Nine months after the program's fourth consecutive Atlantic 10 tournament title and the first national championship game appearance by a varsity athletic team in school history, the Saint Joseph's field hockey team will begin a new campaign on Saturday afternoon when the Hawks meet #11 UConn in a neutral-site matchup in Durham, New Hampshire.
 
Head coach Hannah Prince shared some insight into her upcoming fourth season on the sideline as the Hawks prepare to meet the Huskies and New Hampshire on opening weekend.
 
Last season was, to put it mildly, a memorable one.  But each season is a new challenge, and this year, just eight members of the 2024 team are back on Hawk Hill.  As you turn the page to the new season, how do you put last season's achievements into context to help the new squad of Hawks?
 
Hannah Prince: We use last season as motivation moving forward, as another step in our team culture development and as an experience.  It provided us with motivation to work even harder day in and day out, to be more in tune with each other on and off the field, and to get back to making history. 
 
The returning group had the opportunity to learn from some amazing leaders; while they all bring their own unique personalities and strengths, the collective group is dedicated to working towards our culture of family and excellence with focus and dedication. 
 
The experiences gained were invaluable and showed us that our mindset is everything; the mindset of belief in ourselves and in each other will guide us as we go through the season.  This new squad is learning each and every moment we spend together and building a solid foundation, brick by brick.
 
This time last year, we were talking about the vast amount of experience the Hawks had returning to the lineup.  This year, the opposite is true; while there are some transfers with collegiate experience, there is a large group of incoming freshmen.  Are there specific challenges associated with such a young group?  Are there some advantages as well?
 
HP: This team has a great balance of ages and experience levels.  There are always challenges and advantages with any team but I stay focused on the extremely positive fact that our student-athletes are dedicated to having a team-first attitude, a growth mindset, and the will to win. 
 
The Hawks are ranked ninth in the nation in the NFHCA preseason poll and were once again picked to win the Atlantic 10 title in the preseason coaches poll.  How do you manage those outside expectations?  Do you embrace them, treat them as a sign of respect and also motivation, or do you ignore them to focus on the goals the team sets for itself?
 
HP: The team sets tits own goals; these are driven directly from them.  As their coach, I believe it is my job to support them in their quest to conquer their goals.  We stay focused on us, on Team 51, building brick by brick. 
 
This year's schedule, as always, features some challenging matchups, including games against teams that are perennial contenders in the Big Ten, ACC, and Big East.  How important is it to go out and play these kinds of teams in your non-conference schedule?
 
HP: As always, we recognize the importance of challenging ourselves during the regular season.  We will never be able to achieve our full potential come postseason if we are not challenged.  Competing in every single game is key; this has always been an area the program has taken great pride in and I look forward to continuing that tradition. 
 
The Hawks have been the class of the Atlantic 10 for nearly a decade now; what has to happen between now and November for this year's group to continue that legacy and be there at the end, fighting for another A-10 title?  What do you need to see to consider this season a success?
 
HP: For this group, the most growth will occur for us in moments when we have a choice: to give up or give it all we've got, whether in training or in games.  I feel privileged every day to coach young women who are willing to learn, battle, and be dedicated to the process. 
 
If at the end of the season, we can look back and know we grew together, gave everything we had, and feel proud to wear the St Joe's Hawk jersey, it will be a success.