University of Massachusets Athletics
Six Minutewomen Named to NFHCA 2026 Collegiate Watchlist
August 27, 2026 | Field Hockey
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 Under-21 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.
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 Under-21 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.
Players Mentioned
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