University of Connecticut Athletics
Huskies Announce 2026 Incoming Class
7/28/2026 2:41:00โฏPM | Field Hockey
STORRS, Conn. - UConn field hockey head coach Paul Caddy announced the addition of 14 student-athletes to the program for the 2026 season. The class features five transfers and nine freshmen from the United States, Germany, Argentina and the Netherlands and adds experience, international competition and proven scoring ability across every position.
MEET THE INCOMING CLASS
Mae Dixon
An incoming freshman from Virginia Beach, Virginia, Dixon joins the Huskies after playing four years at the Hill School and for the Mainline Mayhem. Dixon brings USA Field Hockey experience to the Huskies forward group as she has been selected to the Nexus U21 Championship, along with previously playing in the U19 National Indoor Tournament.
ย "Mae is a dynamic midfielder/defender from The Hill School and Mainline Mayhem with elite technical ability, creativity, and U.S. age-group national team experience. I'm excited to add her speed and creativity to an already fast group."
Caeleigh Schusterย
An incoming freshman from East Hampton, New York, Schuster joins the Huskies following a stint as a varsity starter for The Hill High School along with playing club for New Heights Field Hockey. In addition to being a multi-time first team All-Conference and All-County selection, Schuster brings international experience playing for USA Field Hockey in the 2023 Nexus Championship.
"Caeleigh is a standout goalkeeper from The Hill School and New Heights Field Hockey Club with exceptional shot-stopping ability and great size. I'm excited to watch her develop under the mentorship of veteran goalkeeper Natalie McKenna."
Catie Connollyย
An incoming freshman from Malvern, Pennsylvania joins the Huskies following a stint with Villa Maria Academy in addition to her club WC Eagles. Connolly anchored the cage for a Villa Maria program that won four state championships and 16 district 1 titles.
ย "Catie is a talented goalkeeper from Villa Maria Academy and WC Eagles who brings outstanding composure and shot-stopping ability. She follows a long line of exceptional Huskies from Villa Maria, and I'm excited to watch her grow in our program."
Mackenzie Clarkย โ
An incoming freshman from Belmont, Massachusetts. Named team captain in her senior season, Clark was named Middlesex League MVP after scoring 39 goals with 28 assists. Following her senior season, Clark was named to the Max Field Hockey All-New England Region First Team, Boston Globe All-Scholastic and Boston Herald All-Scholastic honors.
"Mackenzie is a talented midfielder from Belmont High School and Northeast Elite with excellent technical skill, vision, and versatility. I'm excited to see her continue to develop in our environment."
Lena Reicheย
An incoming freshman from Frankfurt, Germany. Reiche joins the Huskies after playing club hockey for Russelsheim RK. Reiche brings a plethora of experience having played in the Bundesliga one of Germany's top leagues.
"Lena arrives from Rüsselsheimer RK in Germany with high-level indoor and outdoor Bundesliga experience, exceptional technical ability, and a strong understanding of the game. I expect her to bring maturity to our midfield while strengthening our penalty corner unit."
Marlijn Swaanย
An incoming transfer from Hilversum, Netherlands. Swaan spent her freshman year playing for the University of New Hampshire, where she started all 19 games, recording 6 goals for 20 points while also being named to the America East Academic Honor Roll. Prior to her stop at New Hampshire, Swaan was a graduate from Comenius College a high school in Hilversum Netherlands.
"I'm excited to add Marlijn's power and poise to our midfield. Having coached against her, I know the quality she brings and the impact she can have on our program. ย Marlijn will add another drag flicking option to our group"
Lucy Zichย
An incoming freshman from Hamburg, Germany. Zich joins the Huskies after playing for Düsseldorfer HC, where she helped lead the squad to a German national championship. Additionally, Zich bring national team experience as she has experience in the German National team youth system.
"Lucy brings a proven goal-scoring threat to our attack. Lucy has proved at the top level in Germany and Europe that she is an elite talent. Adding goals was a priority for this class, and I expect Lucy to make an immediate impact. Lucy also adds more elite penalty corner options to our group"
Charlotte Ritterย โ
An incoming freshman from Hamburg, Germany. A midfielder, Ritter alongside incoming freshman Lucy Zich led Düsseldorfer HC to the German National championship.
ย "Charlotte adds speed, creativity, and attacking flair to our midfield. I expect her to contribute goals, assists, and plenty of exciting moments. Charlotte brings a lot of experience from the German top league and the EHL alongside her experience in the German National youth system.
Rocío Heintzeย
Rocio joined the Huskies in January, hailing from Argentina. An experience midfielder, Heintze brings a plethora of experience to the Huskies attack.
"Since arriving in January, Rocío has already established herself as a dangerous attacking threat. Her pace is exceptional, and she'll create problems for every defense we face."
Paloma López-Paradaย โ
Another mid-year addition for the Huskies, Lopez-Parada joined the Huskies from Argentina. Lopez-Parada overseas experience with Argentina has been on display since joining the Huskies.
"Paloma joined us in January and has already shown outstanding hands, 3D skills, and a natural eye for goal. I expect her to be a constant threat inside the circle."
An incoming transfer from Arnold, Maryland. Prior to joining the Huskies, Everett spent three years at the University of Maryland finishing her career with 56 games played. Additionally, Everett was named 2025 Academic All-Big Ten and 2023 NFHCA Academic Squad. Prior to her time at Maryland, Everett was named Max Field Hockey Maryland State Player of the Year, Baltimore Sun Player of the Year, Varsity Sports Network Player of the Year, and Capital Gazette Player of the Year. Additionally, Everett was named Max Field Hockey Second Team All-American. Two-time first team All-County, and multi-time All Region and All-State.
"Maya brings speed, maturity, and valuable experience to our program. I expect her leadership and competitive mindset to elevate our standards every day."
An incoming transfer from Arnold, Maryland. Faith Everett joins the Huskies following a stop at the University of Maryland. As a freshman, Faith played in two games for the Terps against Stanford and Villanova. Prior to her time at Maryland, Faith was a 4A East Regional Champion in 2021-22, a State Champion in 2022-23, and was named First Team All-State, All-Region and All-County.
"Faith is another player with game-changing speed. Since arriving in January, she's shown tremendous growth, and I'm excited to see her strengthen our forward line."
An incoming transfer from Glenelg, Maryland. Prior to joining the Huskies, Eyre spent time at the University of Maryland. In two seasons, Eyre played in 23 games and was named 2025 Academic All-Big Ten. Additionally, Eyre has been invited to the USA U21 junior Women's National Team Section Camp in 2023, USA U18 Outdoor National Team Selection Camp in 2022 and was an invite to USA Rise National Team Selection Camp in 2021.
"AJ adds maturity and creativity to our midfield with the ability to create quality chances in the attacking third. I'm excited to see her continue to grow with added responsibility."
Ellie Goldstienย
An incoming transfer from West Hartford, Connecticut. Goldstein joins the Huskies following a two-year stint with the University of Maryland. At Maryland, Goldstein appeared in 24 games. Prior to her time at Maryland, Goldstein was a four-year varsity member scoring 127 career goals with 55 career assists. Additionally, Goldstein was recognized as first team All-State, All-Conference and All-Academic team.
"Ellie arrives with experience competing at the highest level and is one of the top players to come out of Connecticut in recent years. I'm excited to see her add another scoring dimension to our attack and thrive at UConn."
