Salisbury University field hockey enters its 2026 season ranked No. 5 in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) preseason poll and selected as the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) preseason favorite. The Sea Gulls finished 19-3 in 2025 and reached the NCAA Elite Eight.
Salisbury University Field Hockey Reached NCAA Elite Eight
Salisbury University made its 40th overall and 31st consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in 2025. The Sea Gulls earned the SUNYAC automatic bid with a 7-1 victory over SUNY Cortland in the championship game after defeating SUNY Oneonta in the semifinals.
In the NCAA Tournament, Salisbury University defeated Denison University 5-0 in the first round at Sea Gull Stadium. The Sea Gulls then defeated No. 11 Dickinson College 5-0 in Newport News, Virginia, before falling 1-0 to the No. 1-ranked Captains of CNU in the game to reach the Final Four.
Three Key Returners Highlight 2026 Preview
Senior midfielder Regan Nacrelli from Smyrna, Delaware, and senior defender Regan Worley from Poquoson, Virginia, are key returners for Salisbury University field hockey. Junior defender Devon DeGregory from Lewes, Delaware, is also a key returning player.
Dawn Chamberlin Leads Salisbury University Field Hockey
Dawn Chamberlin is Salisbury University field hockey’s head coach and is in her 40th season. Chamberlin said she is excited about a young team with energy and praised its effort and competitiveness.
“I am really excited with this team. They are young, full of energy, and their effort has just been unbelievable. We asked them to come out and compete every time they step on this field and they have certainly done that.”
MSB Analysis
Salisbury University field hockey enters its second year competing in the SUNYAC as an associate member after a 19-3 season, a conference championship and an NCAA Elite Eight appearance in 2025. The NFHCA No. 5 preseason ranking and the SUNYAC preseason favorite selection establish the program’s verified national and conference standing entering the 2026 season.
Source: Original report
