Saint Joseph's field hockey head coach Sam Brown has unveiled a rigorous schedule for the 2026 season. The lineup includes five 2025 conference champions, seven NCAA Tournament teams from last season, and two Final Four participants. The season kicks off with exhibition games on August 21 and 23, leading to the opening match against reigning America East champion New Hampshire on August 28. The Hawks are aiming for strong performances against top-tier competition to prepare for Atlantic 10 play and to bolster their championship aspirations.

By the Numbers
  • Five 2025 conference champions on the schedule.
  • Seven games against teams that reached the NCAA Tournament last season.
  • Two teams that reached the Final Four last season.
State of Play
  • The Hawks face a demanding five-game road stretch early in the season.
  • Matchups against strong opponents, including Liberty and North Carolina, test their resilience.
What's Next

Following the competitive non-conference schedule, the Hawks will aim to position themselves favorably for the Atlantic 10 Championship, set for early November. Their focus will be on utilizing early-season experiences to refine team dynamics as they prepare for postseason play.

Bottom Line

Saint Joseph's is embracing a challenging 2026 schedule to elevate its competitive profile, with hopes of translating this experience into success when it matters most during conference play and beyond.