HARRISONBURG, Va. - Fall sport athletes are back on campus and the start of the regular season is right around the corner. Throughout this week, we will be taking a sneak peek at the year ahead for all of our fall sports. We're kicking off our previews with the Royals field hockey team, which comes into the season in year two under head coach Sydney Metz. 

Head Coach: Sydney Metz – Second Season
Preseason ODAC Poll: 9th (11 pts.)
 
2025 In Review
EMU was winless in 2025, but was competitive in many of their games, holding 13 of their opponents to five goals or less. Offensively, the Royals struggled to find the back of the cage, but worked hard to make   
 
2026 Schedule Highlights
Season Opener: Friday, Sept. 4 at Cedar Crest - 4:00 pm
Home Opener: Wednesday, Sept. 9 vs Juniata - 4:00 pm
Green Bandana Game: Saturday, Oct. 3 vs Meredith College - 1:00 pm
ODAC Opener: Wednesday, Oct. 7 vs Shenandoah - 6:00 pm
Homecoming: Saturday, Oct. 10 vs Wash. and Lee - 1:00 pm
Senior Day/Rowdy Royals: Saturday, Oct. 31 vs Bridgewater - 12:00 pm
Full Schedule
 
Key Losses:  Sophia Armato, Katie Tanous
Key Returners: Shay Gough, Emma Huante, Camryn Lohr, Kaylin Ozuna, Joni Wiederman
Full Roster
 
Outlook: The Royals had a rough season in 2025, but will look to bounce back in 2026, returning a large portion of their 2025 squad. In goal, Emma Huante returns to the cage a year after leading the ODAC in saves and finishing 11th in all of DIII in saves/game with 10. First-year Teresa Green will also get some minutes in goal behind Huante. Anchoring the defense this season will be Shay Gough and Carter Griffin, along with midfielder Jocelyn Allanson. On the offensive side, Camryn Lohr returns to the lineup after leading the Royals in SOG in 2025. Newcomer Aarin McIntosh will also provide some depth in the midfield for EMU.