The NCAA Division III Field Hockey Committee has unveiled the 28 teams competing in the 2025 championship, kicking off a thrilling postseason chase. Announced on November 9, 2025, in Indianapolis, this selection includes automatic qualifiers from 18 conferences and 10 at-large picks, setting up intense matchups across campus sites and leading to the final in Hartford, Connecticut.
Key Teams and Automatic Qualifiers
Eighteen conferences earned automatic bids for their champions, showcasing top talent from across the nation. These squads represent a mix of established programs and rising stars ready to battle for glory.
The selection process focused on regular season performance, conference tournaments, and overall records. Teams like Johns Hopkins from the Centennial Conference and Middlebury, a powerhouse with recent titles, stand out.
Here is a table listing the conferences and their automatic qualifiers:
| Conference | School |
|---|---|
| Atlantic East Conference | Marywood |
| Centennial Conference | Johns Hopkins |
| Conference of New England | Endicott |
| Empire 8 | SUNY Geneseo |
| Great Northeast Athletic Conference | Dean |
| Landmark Conference | Scranton |
| Liberty League | Vassar |
| Little East Conference | Keene State |
| Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference | Westfield State |
| Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth | Stevenson |
| Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom | Stevens Institute of Technology |
| New England Small College Athletic Conference | Bates |
| New England Women’s and Men’s Athletics Conference | Babson |
| New Jersey Athletic Conference | Rowan |
| North Coast Athletic Conference | Denison |
| Old Dominion Athletic Conference | Lynchburg |
| State University of New York Athletic Conference | Salisbury |
| United East Conference | St. Mary’s (Maryland) |
This group forms the core of the field, with many bringing strong defensive records and high scoring averages into the tournament.
At-Large Selections and Bracket Highlights
Beyond the automatic qualifiers, 10 teams grabbed at-large spots based on their impressive seasons. These include Amherst, Bowdoin, Christopher Newport, Dickinson, Hamilton, Middlebury, Tufts, Wesleyan (Connecticut), Williams, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
The bracket features 24 teams in first round games on November 12 at campus sites, with winners advancing alongside four bye teams to second and third rounds on November 15 and 16. Semifinals and the final happen November 21 and 23 at Trinity College in Hartford.
Notable first round pairings include high stakes games that could see upsets early. For example, teams like Babson and WPI earned berths, adding depth to the competition. The Ivy League also shone with three bids: Princeton, Harvard, and Yale, highlighting strong regional play.
Fans can expect close contests, as recent trends show underdogs rising in DIII field hockey.
Schedule and Path to the Championship
The tournament starts with 12 first round games on Wednesday, November 12, at various campus locations. Winners move to four sites for the next rounds over the weekend.
Semifinals are set for November 21 at 12 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Eastern, with the championship game on November 23 at noon Eastern. All final action unfolds at Robin L. Sheppard Field.
Key dates to mark:
- First round: November 12
- Second/third rounds: November 15-16
- Semifinals: November 21
- Final: November 23
This structure allows for exciting progression, with teams needing to win multiple games to reach Hartford. Last year’s event saw packed crowds and dramatic finishes, and 2025 promises more of the same.
Travel and ticket info is available through official NCAA channels, helping fans plan ahead.
Defending Champions and Top Contenders
Middlebury enters as the defending champion after claiming its ninth title in 2024 with a 2-1 victory. The team has dominated, winning eight of the last nine crowns and seven straight before that.
Other favorites include Johns Hopkins, known for stout defense, and Salisbury, which boasts a high powered offense averaging over three goals per game this season. Teams like Tufts and Williams bring experienced rosters that could challenge for upsets.
Recent events, such as conference championships wrapping up in early November 2025, influenced selections. For instance, Babson’s strong finish secured their spot, while WPI’s engineering in gameplay led to key wins.
Analysts point to balanced squads with solid goaltending as likely to advance far. With field hockey growing in popularity at the DIII level, this year’s field reflects broader talent pools from coast to coast.
How Fans Can Follow the Action
Live streams and scores will be available on NCAA platforms, making it easy to catch every goal. Local broadcasts may cover campus games, and social media updates will keep fans in the loop.
For those attending, Hartford offers a vibrant setting for the finals, with community events tied to the championship. This tournament not only crowns a winner but also highlights student athletes balancing academics and sports.
Share your predictions on social media or in comments below. Who do you think will lift the trophy this year?
