season, it’ll be thrilling to watch, as her goal-scoring prowess in high school was something to behold.
Sai: Grace Schulze has the most experience and promise of NU’s transfer group. After four strong years at Princeton, Schulze hopes to replicate her role as a primary facilitator of the offense. Head coach Tracey Fuchs has already labeled her as the “setup person” of this year’s squad. I’m excited to see that come to fruition.
Gabe: Backs will be at a premium for Northwestern this season, with a strong defensive presence needed in Skubisz’s absence. This makes Kerry McCormick a newcomer to keep an eye on. The junior transfer played every game for Old Dominion over the past two seasons and was on the preseason All-Big East team in 2024. Clearly there were some lofty expectations placed on her last season, and with the right coaching from Tracey Fuchs and Co, this could be a monumental year for McCormick.
Matt: Grace Schulze. As a major contributor to an elite Ivy League squad like Princeton, I think it’ll translate directly into the Big Ten. I think the 1-2 punch with Schulze and Sessa in the attack will have coaches sweating in their sleep all season. A great pickup for Fuchs that adds even more firepower to a loaded Northwestern front.
How is the 2025 squad different from 2024?
Brendan: This is less a stylistic shift and more of a mental shift, but I think this is the year Northwestern becomes an offense-first team. Yes, I’m aware that the Wildcats had the second-best offense in the nation last year and led the nation in assists per game. But last year’s team also gave up just 15 goals (tied for the second-lowest number in the nation with Duke, and behind only North Carolina). This year, Northwestern doesn’t have Annabel Skubisz minding the net, and that’s always gonna change things. I’m not saying the Wildcats can’t still win games 1-0, but I think they’ll have a much easier time winning 5-3.
Yanyan: Brendan talks about a stylistic shift from a defense-focused to an offense-focused team, and I think part of that will be because the defense isn’t as experienced in 2025. Not only will there be a goalkeeper with little to no NCAA reps, but the ‘Cats also lose consistent backfield presences in Katie Jones and Regan Cornelius. Sure, players like Ilse Tromp and Maja Zivojnovic will continue to make the defense elite, but I do think the loss of those fifth-year veterans in goal and in the backfield will make an impact.
Calvin: Without its star goalkeeper in Skubisz, the ‘Cats should expect at least a slight dip in its defensive production early in the season. Boon should be great eventually, but she won’t match Skubisz right away, meaning the Wildcats’ backfield will need to step up even more in 2025 despite its aforementioned losses. The ‘Cats play No. 5 Duke in NU’s third game of the season on the road on September 5, and that game will likely be the first true test to see how good this defense can be.
Sai: Agree with what’s said above, Northwestern’s 2025 team will become a more offense- oriented team with a defense that can still be stout, but won’t be relied on as much. However, I also expect the offense to improve significantly this season. Another year of development from Zimmer Tromp and Sessa, coupled with additions like Schulze, make the ceiling even higher. I’m confident that will help balance out the defensive decline.
Gabe: While the defense, as previously mentioned, will look quite a bit different, I think that the offensive versatility is much improved, with six or seven different athletes who could score 10+ goals. Sessa, Zimmer and Tromp will all likely reach that mark again. A step forward from Olivia Bent-Cole and perhaps even Piper Borz could make two stronger scorers. Finally, with newcomers in Schulze and Lindsey Brown, who was constantly at the top of scoring leaderboards in high school, the thought of double-teaming a singular threat will be virtually non-existent in opponents’ playbooks. Will all seven of these players reach this number? Not necessarily, but the point is that the threat they provide alone will allow defenses to align in a way that respects an obscene amount of potential offensive threats.
Matt: Obviously, no Annabel Skubisz in goal this year, but that doesn’t matter. The ‘Cats might put up an average of three and a half goals a game this year. Seriously. There are too many weapons to stop this season, this roster is so unbelievably deep, that the second team could probably start and still end up winning the Big Ten. Northwestern’s biggest problem (no pun intended) is that Boon will have some growing pains in her first season as the starting goalie, but it’s nowhere near a detriment to the team’s success. Dare I say Northwestern has an even better team than their 2024 iteration.
What is the expectation heading into the 2025 season?
Yanyan: Northwestern returns its two main superstars in Zimmer and Sessa, has a bunch of impactful transfers coming in and is ranked No. 1 in the NFHCA preseason polls. It’s safe to say that the nation expects the ‘Cats to run it back.
Brendan: Bring all the trophies back to Evanston. Big Ten regular season, Big Ten Tournament (exacting revenge on Michigan) and then bringing the biggest trophy of all back home to cement this program’s reputation as a dynasty.
Calvin: Win it all again. The Wildcats have been forming a dynasty in Evanston. The only question is, can they go undefeated this time?
