COLORADO SPRINGS, Co. — The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) revealed its 2026 Watchlist on Thursday morning, naming midfielder Elaiana Rivera-Lagalla and back Bella Viruet to the list of top players in Division II.
 
The 2026 NFHCA Watchlist recognizes field hockey student-athletes who have demonstrated a high level of achievement and are considered among those with strong potential for NFHCA All-Region and All-American consideration this season. Student-athletes were nominated by their NFHCA member coaches and must have earned qualifying field hockey recognition within the previous two years, such as NFHCA All-Region, NFHCA All-America, All-Conference, Senior Nexus Championship selection, NCAA All-Tournament Team, or a selection to a U.S. National or international team roster.
 
Rivera-Lagalla, a first-time All-American last year, had a career season in 2025, as she also earned NFHCA All-Atlantic Region First Team and All-PSAC First Team honors. She posted personal bests across the board, setting new marks for goals (6), assists (6), and points (18) while playing in every game. One of this year's two team captains, Rivera-Lagalla more than tripled her minutes played last season, averaging over 37 minutes per game.
 
Viruet's a two-time All-PSAC Third Team honoree, earning the recognition in each of the last two seasons. She was also named to the 2025 NFHCA Watchlist, as she finished the season with the fifth-highest shooting percentage (.214) and shots-on-goal percentage (.643) among ESU players who recorded at least 10 shots. Viruet's played in every game over the last three years, making 49 starts in 63 games.
 
The Watchlist is intended to highlight returning and emerging standouts entering the 2026 season. Selection does not guarantee future NFHCA postseason recognition. The NFHCA All-Region and All-American teams will be announced Dec. 9, 2026, and Dec. 17, 2026.