As summer fades and students return to campus, Princeton University’s women’s sports teams are gearing up for a new season filled with promise and opportunity. Following an impressive performance last fall, with teams claiming Ivy League titles, the 2025 season looks to be just as exciting.

Women’s Soccer

Last fall, the women’s soccer team claimed both the regular season and Ivy League tournament titles. Unfortunately, they faced a tough challenge in the NCAA Tournament, where they were eliminated in the first round by the University of Virginia.

This season, the Tigers are coping with significant changes following the graduation of five starters, including three players who subsequently signed professional contracts. The external competition has been fierce; in their initial four games, the team recorded ties against Rutgers and Syracuse while losing to No. 25 Ohio State and Loyola (Md.).

Despite a challenging start, the team has showcased its potential, highlighted by a goal from sophomore forward Alexandra Barry, assisted by freshmen Aubrey Crisostomo and Nina Cantor. Nevertheless, injuries to key players, including junior defender Zoe Markesini and sophomore midfielder Brooke Dawahare, pose challenges as Head Coach Sean Driscoll aims to build a competitive program.

Field Hockey

After a below-average season in 2023, the field hockey team bounced back impressively, narrowly missing the final four in the NCAA Tournament. This year, they have been named preseason favorites to win the Ivy League title.

Senior midfielder and three-time All-American Beth Yeager will spearhead the team, seeking to expand her impressive career tally of 113 points, ranking seventh in Princeton’s history. The Tigers will compete against a challenging non-conference schedule, including matchups against prestigious programs such as the University of North Carolina and Harvard.

Cross Country

The women’s cross country team made impressive strides last year, achieving a historic triple crown by winning titles in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track. Although standout Mena Scatchard ’25 has graduated, the team retains significant talent, including junior Anna McNatt and sophomore Meg Madison, who earned All-Ivy Honors.

The season kicks off with the Jersey Jam this weekend in Princeton, followed by the Princeton Fall Classic in October where they will face off against rival Harvard for the Ivy League Championships.

Women’s Volleyball

Women’s volleyball is set to begin its season at the LD&B Insurance Invitational in Harrisonburg, Virginia. After a tough loss to Yale in the Ivy League Tournament Final last November, the team aims to continue its competitive momentum.

Key players include junior setter Sydney Draper and senior middle blocker Lucia Scalamandre, the latter having finished third in the Ivy League for blocks last season. The highly anticipated rematch against Yale on October 4 at Dillon Gymnasium promises to be a highlight of the season.

Women’s Rugby

This season marks a significant milestone for the women’s rugby team, with the addition of four full recruiting classes. Despite the team being primarily comprised of walk-ons, expectations are high following last season’s twin victories.

The team began its season last weekend with a challenging match that resulted in a 54–7 loss against Long Island University. Their next home game on September 13 at Rickerson Field against Dartmouth will be crucial for building momentum this season.