As Penn State field hockey gears up for its opening weekend, the Big Ten has announced three Nittany Lions — Sienna Dunn, Ella Gaitan and Lara Pyle — to the 2026 Big Ten Field Hockey Players to Watch list.

𝐁𝟏𝐆 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞#GameOn | #PSUFH pic.twitter.com/8iIRz3l3HM

— Penn State Field Hockey (@PennStateFH) August 26, 2026

Pyle, the only returning player on the list, is entering her sophomore season following a strong first season. The Australian native started in 15 of 17 games for the Nittany Lions, recording an assist and a pair of shots on goal across the season.

Throughout her career before Penn State, Pyle has collected three Australian national championships and served as captain for two seasons for the Australian U16 team.

Dunn is one of many new additions to the Penn State squad, traveling across the pond from England to play out her graduate season in Happy Valley. The midfielder earned a pair of gold medals at the University of Nottingham in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) and has appeared on England’s U16, U18, and U21 teams — serving as team captain of the latter two squads.

Similar to Dunn, Gaitan is entering her first season with the blue and white after two seasons at Maryland. The former Terrapin started in 31 games at forward and collected 14 goals and 32 points throughout her tenure.

Gaitan was selected for the 2024 Big Ten All-Second Team and Big Ten All-Freshman Team for her exceptional efforts.

Penn State field hockey will kick off its 63rd season under new leadership, Hannah Prince, against the Virginia Cavaliers on Friday, August 28, at 4 p.m. and the Lock Haven Bald Eagles on Saturday, August 30, at 12 p.m.

All home games are free for fans to attend, and both weekend contests will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.