ALFRED, NY – After considerable conversation with coaches, players, sports medicine representatives, and senior leadership, Alfred University has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the 2026 field hockey season.
 
"The decision was not made lightly, and every possible alternative to continue the season was carefully explored in hopes of keeping our student athletes on the field," Director of Athletics & Recreation, Adam Hertz said. "However, after honest reflection on a severe wave of injuries that has depleted our roster below safe operational levels, we recognized that prioritizing our players' long-term health, safety and well-being meant making this painful choice. While our team's dedication and passion have been nothing short of inspiring, protecting our student-athletes remains our highest responsibility."
 
Head Coach Shelby Bourn and Assistant Coach Chelsea Johnson will now turn their sights towards recruiting an incoming class for the 2027 season. The Saxons graduate two players but will return the remaining listed players including 2028 graduates, Isabella Casalinova (Bennington, VT/Mount Anthony Union), Claire Bialas (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley), Sydney Angelo (Windsor, NY/Windsor Central) and Annie Smith (Webster, NY/Webster Thomas) who were all part of the first Saxons in history to be on the field hockey team during the 2024-25 academic year. "While this certainly wasn't how we envisioned the season going, we are focused on using this time to get healthy, continue developing our players and strengthen our foundation as a program," Coach Bourn said. "We're still incredibly excited about the future of Saxon Field Hockey and the growth ahead. We have 11 returners who bring a lot of energy, passion and excitement to the program, and we're looking forward to building on that foundation next season. We're going to use this experience to grow together, prepare for what's next and continue building a program that our players, alumni and Alfred community can be proud of. We believe strongly in where this program is headed and we're excited for what the future holds."
 
"Championship programs need champion-caliber facilities," Hertz said. "Saxon Hill will deliver on that statement and it will also contribute to a clear and bright future for the field hockey program. It will be a great home for both our current and future Saxons."
 
The Saxons' next home contest will be played at the completed Saxon Hill Sports Complex. The field hockey players will also have access to the Sports Center at Saxon Hill that features a brand new locker room, Sports Medicine Room and other amenities such as a foyer for postgame gatherings.