Six Minutewomen Named to NFHCA 2026 Collegiate Watchlist

AMHERST, Mass. – Six members of the UMass field hockey team have been named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division I Collegiate Watchlist, as announced on Thursday. This list is intended to showcase those field hockey student-athletes with potential for consideration to the current year's NFHCA All-Region and All-American teams, as nominated by their member coaches.

Those on the list for UMass are:
Emily Barrett – F – So.
Chiara Curcio – D – Jr.
Amber Fairon – F – Fr.
Cara Falconer – M – Jr.
Niamh McKenzie – F – Gr.
Elani Sherwood – F – Jr.

The six named to the NFHCA Watchlist are by far the most in the MAC.

Sherwood is a returning NFHCA All-Region honoree, and second team All-MAC performer. Last season, she played in all 20 games, starting 18 with seven points via two goals and three assists. Barrett was also a second team All-MAC honoree, leading the team in goals (8) and points (18) during her sensational rookie season.

Falconer is a member of the Scottish Senior National Team, last year tallying 10 points behind three goals and four assists in 18 games (17 starts). Meanwhile, three other newcomers have represented their countries on the international level: Curcio (Uruguay Senior Team), Fairon (South Africa Senior Indoor Team) and McKenzie (New Zealand Under-21 Team).

The 15th ranked Minutewomen open their season on Saturday when they face No. 8 Liberty in a neutral-site showdown at the University of Maine. Gametime is set for 12 p.m.

Scoreboard

Players Mentioned

Emily Barrett

Chiara Curcio

Amber Fairon

Cara Falconer

Niamh McKenzie

Elani Sherwood

Scoreboard

University of Massachusets Athletics