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Field Hockey posed action shot of four new additions

Field Hockey

Missy Meharg Announces Four Additions To Field Hockey Spring Roster

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Maryland field hockey head coach Missy Meharg announced the addition of Francisca Eschoyez, Aida Ierubino, Rachael Whitehead, and Babs van Hest today.

Missy Meharg and the Maryland Terrapins Field Hockey program welcome four additions to the spring roster. Francisca Eschoyez arrives with a decorated resume, earning 2025 Third Team All-American honors and National Field Hockey Coaches Association First Team All-Mideast Region recognition.

Aida Ierubino adds international experience as a member of the 2026 United States Women's U-18 National Field Hockey Team and a three-year participant in the national program. The Terps also welcome Delaware native Rachael Whitehead and Netherlands native Babs van Hest to round out the spring additions.
Francisca Eschoyez all american graphic

Francisca Eschoyez

Savona, Italy
Istituto Padre Pasquale Lanzano

Before Maryland: 2025: All-Big East First Team, Big East Weekly Honor Roll x3, Big East Offensive Player of the Year, NFHCA First Team All-Mideast Region, NFHCA Third Team All-American, Tied program record of 9 points in a game (three goals and three assists). 2024: All-Big East Second Team, NFHCA Mideast Region Second Team, NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad, Had the most goals by a Bobcat in a single season since 2021, Tied a program record with four goals and an assist in a single game (nine points)
Why Maryland: "I chose Maryland because it's a highly competitive university with top athletic facilities and an elite coaching staff. I came here to elevate my game, push my limits, and win everything possible with this team!"
Fun Fact: She won the Best Player Award at the U21 European Championship at just 18 years old which made her realize that all the work she has put into her dreams was worth it. It showed her that with hard work, anything is possible.
Aida Ierubino USA field hockey roster selection

Aida Ierubino

Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Central Bucks West

Before Maryland: USA U18 National Team (2025/2026), USA U16 National Team (2024), 2x First Team All-American, 2x The Reporter/Times Herald Player of the Year, 2x SOL Colonial Player of the Year, Four year varsity starter, 2x co-captain, Top 10 in class of 2026, 4x First Team All-State, First Team All-Area, First Team All-League. 4x All-Region, Central Buck West Offensive MVP and 2x MVP.
Why Maryland?: "The second I stepped on campus I knew that this was a place I wanted to call home. The coaches, players and culture made Maryland feel like the perfect fit. Their top their academics and athletics on top of that made my decision extremely easy."
Fun Fact: "My mom played field hockey through college and then represented the United States after, she is the reason I picked up a stick in the first place and I try to play with the passion that she always did when she was younger."
Rachael Whitehead signing day graphic field hockey

Rachael Whitehead

Hockessin, Delaware
The Tatnall School

Before Maryland: 2025: All-MPSF Team. 2024: Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament Champion 2023: CAA All-Rookie Team, USA U18 Women's International Tour Team. High School: 4x varsity starter, Led the team in goals, assists, and total points all four years, 4x First Team All-State
Why Maryland: "I chose Maryland because I wanted to compete at the highest level and be part of something incredible. Maryland is going to challenge and push me to become the best hockey player and person I can be"
Fun Fact: Her brother Zachary is her inspiration in life, he played football at Kings College.
Babs Van Hest signing day graphic field hockey

BABS VAN HEST

Eidhoven, Netherlands
Montessori College Eindhoven

Before Maryland: Played in the Hoofdklasse (Premier League), Participated in the Landelijk U18, The Netherlands' top youth league in 2016-20.
Why Maryland: "I decided to come to Maryland because it offers a great balance between high-level field hockey and strong academics. I was also excited about the competitive environment and the opportunity to keep improving as both a player and a person."
Fun Fact: Her favorite thing to do on a day off is enjoy some time with friends and family, grab lunch or just hang out.
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Players Mentioned

Rachael Whitehead

#2 Rachael Whitehead

M
5' 9"
Junior
Francisca Eschoyez

#5 Francisca Eschoyez

M
5' 10"
Sophomore
Babs van Hest

#9 Babs van Hest

F
5' 3"
Sophomore
Aida Ierubino

#23 Aida Ierubino

M
5' 4"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Rachael Whitehead

#2 Rachael Whitehead

5' 9"
Junior
M
Francisca Eschoyez

#5 Francisca Eschoyez

5' 10"
Sophomore
M
Babs van Hest

#9 Babs van Hest

5' 3"
Sophomore
F
Aida Ierubino

#23 Aida Ierubino

5' 4"
Freshman
M