Update from Head Field Hockey Coach Kelsey Kolojejchick -- December 2025

Dear Bison Field Hockey Family,

As we close the chapter on the 2025 season and the fall semester here at Bucknell, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we accomplished and to express how deeply grateful I am for every member of this team.

This year marked our most successful season in recent memory. This was our first 10-win season since 2018! We shared some truly fantastic moments as a team, played stretches of phenomenal hockey, and showcased the grit and passion that define Bucknell Field Hockey.

While we were extremely unfortunate not to advance past the semifinal round of the Patriot League Tournament, that result does not overshadow the growth and achievements we experienced together. Instead, it highlights the challenge ahead for our group: maintaining consistency throughout the season. When we were at our best, we proved we can compete with anyone. Our task moving forward is to bring that level day in and day out. We will continue to build our competitive mindset as a team and as individuals to fuel us through the tougher times throughout the season and to help us handle the pressure of being in tournament play. We continue to grow as a unit, and I am confident we will keep trending in the right direction.

I want to take a moment for a special tribute to our senior class. Thank you to Kira Leclercq, Nicky Punt, Gianna Puorro, Alexandra Shizas, Nicole Moran, and Vivienne Lachaux for all of their hard work, dedication, and commitment to our field hockey program. I especially appreciate this class for their willingness to stay committed to this team when I took over as their new head coach. I respect their loyalty to this program in a time when transferring from place to place seems to be the new trend. They were my freshman class, and I believe they were the group that truly bought into the new team culture and new team values that I wanted to bring to this program. They were such great leaders this season, and it proved to be the case because they helped lead us to our most successful season since 2018.

I just want to quickly acknowledge Kira Leclercq and Nicky Punt, whose leadership and impact have been essential to our success. Here are a few highlights from two very successful playing careers.

Kira Leclercq, our anchor on the back line, was recently named a Third Team All-American, earned Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, and she once again secured First Team All-Patriot League honors. She was our leading goal scorer with her dangerous drag flick on penalty corners. She was also named a First Team NFHCA All-Region and NFHCA Division I Senior Team member, and her 27 career defensive saves rank her second in Bucknell history. Beyond statistics, Kira’s presence, poise, and toughness elevated our entire team, and she will be irreplaceable.
Nicky Punt, the engine of our midfield, was named First Team All-Patriot League after a standout senior season. Her 12 assists tied her for third in Bucknell’s single-season record book, and her 28 career assists place her fourth all-time. It was exciting to see Nicky finally scoring two goals in her last season. Nicky’s vision, work rate, and consistency were central to our attack and transition game.

Both Kira and Nicky have left a lasting mark on this program. Their leadership, professionalism, and competitive spirit set the standard for what it means to wear the Bucknell jersey. To every player, coach, staff member, and supporter, I want to thank you for your support this season. Each of you contributed to making 2025 a season of progress, pride, and unforgettable moments.

A special thank-you goes out to all the family members, friends, and alumni who have continued to show us unwavering support. Your encouragement fuels us, and your presence, whether in the stands, on the road, or from afar means more than you know. We appreciate all the love and support, and we are committed to continuing to make you proud.

Please mark your calendars for this year’s One Herd One Day giving challenge – March 25-26. We hope you will all consider supporting us during that very impactful and important 24-hour period. The support generated through the challenge directly impacts the experience we can provide for our student-athletes, and we thank you in advance for investing in the young women in our program.

We know the direction we want to go, and we know what it takes to get there. With the experience gained this year and the strong foundation laid by our seniors, this group is prepared to keep pushing forward. I truly believe the best is still ahead. Once again, to our seniors: thank you for everything. You will always be part of the Bison family. And to our returners: stay hungry, stay committed. Big things are coming!

I wish you all a wonderful Holiday Season! ’Ray Bucknell!

Kelsey Kolojejchick
Head Field Hockey Coach
Bucknell University
kk053@bucknell.edu

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Update from Head Field Hockey Coach Kelsey Kolojejchick -- December 2025