Ball State Field Hockey 2025 Preview: 7 Reasons Why The Cardinals Are Poised For A MAC Upset

The Ball State Field Hockey program is entering a crucial phase in its development, with the 2025 season shaping up to be a pivotal year under Head Coach Caitlin Walsh-Johnson. As of December 17, 2025, the team is transitioning from a highly competitive 2024 campaign, which saw them clinch a MAC Tournament berth, to a new season where a core group of talented, returning players and strategic coaching will look to challenge the conference's top tier. The focus is squarely on building consistency, leveraging key individual performances, and making a deeper run in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship. The trajectory of the Cardinals is clearly on the rise, fueled by a blend of veteran leadership and promising young talent. The program, based in Muncie, Indiana, is dedicated to elevating its status within the highly competitive MAC landscape. With a fresh roster and a clear vision from the coaching staff, Ball State is set to surprise opponents and turn heads throughout the 2025 season.

The 2025 Roster & Coaching Staff: A New Era for the Cardinals

The foundation of any successful field hockey program lies in its roster and the stability of its coaching staff. For Ball State, the 2025 season is characterized by both continuity and the emergence of new talent, all operating under the steady hand of Head Coach Caitlin Walsh-Johnson.

Head Coach Caitlin Walsh-Johnson's Vision

Caitlin Walsh-Johnson is entering her fourth season at the helm of the Ball State Field Hockey program in 2025. Her tenure has been marked by a concerted effort to build a competitive culture and elevate the Cardinals' profile. Prior to taking the head coach position in Muncie, Walsh-Johnson had significant success helping to develop numerous National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-Region and All-American student-athletes during her time at Kent State. Her vision focuses on player development, tactical discipline, and aggressive play. The coaching staff for 2025 is rounded out by Assistant Coach Brooke Richards, providing a unified and experienced leadership team for the Cardinals.

Ball State Field Hockey 2025 Roster Snapshot (Key Entities)

The 2025 roster features a strong core of returning players who will be instrumental in the team's success. The depth of the squad ensures a competitive environment and the ability to withstand the rigors of a full MAC schedule. Key players and emerging talents include:

• Maddie Summitt (Midfield/Defense)
• Riley Hannick (Midfield)
• Emily Kate Covert (Forward/Midfield)
• Jade Vandevoorde (Defense)
• Caroline Massey (Midfield)
• Emma van Hal (Midfield/Defense)
• Grace Clokie (Defense)
• Caity McGough (Midfield)
• Christine Ditizio (Midfield)
• Ellie Francois (Forward)
• Emalene Harter (Midfield)
• Carleigh Hofelich (Forward)
• Hannah Johnston (Goalkeeper - a key veteran)
• Shelby Hilton (Midfield/Defense)
• Maura O'Boyle (Midfield)
• Michaela Adams (Defense)
• Abby Tamer (Forward)
• Kaitlin Killeen (Defense)

This extensive list of entities highlights the depth and variety of talent that Coach Walsh-Johnson has assembled, providing the topical authority needed for a deep dive into the program's prospects.

Key Players and Record-Breaking Performances

The success of the Ball State Cardinals often hinges on the extraordinary efforts of its individual athletes, particularly on the defensive end. The program has produced several standout players in recent years who have set new standards for excellence.

Hannah Johnston: The Wall in Goal

Goalkeeper Hannah Johnston has been a monumental force for the Cardinals' defense. Johnston, a graduate student in recent seasons, has consistently proven why she is considered one of the top goalkeepers in the Mid-American Conference. Her performances are often the difference-maker in tight contests. Johnston was named to the Academic All-MAC team, demonstrating her commitment both on the field and in the classroom. Her most impressive feat came in a match against the No. 5 Michigan Wolverines, where she turned in a career-high 22 saves in a single game, a performance that showcased her elite shot-stopping ability against a nationally ranked opponent. Furthermore, Johnston was in goal for a thrilling comeback overtime victory against MAC rival Ohio, securing the win with two crucial saves. Her leadership and experience will be vital for the Cardinals' 2025 aspirations.

The Rise of All-MAC Talent

While Johnston anchors the defense, the Cardinals have also seen significant recognition for their field players. Midfielder Boekaar was previously named to the All-MAC First Team and the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-Region team, demonstrating the caliber of athlete the program is attracting and developing. This level of individual achievement is a strong indicator of the program's upward trend and its ability to compete with the best in the conference.

The Road Ahead: Navigating the Competitive MAC Schedule

The Mid-American Conference (MAC) is known for its intense and unpredictable field hockey competition. Ball State's 2025 schedule is designed to test the team early and prepare them for the critical conference matchups.

The 2025 Schedule Highlights

The 2025 season officially opened with a challenging contest against the 13th-ranked Ohio State University, a clear sign that the Cardinals are not shying away from elite competition. The schedule often features a mix of high-profile non-conference games and the demanding MAC slate. Key MAC rivals for the Cardinals include:

• Appalachian State (App State): A consistent MAC contender. App State’s Lise Boekaar is a major force in the MAC, leading the conference in assists and total points in a previous season, making the matchups against the Mountaineers a true test for the Ball State defense.
• Kent State: Always a tough opponent in conference play.
• Ohio University: A team the Cardinals have had recent success against, including an overtime victory.

The Cardinals' goal will be to improve upon their recent MAC Tournament seeding, which saw them clinch the 5th seed in a previous season, a significant achievement that demonstrated their ability to compete for a spot in the post-season.

The Challenge of Consistency

The difference between a good season and a great season in the MAC often comes down to consistency. While the Cardinals have proven they can secure crucial wins, such as their overtime victory against Ohio, they must maintain that level of performance against all opponents. The 2024 season saw the team achieve a 3-7 overall record as of mid-October, highlighting the need for more wins in non-conference play to build momentum before the MAC schedule intensifies. Coach Walsh-Johnson's strategy will be to leverage the veteran presence of players like Hannah Johnston and the emerging talent on the roster to turn close losses into decisive victories. The program's development is a multi-year effort, and the 2025 season is the next critical step toward establishing Ball State Field Hockey as a perennial MAC powerhouse. The Cardinals are ready to prove that their recent success is not an anomaly but the start of a new, competitive era in Muncie.