WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - The Hawks enter the 2026 season eager to build on the foundation established over the past several seasons. With a strong mix of experienced returners and talented newcomers, the Hawks look to take another step forward as they prepare for a competitive slate of games both in and out of Conference of New England (CNE) play.

Familiar Faces:
The Hawks return a strong core of players from last season, bringing valuable experience and leadership back to the field for 2026. Hartford's returning group features several upperclassmen who have been key contributors throughout their careers and will play an important role in setting the tone for the team this season.

Among those returning seniors is Lauren Ackerman (North Branford, Conn.),"Our team expectations for this year is making playoffs, building as a team, and continuing growing. Speaking about our senior class, we've been through a lot together, alot of ups and downs, but we are excited to show the freshman what the program is all about."

Another veteran that the Hawks will look to this season is Anita Farkash (Seaford, N.Y.), "Going into my senior season, we want to keep the team together, while competing at a high level but we also want to have fun while doing it. Coach D and Coach Julie have prepared us both mentally and physically for this upcoming season, they are hard on us but that is because they truly care about us. Being unable to make the CNE playoffs last year gives us the extra motivation to make us work even harder both on and off the field. With this being my last season, I really want to make sure that we make the playoffs and compete at a high level."

Another key senior the team will be turning to this year to provide leadership and be an example for the incoming freshman is Gia Miccio (Bellmore, N.Y.), "This year our team expectations are to make the CNE playoffs, last year that was something we were unable to do, so we want to win a CNE championship in order to have a chance to compete for the NCAA tournament. We have a really strong freshman class coming in, we've worked really hard over the past few months to bring them in. We all share the same goals, which is to be successful this season. Heading into my senior season this year is extra special, a lot of these girls are girls that I have grown up with, so it's really exciting to play my last season with them."

Hartford will also rely on a talented group of underclassmen who gained valuable experience early in their careers. Players such as junior Hailey Pruett (Nottingham, N.H.), senior Taylor Fitch (Andover, Conn.), senior Carly Mayhood (Newton, N.J.), and junior Adelie Beebe (Sacramento, Calif.). These players are expected to continue developing and contributing to the Hawks as they look to build consistency throughout the lineup and pitching staff.

With a blend of leadership and emerging talent, the Hawks enter the season confident in the group returning to the diamond.

New Additions:

Along with the returning talent, the Hawks welcome several newcomers to the program. The incoming class brings additional depth across the field while adding new energy to the rosters as they debut their collegiate careers.

Full Incoming Class:

Freshman Alina Weaver (Nazareth, Pa.)

Freshman Priya Bedard (Medway, Mass.)

Freshman Ariana Hernandez (Fair Lawn, N.J.)

Freshman Gillian Ulrich (West Nyack, N.Y.)

Freshman Demetra Stamboulos (Leonia, N.J.)

SEASON OUTLOOK:

Hartford opens the 2026 season with a double-header non-conference contest against Framingham State University before heading south for spring break. The Hawks will travel to Melbourne, Florida for the Space Coast Spring Games from March 13th-17th. There the Hawks compete in eight games against a variety of opponents from across the country.

Following the Florida trip, Hartford will return north and begin preparing for the heart of its schedule, which includes a CNE matchup just upon their arrival, along with a series of other CNE opponents. These conference games will play a major role in determining the Hawks' postseason positioning as they look to compete for a spot in the CNE tournament.

Late in the season, Hartford will host their senior day on April 26th when the Hawks welcome the University of New England for a doubleheader.

With a talented returning core, a promising group of newcomers, and a challenging schedule ahead, the Hawks are ready to take the field and compete throughout the 2026 campaign.

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