Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University field hockey squad begins year four this weekend, hosting Coker Saturday at 12 p.m. at Graham Gill Field. The Bulldogs are coming off a program-record 13 wins in 2024, going 13-6 overall and 10-4 in the SAC. Wingate has been picked second in the preseason SAC coach's poll in 2025.

"This has been a good preseason and the team is excited to get the season started," head coach Kat Lind says. "I think the seniors have brought the leadership we need on the team, and then our freshman class has done a great job at bringing high caliber play to the rest of the team. The upperclassmen have been amazing, the underclassmen have been able to adjust quickly to our team's culture. It is a very cohesive squad."

"The biggest team goal for the year is being able to adjust to adversity," Lind says. "Last year we proved that we could handle the adversity from game to game, now we are able to handle the adversity within the game itself. We have the offensive firepower to overcome early deficits if we need to."

The 'Dogs have plenty of experience on the team, with 10 seniors along with four juniors. The captains for 2025 are juniors Charne Steyn and Jenna Derouaux, along with senior Kayleigh Haines. "I'm super proud of the captains and the leadership they have shown," Lind says. "So proud of what they've brought to the program. They have learned how to hold themselves to a standard, and hold the team to that standard.

FORWARDS

The Bulldogs have plenty of experience at the forward position, led by seniors Lauren Montgomery, Audrey Proulx and Emma George, along with junior Sam Pearson. George piled up six goals last year, adding an assist to rank second on the team with 13 points. Proulx added four goals and an assist, with a pair of game winners. Montgomery contributed two goals and four assists, while Pearson added two goals and an assist.

"Lauren, Sam, Audrey and Emma are the returning leaders that we count on to produce for us," Lind says. "They are all so interchangeable and adaptable, we can plug them in at different areas. We've also got some new players like Laela Brown, Maggie Lane and Emily Nunemaker that all bring great speed and explosiveness to the offense. We're excited to see what they can contribute this year."

MIDFIELD

The 'Dogs also have an experienced midfielder, led by senior Riley Robinson, junior Alex Bevan-Xenelis and sophomore Grace Gerner. Gerner had six goals and an assist last year, with Robinson adding three goals and an assist.

"Riley, Grace and Alex are the core returners in a group that is very strong this year," Lind says. "They're all well-rounded players and so organizationally sound. We can plug them in all over the field, it's just such a versatile group. It's another spot where we've got some excited freshmen that can make immediate impacts in Erika Neuhoff and Molly Ducharme, along with transfer Joanna Nesbitt. All three are very talented and will add great depth to a very strong unit."   

DEFENSE

The defense is anchored by a pair of seniors in Alex Muscillo and Makenna West, along with sophomore Hannah Naylor. "Makenna and Alex have been on the defensive unit for years now," Lind syas. "They bring us great consistency, and we know we can rely on them to get the job done. We're also excited about the discipline that Hannah will bring to the group this year."

GOALKEEPERS

Sophomore Colleen Emanuele made one start last season, piling up seven saves. She is joined by freshmen Svenja Brandt and Ava Fasolo.

"Colleen used the spring season to gain confidence," Lind says. "She found her voice in the spring and has shown great leadership. She is the leader of the position. We're really excited to see what Svenja can contribute. She brings high technical and mechanical skills to that position."