Field Hockey's Casey, Helm and Luft on NFHCA / PSE Watchlist for 2026

MEDFORD, MA (August 27, 2026) - Senior Claire Casey, sophomore Eleanor Helm and junior Eleanor Luft of the defending NCAA Champion Tufts University field hockey team have been named to the 2026 National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Collegiate Watchlist, presented by Performance Sports Events.

The recognition showcases those field hockey student-athletes with potential for consideration to the current year's NFHCA All-Region and All-American teams, as nominated by their member coaches. To be nominated for the 2026 NFHCA Watchlist, student-athletes must have been previously recognized for their outstanding field hockey abilities within the past two years (NFHCA All-American, NFHCA All-Region, All-Conference, NCAA All-Tournament Team).

All three players helped Tufts win the second NCAA title in program history last fall, capped by a 2-1 overtime victory against Johns Hopkins University. The Jumbos tied the school record for victories in a season with 19.

Casey was an NFHCA third team All-American last year who returns to a leading role as a co-captain this season. In addition to her contributions on defense, Casey was the leading striker on corners and recorded eight goals and five assists for 21 points (third on the team). Casey was also NFHCA All-Region first team and New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) first team last year. She was also selected to the NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team.

A second team NFHCA All-Region and NESCAC All-Conference second team pick for 2025, Luft also played a key role both defensively and offensively for the Jumbos. Along with her consistently strong tackling on opponent rushes, she also played a lead role in transitioning the Jumbos to offense with her strong strikes of the ball. She added a goal with three assists in the scoring column.

Helm burst upon the scene as a freshman last season, scoring 13 goals with a team-high seven assists for 33 points (second on team). She scored the first Tufts goal in the national championship game and was named to the NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team. The leading freshman goal-scorer in NESCAC a year ago, she was an All-Conference second team honoree.

Tufts is ranked #1 in the 2026 NFHCA Preseason Poll and opens the season on September 5 at home against Trinity College.

See the full NFHCA / PSE 2026 Watchlist HERE.