The field hockey team during starting lineups.
Bob Blakley

Field Hockey Announces 2026 Recruiting Class

WASHINGTON – American University field hockey head coach Steve Jennings has announced the addition of five incoming first years to the 2026 roster. Cate Jones (Middletown, Del. / Saint Mark’s), Caroline Kantz (Durham, N.C. / Durham Academy), Sam Kockx (Amersfoort, the Netherlands / Vathorst College), Abby Perazzoli (Malvern, Pa. / Great Valley), and Nora Tromble (Reisterstown, Md. / Franklin) will take to the turf as members of the Eagles squad this year for the upcoming fall campaign.

We are thrilled to welcome five incredibly talented student-athletes to our program next year. Abby, Caroline, Cate, Nora, and Sam will provide our team tremendous talent across all of our lines—from the forward line through to the goalkeeper position. They are great additions to our culture and will help us push towards achieving our team aspirations this fall and beyond—we cannot wait to start working with them all!
Steve Jennings
A graphic stating the signing of field hockey player Cate Jones.

Name: Cate Jones

Hometown: Middletown, Del. 

Position: Goalkeeper

High School: Saint Mark’s

Club: Delaware Sharks

Why AU: “I chose AU because of its family-like team culture, competitive spirit, and strong academic programs. I’m excited to be part of a supportive community that will help me grow academically and athletically alongside teammates who share common goals.”

A graphic stating the signing of field hockey player Caroline Kantz.

Name: Caroline Kantz

Hometown: Durham, N.C. 

Position: Forward

High School: Durham Academy 

Club: Bull City

Why AU: “I chose AU for its amazing coaching staff and team culture, its location, and the academic opportunity that it provides. Everything about the school, both on the field and in the classroom, feels designed to make me grow as an individual. I knew that I would be constantly pushed to reach my goals while simultaneously being surrounded by an incredible support system.”

A graphic stating the signing of field hockey player Sam Kockx.

Name: Sam Kockx

Hometown: Amersfoort, the Netherlands 

Position: Forward

High School: Vathorst College

Club: Schaerweijde MO18-1

Why AU: “From the very first moment, I clicked with Steve and one of the players on the team, which immediately made me feel comfortable and at home. It felt right straight away. AU really stood out to me because of its strong hockey program, and on top of that, the academic opportunities aligned perfectly with what I was looking for. Altogether, it felt like the ideal place for me to grow both as a player and as a student.”

A graphic stating the signing of field hockey player Abby Perazzoli.

Name: Abby Perazzoli

Hometown: Malvern, Pa.

Position: Midfielder/Defender

High School: Great Valley

Club: WC Eagles

Why AU: “I chose American because from the moment I first visited the campus, it felt like home. I saw myself growing there personally and academically. The team was incredibly welcoming and supportive which is huge for me. I wanted an athletic environment that would push me to be the best version of myself, and I saw that at American.”

A graphic stating the signing of field hockey player Nora Tromble.

Name: Nora Tromble

Hometown: Reisterstown, Md.

Position: Midfield

High School: Franklin

Club: Warhawks

Why AU: “I chose AU because the team immediately welcomed me and made me feel at home. I feel that AU will challenge me academically and athletically. The coaches care for their players and foster a competitive environment where the girls work hard. I can't wait to join the family, and all AU has to offer.”

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