Profs look to uphold championship standard in 2026 athletics season

Rowan University’s athletic teams are looking to build off last year’s success this fall, with seven sports gearing up for strong campaigns to open the 2026-27 season of competition.

Men’s Cross Country

The Profs' run of three consecutive NJAC Championships came to an end in 2025, but the team is poised to hoist the trophy again in 2026.  

Colin Patterson leads the pack after a season that included a fourth-place finish at NJAC Championships, and a trip to NCAA Metro Regional Championships. Aidan Brad also will be a factor in the Profs' success, as he recorded a 20th-place finish at last year’s NJAC Championships.

The pair will be responsible for keeping the team at a high-performing level, as they fill the loss of national qualifier and NJAC second-place finisher Matt Conway, who graduated in May.

"We are excited for the season and the great group of guys who have worked hard in the offseason to prepare. We have a good balance of experienced returners and a large group of freshmen who should allow for continued growth throughout the season. We feel this group can contend for the NJAC title and we look forward to a great season," said Head Coach Dustin Dimit. 

Women’s Cross Country

The women's cross country team has won back-to-back NJAC Championships and the experienced group is looking to make it three in a row.

Last season's conference champion Ellie Pagano graduated in May, but the Profs have a strong core to fill those shoes. All-Region selections Ally Wernik and Shannon Stakelbeck will lead the way, along with Emily Zanni, whose fourth-place finish at the NJAC Championships earned her a spot on the All-Conference First Team. Jezena Aponte returns for her senior season after also picking up All-Region honors in 2025. 

The men's and women's teams again will host the Border Battle at DREAM Park in Logan Township on October 17, an annual event that has become one of the highlights of the season.

“Of course, we want to build off the accomplishments of last season over the course of cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field,” said Head Coach Shedrick Elliott III. “But, the ultimate goal would be this special group of young ladies creating their own distinct identity.”

Field Hockey

After winning its fifth straight NJAC Championship in 2025, Rowan field hockey is aiming for a deeper postseason run this year. The Profs enter 2026 ranked 14th nationally and again as the favorites to capture the conference title. 

The team's top scorers, Sydney Kowalczyk (19 goals) and Mia Foti (10 goals), are back to lead the way. Kowalczyk was the 2025 NJAC Rookie of the Year and both players were All-Conference First Team selections along with returners Gracie Merrick and Aurelia McManis.

The Profs will have a new look in the cage as they replace recent graduate Mariah Juiliano, who set the school record with 15 shutouts. Rowan now turns to a pair of sophomores, Ella Morton and Kelley Crescenzo, who saw action last year in four games and two games, respectively.

“Our team is returning a core group that has a ton of experience,” said Head Coach Michelle Andre. “We’re a very balanced team.

Football

The football team welcomes back numerous key players from last year's squad who recorded the most wins (8) since 2019, and captured the ECAC Bushnell Bowl in its first postseason appearance in 11 years.

Quarterback Nate Maiers (2,151 passing yards) is back for his senior season and he’ll use returning wide receivers Michael Zarfati, an All-NJAC First Team selection, and Jamir Rowe as offensive threats. Running back Nunes Bukula IV also earned All-Conference First Team honors as he found the endzone 17 times, with 11 rushing touchdowns, and six more on receptions from Maiers.

The defense is anchored by Giaini Derameaux, who topped the team in sacks (4.5) and was named to the D3football.com All-America Second Team and the All-NJAC First Team. 

"Overall, it is still a younger group, but with a good number of game reps under their belts,” said Head Coach Pat Ruley. “The guys understand the expectations in the building and I'm eager to see how they respond."

Men’s Soccer

Men’s soccer was one of nine Rowan teams to claim an NJAC Championship in 2025, while winning its second straight title. The Profs are the favorite to repeat as conference champions and head into 2026 ranked #12 in the Top 25.

After losing All-American Johnny Troiano to graduation, the Profs will count on key returners Luke McNamee (8 assists), Christian McGillen (8 goals) and Carill Asanji (3 goals) on attack with Greg Ferreira solidifying the defense.

Head Coach Scott Baker has added a large number of freshmen and transfers to the roster this year with midfielders Evan Vilaboy (Marist) and Aaron Zhao (Chicago State) expected to make an impact.

“The key to succeeding for us is to take every game like it’s a national final,” said Baker. “There’s not going to be a team along the way that we won’t approach exactly the same way that we would for the national finals.”

Women’s Soccer

The Rowan women’s soccer team will have a new look in 2026 after graduating eight seniors, including All-Americans Olivia Giordano and Julianna Giordano and All-NJAC First Team selection Lianna SanFelice. The Profs head into the new season ranked #18 nationally and are the favorite to win the NJAC.

Junior co-captain Cali Sloan, who started 28 matches in two years, will anchor the defense. She’ll pair up with MaKala Baker, who had a breakout season in 2025, as she started 18 games and earned a spot on All-NJAC First Team.

Offensively, the Profs will call on senior co-captain Sara Wiedeman and junior Bella Moore. The two combined for 14 goals and nine assists in 2025, and helped the Profs reach the NCAA Second Round.

“They see openings,” said Head Coach Scott Leacott, touching on the competition for open spots in this year’s lineup. “When there are openings out there, people tend to work a little bit harder.”

Volleyball

Rowan alumna Casey (Grasso) Burford takes over the program and inherits a strong group of returning players.

Leading the way are All-Americans Abby Chadwick and Jessica Smart, a duo that combined for over 500 kills last season, and made a huge impact on the attacking front.

Other key returning players are Ciara Bradley (57 blocks, 130 kills), Ava Best, Abigail Bivona and setter Raven Albrecht (978 assists). Senior Nia Ipeker, with 91 career matches to her credit, brings a great deal of experience to the table and will be the libero.

“With a strong returning core and talented newcomers, this team has the competitive mindset to make an impact in the NJAC,” said first-year Head Coach Burford. “We are looking forward to building on last season and continuing to raise the standard for Rowan volleyball.” 

Come see the action! The fall sports season begins on September 1 with men’s soccer hosting Stockton at 6 p.m., and volleyball hosting Franklin & Marshall at 7 p.m. The first football game is Friday, September 4 at 6 p.m. when the Profs take on #21 Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Visit rowanathletics.com for the Profs' full schedule and to purchase tickets.