NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion field hockey has announced its 2027 freshman signing class, which includes five new players joining the program.
“This is an excellent class of student-athletes from different backgrounds,” Head Coach Andrew Griffiths said. “It is a unique group, as each of them have championship-winning backgrounds. Every one of the five players have been either state or national champions in the past year. For Stella, Sharlise, Anna, and Lexi: each of them won a High School State Championship this past year, in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland, respectively. Geraldine’s club team won the U18 National Championship in Belgium.”
“We are excited to welcome this group and their families to ODU field hockey and anticipate that they will make an immediate impact on our team’s performance!” Griffiths added.
Stella Houghton | Defender | Kennett Square, Pa. | Kennett High School
Houghton is a defender from Kennett High School in Kennett Square, Pa. She served as a team captain, where she won the 2025 PIA 2A Championship, and was recognized as a top performer in the 2025 National Invitational. Houghton also played club for Empower Field Hockey.
"Stella is a natural leader whose presence immediately elevates those around her,” Griffiths said. “Her intelligence on the field, combined with her defensive strength and versatility, gives us tremendous flexibility in how we build our back line. Beyond her hockey ability, Stella embodies the culture we value – commitment, resilience, and team-first mentality. We are excited to support her growth as both a player and a leader at ODU."
Anna Riesser | Defender | Midlothian, Va. | Trinity Episcopal School
Riesser comes from Midlothian, Va., where she attended Trinity Episcopal School and played field hockey as a defender. She was named to the MAX Field Hockey’s Top 100 Players list and earned 2nd team NFHC All-American honors while also playing club for Panthers United Field Hockey.
"Anna is an elite competitor who has consistently proven herself against top-level opposition,” Griffiths said. “Her athleticism, defensive instincts, and ability to impact both sides of the ball makes her a difference-maker. What impressed us most is her drive to improve and her hunger to compete at the highest level. Anna has the potential to develop into a cornerstone player for our program."
Sharlise Solano | Defender | Emmaus, Pa. | Emmaus High School
"We are thrilled to welcome Sharlise to the ODU Field Hockey family,” Griffiths said. “She comes from an exceptional hockey background and understands what it means to compete for championships. Sharlise brings toughness, defensive composure, and a relentless work ethic that aligns perfectly with our standards. Her ability to rise in big moments makes her an exciting addition, and we believe her best hockey is still ahead of her."
Géraldine Daenekindt | Forward | Belgium | Saint Paulus School
Daenekindt, a forward from Saint Paulus School in Belgium, joins ODU after playing for the Belgian U16 national team as well as competing in numerous European competitions, such as the EHCO and EHL tournaments. Daenekindt also played for Gantoise Hockey Club.
"Géraldine brings outstanding international experience and a sophisticated understanding of the game that will transition beautifully into the collegiate environment,” Griffiths said. “Players who develop within the European system often possess exceptional tactical awareness, and Géraldine is no exception. She is composed, skilled, and highly motivated – qualities that will strengthen our squad immediately. We are proud to welcome her to Monarch Nation."
Lexi Winters | Forward | Glenwood, Md. | Glenelg High School
A forward from Glenelg High School in Glenwood, Md., Winters was a captain for her high school field hockey team that won the MPSSAA Field Hockey State Championship in the 2A class. She was recognized with a Howard County High School Game Ball and played for the Warhawks Field Hockey Club.
"Lexi is an attacking player who plays with confidence, creativity, and purpose,” Griffiths said. “Her ability to generate scoring opportunities and compete in high-pressure situations makes her incredibly dangerous in the final third. Just as importantly, Lexi brings strong leadership qualities and a competitive spirit that will enhance our culture. We are excited about the impact she can have on the future success of ODU Field Hockey."