NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Junior back Hettie Whittington (Guildford, England) has been elected captain of the Yale field hockey team for 2026. Whittington was chosen by a team vote.

Whittington is part of a rising senior class for 2026-27 that also includes forward Tabs Collier (London, England) and midfielder/forward Emma Ramsey (Summit, N.J.). That trio has been part of a notable progression for the Bulldogs. The team improved its overall win total from seven wins in their first year to 10 wins in their sophomore year to 12 wins in their junior year. That win total of 12 tied for the third-best in school history, three away from the school record of 15 set by the 1998 squad.

Last season also saw Yale make history by earning the first NCAA Tournament berth, and first Ivy League Tournament berth, in school history. The Bulldogs ended the year ranked No. 12 in the NFHCA national poll.

"I'm extremely honored to be voted as captain, and I can't wait to see all that we can achieve in 2026," said Whittington. "I'm excited to work with my incredible classmates, Tabs and Emma, to lead this team to another historic season."
Whittington pointed to making the NCAA Tournament as an at-large selection as a highlight of her career. The team gathered to watch the selection show in the Kiphuth Trophy Room in Payne Whitney Gym that Sunday night.  

"My most memorable moment with YFH so far has to be hearing our name called in the NCAA selection show this season," said Whittington. "In my previous two years, we missed out on the postseason by the smallest of margins, so to finally make it to the Ivy League tournament and then hear our name called on Selection Sunday as the last at-large bid was incredibly special. It was one of the most satisfying moments of my field hockey career, and the perfect way to cap off a historic season."

Melissa Gonzalez, Yale's Caroline Ruth Thompson '02 Head Coach of Field Hockey, praised Whittington's leadership.

"We are excited for Hettie to step into the captaincy," said Gonzalez. "On and off the pitch, she leads with maturity, integrity and grit. She has earned the respect of her teammates by always giving her best, knowing when to listen and when to challenge. Hettie sets the tone and standard for this group, and we look forward to seeing all she will accomplish."

Whittington has developed into one of the most complete players in the league, contributing at both ends of the field. As a center back, she anchored a defense that allowed only 27 goals in 18 games. As one of the team's primary options on attack penalty corners – and on penalty strokes – she delivered career highs in goals, assists and points (9-9-27). 

Whittington was a first team All-Mideast Region and second team All-Ivy League pick this season. She also earned Yale field hockey's Dawg Award, "given to the player who exemplifies grit, resilience, and a pack mentality both on and off the pitch. This player has the first-in and last-out attitude, effort and mindset. This individual leads by example and sets the standard for hard work." In 2024 she was a first team All-Ivy League and first team NFHCA All-Mideast Region selection.

Next year the Bulldogs return eight players who started 17 or more games, including five All-Ivy League selections and four All-Region selections.

"The expectations of next year's team are definitely high," said Whittington. "I think it will feel very different to any seasons we have previously had because we spent most of this year ranked in the top 20 and played in the Sweet Sixteen, so naturally, people will expect more from us. However, I do not doubt that we will maintain the gritty underdog mentality that we have always had. We take every game as a challenge and an opportunity to prove how good we are. We're returning a strong group of players with a lot of experience and accolades, and we're also excited to welcome in a really talented and exciting freshman class. We've set the bar this season, and next year we want to raise it even higher."

Whittington is majoring in economics with certificates in Spanish and education studies. She is a graduate of Surbiton High School and is the second Yale field hockey captain from England, following this past season's captain – senior forward Poppy Beales (King's Lynn, England).
 
Yale Field Hockey International Captains
1999    Sue Barnes (London, Ontario, Canada)
2020    Imogen Davies (Kilmacolm, Scotland)
2021    Imogen Davies (Kilmacolm, Scotland)
2022    Alissa Wong (West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
2025    Poppy Beales (King's Lynn, Norfolk, England)
2026    Hettie Whittington (Guildford, Surrey, England)