MERION STATION, Pa. – Coaching changes can lead to periods of upheaval and transition in any program.  Coaches who are new to the student-athletes, student-athletes who are new to the coach, new tactics and training methods…it can all be a bit overwhelming.
 
But sometimes, when a familiar face returns home, the transition is smooth and the momentum keeps moving forward.  And that's exactly what the Saint Joseph's field hockey team is looking to do in 2022: keep moving forward.
 
After eight transformational seasons on Hawk Hill, Lynn Farquhar stepped down as the Hawks' head coach in July; in her stead steps Hannah Prince, a former Farquhar assistant and a rising star in the coaching ranks.  And she already feels right at home.
 
"Coming back honestly was a no-brainer," Prince said shortly after taking over the program.  "This is a special place, and anyone who visits or has watched our games in the past, or will watch us in the future, I know will feel like this is a special team and a special place.
 
"I have dreamed of taking over a successful program like the one here at Saint Joseph's.  Making history with the Hawks as part of Lynn's staff, and now having this opportunity to start a new chapter as the head coach, is something words cannot describe."
 
Prince inherits a squad that returned to the top of the Atlantic 10 a season ago, claiming its fourth conference title in five seasons and another NCAA Tournament berth.  Voted atop the Atlantic 10's Preseason Poll and 16^th in the NFHCA Division I Preseason Coaches Poll, the Hawks have set the bar high heading into the new campaign.
 
This year's squad features a healthy mix of returning veterans boasting a plethora of accolades and championship experience plus a large group of talented newcomers that will be counted on to contribute right out of the gate.
 
At the top of the formation, the Hawks return the 2021 Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Year in Manu Ghigliotti as well as two-time All-Conference selection Anna Miller.  Combined with Katelyn Cocco, the trio accounted for 54 points a season ago as the Hawks were one of the most prolific offenses in the nation.
 
Joining that group is returner Julianna Smyth and Syracuse graduate transfer Hailey Bitters, who netted seven goals last season with the Orange.  The Hawks also welcome a quartet of freshman forwards in Alison Buffington, Ciara Durbin, Mo Quaile, and Noa Schuringa.
 
The midfield is the engine of any team, and the Hawks have one that runs on all cylinders thanks to two-time All-Region honoree and United States U-21 National Team member Katy Benton and returning Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year Sol Borensztein.  The extremely talented midfield group also boasts the return of All-Rookie selection Aiden Drabick and veteran performers Leigh James, Kacie Patton, Caroline Webb, Lily Santi, and Celeste Smits, as well as Natalie Heshmat, Lanie Stem and Temple transfer Kaitlyn Cummins.  Joining the midfield as incoming freshmen are Caroline Brickley and Maaike Gorissen.
 
The backbone of a top squad is almost always its defense, and the Hawks will look to be strong in their own end of the field once again.  Second Team All-America selection Freke van Tilburg anchors a defense that posted 10 shutouts last season; goalkeeper Robin Bleekemolen, who played every minute in the cage last season, returns as well.  Also back on the defensive unit in 2022 is Kate Crist, who became a key contributor after joining the Hawks from Penn State a season ago.
 
The Hawks have added some talented youngsters to the defensive corps as well, including Caitlin Nicholls, Meike van Nieuwland, Takoda Wells, and Emma Winther.  Between the pipes, Southern Connecticut State transfer Janelle Ward and freshman Leah DiRenzo will compete for playing time as well.
 
Never ones to shy away from top-level competition, the Hawks are set to face nine different programs that were ranked in the Preseason Top 25, including matchups with #18 Duke and #8 Rutgers on the opening weekend of the season.  After a visit to crosstown rival Drexel a week later, the Hawks open the home slate with two more ranked teams in #11 Penn State and #14 Boston College.
 
"We're excited to match up against such strong opponents to start the season," Prince said.  The team has been very dedicated to embracing new tactics and concepts.  I'm very proud of the leadership group for holding the team and each other accountable so we can train as we want to play."
 
SJU will also host #7 Harvard and #25 UMass this season while visiting #12 Virginia, and #17 Delaware; the Hawks will close out the road portion of their regular season with a trip to #2 North Carolina as well.
 
The 2022 Atlantic 10 Championship will be held at UMass on November 3 and 5.  The last time a champion was crowned in Amherst, the Hawks topped the Minutewomen, 3-2, in double overtime to win their first Atlantic 10 title in more than two decades.
 
On the Hawk sideline that afternoon was a young assistant coach – and UMass alum – in her first season in Crimson and Gray.  Five years later, as Hannah Prince returns to take the reins of the program as head coach, the Hawks will hope to bring everything full circle and once again bring the Atlantic 10 trophy back to Hawk Hill.