HARRISONBURG, Va. – As we approach the start of the 2025-26 academic year, the EMU Athletics Communications department will spend the next few days highlighting the incoming classes for our fall sports. Our next sport is field hockey, who will be under the leadership of first-year head coach Sydney Metz. Metz will welcome in seven new faces to Harrisonburg for the 2025 season. Read on to learn more about the newest field hockey Royals:

Jocelyn Allanson

Hometown: Manassa, Va. 
High School: Osbourn Park
Position: Midfield
Major: Biology
Athletic Achievements: Summa Cum Laude, MVP for both field hockey and lacrosse, 2nd team all district for one year for field hockey and second team all district for three years for lacrosse.

Why EMU
I chose EMU because I love the community and I knew I would thrive here at EMU. I am excited to get to know such an amazing group of girls and to continue playing field hockey and lacrosse.

Jada Gibson

Hometown: Fairfax, Va. 
High School: Robinson Secondary
Position: Forward
Major: Business Adminstration
Club:  Xtreme Field Hockey Club
Athletic Achievements:  Honor Roll

Why EMU
I chose EMU because ot the great environment and community

Shay Gough

Hometown: Mechanicsville, Va. 
High School: Mechanicsville
Position: Defender
Major: Criminology
Athletic Achievements: Field hockey: defensive most valuable player award, coaches award, 4 year varsity plaque. Wrestling: coaches award.

Why EMU
I really like the community and how welcoming they are, I'm very excited to play sports and be able to study criminology as a major.

Carter Griffin

Hometown: Glassboro, NJ
High School: Glassboro
Position: Defender
Major: Business Administration
Club:  Krossfire Field Hockey Club
Athletic Achievements: 4-Year Varsity Field Hockey, Indoor Track and Field, and Outdoor Track and Field. First team diamond division Tri-county conference. National Honors Society Member

Why EMU
I chose EMU because the close knit environment felt extremely warm and welcome to me. I'm most excited for the chance to play with new people and to play against new people.

Emma Huante

Hometown: Woodbridge, Va. 
High School: Woodbridge Senior
Position: Goalkeeper
Major: Applied Mathematics
Athletic Achievements: 3x 1st team all district, 2x 1st team all region, 2nd team all state

Why EMU
I was able to pick a school with an environment of support among many athletes while also leaving time for school was the biggest factor for me

Camryn Lohr

Hometown: Orange County, Va. 
High School: Orange County
Position: Defender
Major: Nursing
Athletic Achievements: HER Sports Field Hockey Player of the Year, 1st Team All Jefferson District, 1st Team All Region, National Honor Society, Student Council, Certified Nursing Assistant, 4.2 GPA

Why EMU
I chose EMU because when I stepped on campus, it immediately felt like home. Everyone was so welcoming and I loved everything about the campus and the team! It is close to home and im excited for the amazing nursing program they have.

Joni Wiederman

Hometown: Spotsylvania, Va. 
High School: Riverbend
Position: Midfield
Major: Nursing
Club:  Relentless Field Hockey Club
Athletic Achievements: MVP for basketball freshman ans sophomore year. Most improved for basketball junior year.

Why EMU
I choose EMU because of the nursing program and field hockey team. I really enjoy the mindset everyone at EMU shares and am so excited for fall season!!

Coach Metz's comments on the incoming class:
Welcoming this year's first-year class to campus—and into the EMU Field Hockey family—has been an exciting milestone for the program. Each of the seven incoming student-athletes brings unique strengths and a positive energy that will make an immediate impact both on and off the field. With such a large group, it was important to add not only talented field hockey players, but also individuals who value growth, character, and teamwork. The future of EMU Field Hockey is bright with this class, and it is clear they are ready to help build momentum and bring a new era of competion to this program. 

To keep up to date with everything surrounding EMU field hockey, follow EMU on Twitter and Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.