VILLANOVA, Pa. — The Villanova University field hockey program announced the addition of seven signees to its 2026 recruiting class on Thursday (Nov. 13). Incoming Wildcats Katharina Balks, Claire Cognetti, Emma Foscarini, Adelaide Minnella, Paige Pehrkron, Anne Stiska, and Sophie Wenk will join the squad ahead of the 2026 season.

"This group of talented young women brings exceptional skill, balance, and competitiveness to every line of the field—goal scorers, dynamic midfielders, and strong defenders," said head coach Joanie Milhous. "I can't wait to see the impact they'll have on our program. The future of Villanova Field Hockey is incredibly exciting!"

Katharina Balks – Midfield | Berlin, Germany
Balks comes to Villanova from Berlin, where she attended Sportschule im Olympiapark – Poelchau Schule. A standout competitor, she helped her team to a third-place finish in the 2023 German Championships and a fourth-place finish the following season.
Milhous describes her as "a very strong forward with quick hands and natural goal-scoring ability."

Claire Cognetti – Midfield | Bryn Mawr, Pa.
A local standout, Cognetti has been a three-year varsity player at Harriton High School and competed with the Philly Hockey Club Indoor U19 travel team in 2024–25.
"Claire's work ethic, ball-handling and elimination skills, combined with her vision and passing strengths, will elevate our midfield play," Milhous said.

Emma Foscarini – Midfield | Bethesda, Md.
Foscarini has been a starter at Walt Whitman High School since 2022 and competed with Next Level Field Hockey Club, including on the U16 Blue squad. She will also join the 2026 Next Level Travel Club. Milhous noted, "Emma is a strong midfielder who carries the ball with purpose and will generate attacking opportunities."

Adelaide Minnella – Midfield | North Caldwell, N.J.
Minnella has been a starter at West Essex High School since her freshman season, when she posted 29 goals and 27 assists—ranking third in the state of New Jersey. She also competed with NJ GRIT's U19 Sapphire team and is the younger sister of current Wildcat midfielder Evangeline Minnella.
"A very strong forward who competes relentlessly and can both create and finish scoring chances," said Milhous.

Paige Pehrkron – Midfield/Defense | Vienna, Va.
Pehrkron earned All-State, All-Region, and All-District honors at George C. Marshall High School, where she led both her team and the region in points during the regular season. She most recently competed with Metro Hockey Club.
"She plays with great intensity and has a nose for goal. Paige will be an asset in the midfield," Milhous commented.

Anne Stiska – Midfield/Defense | Short Hills, N.J.
Stiska competed for Millburn High School and joined the Centercourt Field Hockey Club in 2025. She also participated in the Shooting Star Thanksgiving Tournament.
"Anne is a strong defender with excellent ball-handling skills," said Milhous.

Sophie Wenk – Midfield/Forward | Northbrook, Ill.
Wenk, who played for Glenbrook High School, led the state of Illinois with 19 assists—ranking 35th nationally. Capable of contributing in both the midfield and forward lines, she brings versatility and game intelligence to Villanova.
"Sophie is a strong defender with good tackling skills and a very smart feel for the game," Milhous added.

Milhous expressed confidence that the entire class will make an immediate and meaningful impact on the program in 2026 and the years that follow.