After securing its first national title since 2012, Northwestern enters the preseason primed for another shot at the game’s ultimate crown. 

The Wildcats, who capped a 21-game winning streak with an 18-6 thrashing of Boston College in the National Championship, return many of the key pieces that propelled coach Kelly Amonte Hiller’s team atop the collegiate landscape. 

Graduate student attacker Izzy Scane, the 2023 women’s Tewaaraton Award winner, provides the nation’s most potent scoring presence. 

But, the Michigan native won’t be left on an island. Carrying one of the most well-rounded supporting casts in the NCAA, the Cats pack starpower at every position.

Alongside Scane, graduate student attacker Erin Coykendall possesses a patented behind-the-back ability and game-altering vision, leading the most feared offense in the Big Ten — if not nationwide. 

Sophomore attacker Madison Taylor’s clever crashing acumen helped her take home Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, and the former Wantagh Warrior looks to build on a 70-point output for the Lake Show.

Although Hailey Rhatigan departed the program for graduation and took her game to the professional level in the Athletes Unlimited League, Amonte Hiller holds several options eager to step in. 

Perhaps redshirt freshman attacker Abby LoCascio will slot into Rhatigan’s role, or senior attacker Leah Holmes will reclaim her spot in the rotation. 

With Amonte Hiller and field hockey coach Tracey Fuchs bringing in dual-sport graduate transfer Lindsey Frank from Richmond, NU may have struck gold in the transfer portal for the second consecutive season.

Junior midfielder Samantha Smith maintains her command of the draw, while junior defender Samantha White will help with circle duties and stymie opposing attackers in the process.

Despite entering the season with a national champion-sized target on their back, the Cats will be chomping at the bit to prove their prowess amongst some of the most talented teams in college sports. A successful title defense would do wonders for the team’s resume, adding a ninth national championship to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan.

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