Sai Trivedi: A clean sweep. Win the conference and repeat as champions. Simple as that.
Gabe: The expectation has to be another championship. Additionally, with Northwestern avoiding both North Carolina and Virginia in the regular season, an undefeated season is very much in the cards.
Matt: Every single trophy that exists. Every last one. Give it to Northwestern right now. Regular season title, conference title, national championship, NFHCA Player of the Year, Big Ten Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, Coach of the Year, Honda Sport Award — I can keep going, but I’ll stop.
What is your way-too-early final four prediction?
Yanyan: Northwestern, North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland. The first two are obvious, while the Cavaliers return much of their production that took NU to overtime in last year’s quarterfinals – and now they add the No. 1 recruiting class in the country, according to MAX Field Hockey. The No. 2 class belongs to Maryland, another team without much significant turnover. The Terrapins have contended in the Big Ten but have fallen short nationally since their last championship weekend appearance in 2022, but 2025 could be the year for their young talent. There’s a reason why the latter two are ranked right behind NU and UNC in the NFHCA preseason coaches poll.
Brendan: Northwestern, North Carolina, Michigan, Duke
I can see how the latter two might surprise some people, so let me explain. Michigan has a new coach in Kristi Gannon Fisher, BUT she also won the 2001 national title as a player and has been on staff since 2019, a tenure that has seen three Big Ten Tournament titles in Ann Arbor. She also gets a more experienced Hala Silverstein, who tallied a 66.8% save percentage last year in her first taste of collegiate action. As for the Blue Devils, they return almost 500 combined collegiate games among their 16 players, including two graduate transfers at critical positions. They’ve also got Alaina McVeigh (maybe the best player in the ACC), and as Northwestern showed last season, having the best player on the field can go a long way.
Calvin: Northwestern, North Carolina, Maryland, Duke
Virginia is a major contender for me as well, but I’m going with the Terrapins and Blue Devils, as both get to face Northwestern in the 2025 regular season. The Cavaliers will get their own top showdown against the Tar Heels on October 10, but there’s something to be said for the fact that Maryland and Duke both have that initial crack at the reigning national champions. That opportunity should help both teams gain valuable experience and poise, and given the early-season nature of the Blue Devils matchup, an upset or unusually close contest against a Wildcat team still figuring things out defensively is absolutely possible. That would give Duke a massive opportunity to build confidence, and if things go well in that game, we may see an elevated Blue Devils squad defeat both Virginia and North Carolina in October, thus becoming one of the Final Four favorites.
Sai: Northwestern, North Carolina, Maryland, Harvard
NU and North Carolina are all but locks, given the talent returning for both teams. NU’s proven ability to defeat the elite teams, while the Tar Heels’ motivation to bounce back and right the wrongs of last season, should inspire nothing but confidence in those two squads. Meanwhile, both Maryland and Harvard have the blessing in disguise of playing in ruthless conferences. While the regular season becomes anything but a breeze, the school battles against an elevated level of competition that should help prepare them for tournament play. The Harvard pick is certainly more of a reach, but given its absolute dominance of the Ivy League last year – a 16-4 record and a second-consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals – there is a record of success that shouldn’t be underestimated.
Gabe: Northwestern, North Carolina, Virginia, Harvard
Northwestern and North Carolina feel like the two obvious picks here as they’re clearly the best two teams on paper entering this season. Perhaps this season will be one where fans get to see them face off in the tournament, after all. Virginia is the other pick that feels very popular in the early season, with high projections despite unfortunate departures. With the opportunity to compete against incredible ACC competition all season long, I also see Virginia being one of the most battle-tested teams once the tournament rolls around. I think the one pick that’s a bit out of the ordinary is Harvard. Projected sixth in the NFHCA preseason poll, Harvard is the favorite in a strong Ivy League. Tessa Shahbo might be the best goalie in the country following Annabel Skubisz’s graduation, and with the potent offense and weaker defenses of teams like Northwestern, the ultimate champion might be a team like Harvard that can defend as well as anyone.
Matt: Northwestern, Virginia, North Carolina, Duke
I’m not buying Maryland as much as the rest of the nation is, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Duke bouncing them in a regional this year. On top of that, who doesn’t want a Duke-UNC matchup in the Final Four? Everyone loves that rivalry. I believe the ACC has the toughest competition in the nation, and many of their rosters outmatch many rosters in the Big Ten. I think Duke might steal that No. 4 spot from Maryland and outduel them in the Tournament, while Virginia and North Carolina cruise through their regionals. Northwestern might face some turbulence with Michigan and Harvard looming in the middle of the rankings, but they’ll pull it out and find themselves in Durham come November.
