Looking to assert themselves as one of the best in the province once again, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues field hockey team open their 2026 OUA regular season this coming weekend.
 
Provincial silver medalists a year ago, the Blues bounced back from a 4-4-2 (W-L-D) regular season record to finish on the podium in 2025. U of T will be looking to the home field advantage this year as they will host a full regular season schedule this fall following the resurfacing of Back Campus Fields last year. A strong returning core, including U SPORTS All-Canadian and team captain Maggie Mullins, will combine with an incoming recruiting class that featured several athletes who have competed at both the provincial and national stage should allow Toronto to ascend back up to the top of the standings.
 
FROM THE COACH'S DESK
"We've been eager to get back on the pitch together ever since stepping off the field last October with a silver medal. Our athletes are hungrier than ever, and the commitment they showed throughout the off-season is already paying dividends. We had a number of athlete's get the opportunity to represent Canada's U18 and U21 National teams this year and they are bringing back invaluable experiences into our training environment. Our coaching staff holds this program to an exceptionally high standard, and our athletes have completely bought into that vision, not just in training, but in how they manage their recovery and academics to put themselves in the best position to succeed. What excites us most is the balance in our team this year. We have an established core of veterans that are complimented well by our incoming class who are bringing immediate depth to our roster. We've built a versatile, determined team and we're looking forward to see everyone bring their strengths to the field this fall."

• Alison Lee, University of Toronto Varsity Blues field hockey interim head coach

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Key Returnees: Maggie Mullins (D/MF), Alicia Lung (MF), Mary Yang (GK), Ava Airnes (F), Kirsten D'Silva (D)
  
Key Additions: Imke Arndt (MF), Vanessa Marques (F), Maddy Kim (D), Ellie Mullins (D/MF)
 
LAST SEASON'S LEADERS
Goals: Alicia Lung | 8 GP, 6 G
Wins: Mary Yang | 8 GP, 4 W
 
FROM THE FIELD
"We have an impressive mix of younger players and seniors this year that create a powerful team. I am looking forward to see how the first year's adapt to our style of play and team culture while also seeing our returning players learn new perspectives and techniques from the younger girls. As a whole, we've built a team that has grown hungry to compete and that started even before we stepped on the field for our first practice together. Ultimately, we're not only setting goals for things we want to achieve; we're focused on putting in the work to give us the best chance of success."

• Maggie Mullins, 4th year, Defence/Midfield

 
MARQUEE GAMES
September 12 vs York
A rematch of the 2025 OUA Championship final, both the Blues and Lions will be looking to get a leg-up on the other as top contender this season. The match will also serve as U of T's home opener now returned to Back Campus Fields which should provide a home field boost for the Blues.
 
September 20 at Western
A crucial portion of the early season schedule for U of T, this showdown in London versus the Mustangs will be the first of four consecutive road games. Starting this string of games with a strong victory could go a long way in helping carry momentum into even tougher matches against Queen's, York and Guelph. The Blues hold an 8-0-2 (W-L-D) record against Western in the last 10 meetings between the two squads.
 
October 18 vs Guelph
The regular season finale will feature the Blues and Gryphons in what will surely be another dynamite contest at Back Campus Fields. Both teams have consistently placed themselves in positions to compete for the OUA title and this showdown will likely provide vital momentum to the victor ahead of the OUA postseason.