EASTON, Pa. - Senior Lena Thedrian heralded a full 2026 awards list for Lafayette as the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, which was announced on Thursday morning. The Hamburg, Germany native was honored on the Preseason All-Conference Team alongside senior Stella Malinowski and sophomore Rosalie van Gool.

Head coach Jennifer Stone and the Leopards received 30 points and one first-place vote to finish second in the preseason poll. American topped the chart with 35 (5 first-place) points, Boston U. claimed 27 points and one first-place vote in the third slot, while Bucknell rounded out the top four with 22 points. Holy Cross (15), Lehigh (10) and Colgate (8) completed the list.

Thedrian competed and started in 16 games last fall, totaling 21 points on eight goals and five assists. She scored two game-winning goals against Holy Cross and at Delaware while tallying three defensive saves. Her impressive resume lists accolades such as NFHCA DI Second Team All-Mideast Region, First Team All-League and Academic All-League in 2025.

Malinowski, the 2025 Patriot League Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, was tied for third in points on the squad last season. She recorded five goals and six assists while making 16 starts. The English major also competed in last December's FIH Hockey Women's Junior World cup as part of the Canadian women's national team.

As a consistent defender in the backline, Van Gool started in 17 games. She added three defensive saves and 10 points before her selection to the 2025 NFHCA DI National Academic Squad.

Lafayette is set to open the 2026 season with a pair of road tests against Kent State (Aug. 28) and Northwestern (Aug. 30), both taking place in Evanston, Ill.
 
2026 Patriot League Field Hockey Preseason Poll
1. American, 35 points, (5 first-place votes)
2. Lafayette, 30 (1)
3. Boston University, 27 (1)
4. Bucknell, 22
5. Holy Cross, 15
6. Lehigh, 10
7. Colgate, 8
 
2026 Patriot League Field Hockey Preseason Major Awards
Preseason Forward of the Year – Jordan Reicher, American, Sr., F
Preseason Midfielder of the Year – Emilia Winkler, American, Sr., M
Preseason Defender of the Year – Lena Thedrian, Lafayette, Sr., D
Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year – Sarah Althouse, Bucknell, Sr., GK
 
2026 Preseason Field Hockey All-Patriot League Team
Jordan Reicher, American, Sr., F
Sophie Willemse, American, Sr., D
Emilia Winkler, American, Sr., M
Nicky Lauro, Boston University, Sr., M
Caroline O'Brien, Boston University, Gr., F
Sarah Althouse, Bucknell, Sr., GK
Ryane Fisahn, Bucknell, Sr., F
Sally Hunter, Bucknell, Jr., D/M
Morgan Willis, Colgate, Sr., F
Maguire Sturgis, Holy Cross, Sr., M
Stella Malinowski, Lafayette, Sr., F
Lena Thedrian, Lafayette, Sr., D
Rosalie van Gool, Lafayette, Sr., M/D
 
 
 
For the latest on the Lafayette College field hockey program, follow the Leopards on Twitter @LafayetteFH and Instagram @lafayette_fh.