5 Shocking Changes And Historic Triumphs Defining University Of Delaware Field Hockey's New Era

The University of Delaware Field Hockey program is entering a transformative new era, marked by a major coaching change and a pivotal conference realignment, all while carrying the momentum of a dominant 2024 season. As of today, December 17, 2025, the Fightin' Blue Hens are poised for a significant shift, moving into the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) for the 2025 season, a fresh challenge that follows their impressive 10th CAA Championship victory in the last 12 years. This deep dive explores the current landscape, the new leadership, and the legendary history that sets the stage for the Blue Hens' future.

The Blue Hens have consistently been a powerhouse in collegiate field hockey, known for their tenacious defense and high-scoring offense. The program’s tradition of excellence, cemented by a historic NCAA Championship, continues to drive expectations as they navigate the competitive Division I landscape under new leadership. The blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers ensures that the University of Delaware field hockey team remains a formidable opponent on any schedule.

The New Era: Coach Tara Zollinger and the 2025 Move to the MPSF

The biggest news impacting the program is the recent appointment of Head Coach Tara Zollinger, who takes the reins from the highly successful Rolf van de Kerkhof. Zollinger brings a championship pedigree to Newark, having won three NCAA Division II National Championships during her tenure at Shippensburg University. Her arrival signals a renewed focus on building a sustainable, elite-level program.

Zollinger has quickly assembled her staff, including Assistant Coaches Ally Mooney and Devin Kinzel, to prepare the team for a challenging 2025 schedule. The coaching change comes at an opportune time, as the program simultaneously prepares for a major conference shift.

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A New Conference Home: The Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF)

Following the University of Delaware’s move to Conference USA (CUSA) for most of its athletic programs, the field hockey team has found a new home in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) for the 2025 season. This move is a crucial development, as the Blue Hens were one of the most dominant forces in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), winning 10 of the last 12 CAA titles. The shift to the MPSF, where they will join teams like UC Davis, presents a fresh set of competitive challenges and travel demands, testing the team’s adaptability and national standing.

2024 Season Review: CAA Dominance and NCAA Tournament Run

The 2024 season served as a powerful reminder of the Blue Hens' regional dominance. Under the final season of Rolf van de Kerkhof’s leadership, the team secured yet another CAA Championship, their tenth in a remarkable 12-year span.

This championship victory earned the Blue Hens an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, where they faced a challenging first-round match. The season concluded with a hard-fought loss against the reigning national champion, North Carolina Tar Heels, a common powerhouse in the sport. The team’s performance throughout the year, especially in high-pressure CAA matchups, showcased the talent of key players who will be crucial in the 2025 MPSF transition.

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Key Blue Hens to Watch in 2025

The 2025 roster is already shaping up to be a mix of proven talent and exciting new faces. Several student-athletes earned significant accolades during the 2024 campaign and are expected to lead the charge in the new conference:

• Kate Fiest: A standout midfielder, Fiest earned First Team All-CAA honors in 2024, building on her 2023 CAA All-Rookie Team selection. Her presence in the midfield will be vital for controlling the pace of play.
• Noelle Sabbagh: The forward continued to rack up honors in 2024, following her All-CAA Second Team selection in 2023 and CAA All-Freshman Team nod in 2022. Sabbagh is a proven goal-scorer and a major threat in the attacking circle.
• Lily Cosner: Listed on the 2025 roster, Cosner is one of the many players expected to step into a leadership role as the team adapts to Zollinger’s system and the MPSF.
• Defensive Core: Other key entities on the 2025 roster include Emma Miller, Rachael Whitehead, Cameron Medinger, Amanda Rattay, Tetje Williamson, and international talent like Linde van Leeuwen and Iris Bekker, who will be crucial for the team’s defense and transitional play.

A Legacy Forged in Gold: The 2016 NCAA National Championship

No discussion of University of Delaware Field Hockey is complete without recognizing the program’s pinnacle achievement: the 2016 NCAA National Championship. This historic title is the defining moment of the program’s modern era and remains a source of immense pride for the Blue Hen community.

Led by then-Head Coach Rolf van de Kerkhof, the 2016 team capped off a legendary season with a stunning victory. They defeated the formidable No. 4-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels with a 3-2 final score in the championship game. The team finished the year with an exceptional 23-2 record, riding an incredible 19-game winning streak to the title. This championship was the first NCAA Field Hockey National Championship in program history and solidified the Blue Hens' reputation as a national contender.

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Hall of Fame Alumni and Program Entities

The rich history of the program is built on the shoulders of numerous talented athletes and dedicated staff. The list of entities that contribute to the team's topical authority is extensive, including:

• Casey Howard: Recognized as one of the most prolific scorers in program history, her offensive records set a high bar for future generations.
• Carol A. Miller: An All-American player who later served as a coach for the University of Delaware, embodying the program's tradition of excellence.
• Elaine Pomian (Knobloch): A multi-sport athlete who excelled in both lacrosse and field hockey.
• Melissa Hefner: An All-Conference performer in both field hockey and lacrosse, highlighting the athletic versatility within the program.
• Current Roster Depth: The 2025 roster also includes entities like Lainey Baker, Ashlee Bucksar, Ella Cellini, and Katie Clarke, ensuring the legacy continues.
• The CAA: The Coastal Athletic Association, the conference where the Blue Hens dominated for over a decade, is an essential historical entity.

The transition to the MPSF under the new leadership of Tara Zollinger presents an exciting, albeit challenging, chapter for Delaware Field Hockey. With the momentum of the 2024 CAA Championship and a clear vision from the new coaching staff, the Fightin' Blue Hens are well-equipped to write the next golden chapter in their history, aiming to replicate the national success of their legendary 2016 team.