CASE SUMMARY
The King's College field hockey team enters the 2026 season focused on the continued growth of the program and maximizing the benefits of a deeper roster.
 
Head coach Kirby Szalkowski believes the combination of returning leadership and a sizable incoming class will create valuable competition throughout the lineup while providing the Monarchs with more options than in recent seasons. As the program continues to build momentum, King's is eager to see how that added depth translates on the field.
 
"The biggest storyline for us this season is the growth of the program and what we can do with a deeper roster," Szalkowski said. "We have a great group of returning leaders combined with a large incoming class, and we're excited to see how that competition and depth pushes us forward."
 
 
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
The Monarchs were selected ninth in the 2026 MAC Freedom Field Hockey Preseason Poll, which was voted on by the conference's head coaches.
 
Defending conference champion Stevens topped the poll with 63 points and seven first-place votes, followed by DeSales (53), Lebanon Valley (51) and two first-place votes, Misericordia (40), Marywood (39), Delaware Valley (29), Arcadia (23), FDU-Florham (18), and King's (8).
 
As the season approaches, the Monarchs are focused on continuing the growth of the program while building on the progress made over the past several seasons.
 
 
PROGRAM OUTLOOK
King's enters the fall with an exciting blend of experienced returners and an incoming class that has added both talent and energy throughout the roster.
 
Among the returning players expected to lead the way are rising seniors Shaylee Heffron and Allie Chocallo. Heffron has continued to elevate both her game knowledge and overall skill set, while Chocallo provides a steady and reliable presence in the Monarch backfield. Melanie Tlatenchi will also play a key role for the Monarchs this season. Tlatenchi brings speed and leadership to the Monarch attack and is expected to be an important contributor as King's looks to generate more offensive opportunities.
 
The Monarchs are equally excited about the impact of their incoming class. First-year student-athletes have already brought a competitive mindset, energy, and athleticism to preseason preparations, creating healthy competition across multiple positions and providing additional depth throughout the lineup.
 
Szalkowski believes that combination of experienced leadership and enthusiastic newcomers will help push the program forward as the season unfolds.
 
 
MONARCH NOTES
What stands out most to Szalkowski is the culture that has developed within the group.
"Our biggest strength is the way this group cares about one another," Szalkowski said. "That combined with the energy our first-years bring is an incredible combo to watch. They're eager to make their mark and have added a new fire to our team."
 
That connection has helped fuel one of the team's most significant areas of growth entering the season.
"Our biggest improvement has been our overall cohesion as a team," Szalkowski said. "Last year we had a unique mix of players who were new to the game alongside experienced returners, and over the course of the year they grew into a group with a much stronger understanding of how to play together and execute a game plan."
 
As a result, the Monarchs enter 2026 with a stronger sense of identity and a greater understanding of how to work together effectively on the field.
 
 
THE ROAD AHEAD
The added depth throughout the roster is expected to play a key role throughout the season.
 
Szalkowski believes the Monarchs will benefit from having more options available across the lineup, allowing the team to maintain energy and create opportunities in different ways throughout a match.
"Fans should be excited to see what our new depth can bring to the field," Szalkowski said. "We're hopeful that having more options in our lineup will allow us to create more scoring opportunities and ultimately convert more wins."
 
 
MISSION STATEMENT
For Szalkowski, the excitement surrounding the season stems from the work that has taken place behind the scenes and the progress the program has made over time.
 
"I have a lot of excitement about this season and this group because we know how much work has gone into getting here," Szalkowski said. "We're ready to show what this rebuild can look like on the field and prove that King's can compete again."
 
The Monarchs have embraced a "Me. We. Us." mentality throughout the program, emphasizing individual growth, collective accountability, and a shared commitment to team success.
 
With a deeper roster, established leadership, and an energized incoming class, the Monarchs enter the 2026 season eager to continue the program's upward trajectory.