The seven-time defending NCAA Champion Middlebury field hockey team begins its 2025 campaign on Tuesday, September 2 when it hosts Vermont State University Castleton on Peter Kohn Field. The Panthers raised the standard once again in 2024, becoming the first field hockey program in NCAA history to hoist seven consecutive national championship trophies after downing Tufts in the season’s title game. The program touts a stellar 146-7 record across the past seven seasons.

In goal, the Panthers return a strong group featuring Thea Rosenzweig, Izzy Redzic and Madeline DiLemme. Redzic finished with a 14-1 record and turned away 21 shots across nearly 800 minutes, putting her third in the NESCAC and 16th in the nation with a 0.90 goals against average (GAA). DiLemme appeared in 13 contests and made four starts, going 5-1 with nine saves in just under 400 minutes of action. The duo anchored a backline that ranked inside the top-15 spots in GAA (0.86). 

Grace Keefe and Ally Kennedy highlight the returners on the defensive side. Keefe tallied a goal and added an assist during last year’s national postseason to earn a nod to the NCAA All-Tournament team while posting career-highs with four tallies and two helpers. Kennedy eyes a larger role in the unit after making seven appearances last year. 

Ellie Harrison looks to help facilitate the offense from the midfield after totaling three goals and four assists a season ago. Claire McMichael bolsters the group after dishing out eight helpers and adding a marker. Madaket Rzepka brings a veteran presence after tallying four scores and one assist last year.

Georgianne Defeo was part of the nation’s best offensive unit last year, ranking second in the conference with 17 tallies and third in points per contest (1.86). The forward earned NFHCA First-Team All-Region and All-NESCAC Second Team honors. Sarah Bona rounds out the senior class after checking in to 17 contests last season. The Panthers also welcome eight first-year players into the fold.

DeLorenzo begins her 25th campaign at the program’s helm, ranking third among active Division III coaches in career victories (487). DeLorenzo is joined by returning assistant coach Jackie Mountford and newcomer Lisa McNamara. The Middlebury staff has been recognized as the NFHCA Division III Coaching Staff of the Year in each of the last seven seasons.