John Carroll University Set for Inaugural NCAA Field Hockey Season

Photo Credit: John Carroll University Athletics Communications

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO  — This fall, a new chapter begins at John Carroll University (JCU).

When the Blue Streaks officially take the field for their inaugural varsity season in 2026, it will represent far more than the launch of another NCAA program. It will signal institutional vision, strategic growth, and a belief in the long-term value collegiate field hockey can bring to a campus community.

Why Field Hockey Was the Right Fit

For Vice President of Athletics Brian Polian, the decision to add field hockey aligned naturally with the university’s evolving direction.

“Field hockey was a natural fit for John Carroll University for a handful of reasons,” Polian said. “With our move from the OAC to the NCAC, we wanted to add the sport because it’s a sponsored sport by our new conference. If we wanted to stay on an even competitive plane, we needed to add it.”

But conference alignment was only part of the equation.

Located within a strong regional footprint for scholastic and club field hockey, John Carroll recognized an opportunity to attract prospective students who may have otherwise looked elsewhere to continue their athletic careers.

“We were losing young women who should be interested in John Carroll to other universities who offered field hockey,” Polian explained. “Adding field hockey was good for female athletes in our department and for our institution at-large, and we are thrilled we made this decision.”

The addition also supports a broader institutional priority: expanding recruitment reach beyond traditional markets.

“Field hockey is a prevalent sport at the high schools in the markets we are trying to grow,” Polian said. “When a young woman comes to JCU and has a good experience as a student-athlete, it paves the way for other students to see the university as an option in their journey.”

Building a Program From the Ground Up

That momentum is already taking shape under inaugural head coach Gina Stephan. She has helped build the program from the ground up, beginning with the launch of a club team before varsity competition started.

“One of the best things the Athletic and Recreation departments did with this build was to start a club team the year prior to our first varsity season,” Stephan said. “It brought students who never thought they would play again out to practice with the club.”

The response exceeded expectations.

“Whether their goal was to play on the varsity team or be a part of the club, it was incredible seeing how many students on campus had an interest in the sport,” Stephan added.

Recruiting efforts quickly expanded from familiar John Carroll markets into national recruiting spaces, where the Blue Streaks began introducing the university to prospective student-athletes, club programs, and high school coaches unfamiliar with the institution because field hockey had never existed there before.

The result: a 20-player inaugural roster set to compete in Fall 2026.

“What stood out during the early stages of the program was the motivation behind their interest,” Stephan said. “Starting something from the ground up, a passion for the sport, and an opportunity to play again.”

Across campus, the excitement has become impossible to miss.

“The energy around the start of this program has been phenomenal,” Stephan said. “Everyone is so proud to be a part of the program’s start and are taking pride in the build.”

From banners and social media campaigns to conversations across campus hallways, the launch has generated enthusiasm among students, faculty, and staff eager to learn more about the sport. The team is even planning a faculty and staff practice before the academic year begins to help introduce field hockey to the broader campus community.

More Than a Team – Building a Future

At a time when institutions across the country continue evaluating strategic opportunities tied to enrollment, gender equity, and student engagement, John Carroll University’s launch offers a powerful example of what intentional growth can look like.

And this fall, when the Blue Streaks take the field for the very first time, they won’t just be starting a season.

They’ll be building a future.

About the Blue Streaks

John Carroll University is a member of the North Coast Athletic Conference and competes at the Division III level in athletics. Located in University Heights, Ohio, John Carroll is an established Jesuit university with 25 varsity sports programs. Learn more.