DAVIS, Calif. - The UC Davis field hockey program will begin a new chapter in 2025 as it joins the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF), marking a major step forward for the sport on the West Coast.
The Aggies will be one of the founding members of MPSF field hockey, competing alongside the University of Delaware in the league's inaugural season. The conference title will be decided in a championship match hosted in Davis this November, giving Aggie fans a chance to see history made on their home turf.
For UC Davis, this move builds on a history of conference realignment and growth. The Aggies launched their program in 2009 as members of the NorPac Conference before moving to the America East Conference in 2015, where they have competed for the past decade. The transition to the MPSF provides new opportunities for the program to grow, while also expanding UC Davis' existing ties to the federation — the Aggies currently compete in MPSF women's gymnastics and indoor track & field, and have previously participated in women's swimming & diving and lacrosse.
Head Coach Austin Pile, now entering his fourth season, sees the addition to the MPSF as a chance to showcase the strength of Aggie field hockey on a new stage.
"We are incredibly excited to join the MPSF and for field hockey to have a new conference sponsoring the sport in the NCAA. This partnership with the MPSF and the University of Delaware provides an amazing opportunity to expand the conference and highlight our sport from coast to coast. I'd like to thank Commissioner Mellis, our Athletic Director Rocko Deluca and Senior Women's Administrator Danielle Shank for all of their support in taking this plan from a vision to a reality. We look forward to hosting our first-ever conference championship game in Davis this fall."
Looking ahead, UC Davis will enter the MPSF era with optimism, building on its foundation while competing against strong national programs like Delaware, a 2016 NCAA champion. With the Aggies set to host the league's first title match, the stage is set for UC Davis field hockey to not only make history but also cement itself as a leader in shaping the future of the sport on the West Coast.
