Senior goalkeeper Daisy Ford has been named to the Preseason All-ACC Field Hockey Team, according to an announcement from the conference on Tuesday. Ford’s recognition comes after a strong 2024 season in which she led the ACC in saves per game and set personal bests in several categories.
Last year, Ford recorded 94 saves and achieved a .770 save percentage. She averaged 5.53 saves per game, had four shutouts, and posted seven games with at least seven saves. Her performance contributed to Stanford’s improved defensive record, as the team reduced its goals against average from 3.02 in 2023 to 1.94 in 2024.
Stanford was picked seventh in the ACC Preseason Field Hockey Coaches Poll after finishing sixth last season and earning a spot in the conference’s postseason tournament. The Cardinal returns nearly 80% of its offensive production for the upcoming season, including key players Star Horlock (6 goals, 1 assist) and Cara Sambeth (6 goals). The roster features 23 returning players—10 of whom are seniors—and adds four freshmen while losing only two graduate transfers from last year.
North Carolina is projected to finish first in the ACC this season with six out of nine possible first-place votes and a total of 77 points. Duke is ranked second with two first-place votes and 67 points, followed by Virginia with 63 points. Boston College received one first-place vote for a total of 56 points after defeating Stanford in last year’s ACC Tournament Quarterfinals. Syracuse (46), Wake Forest (32), Stanford (24), Louisville (23), and Cal (17) round out the preseason poll rankings.
The Cardinal will open their season on August 29 against Maryland at the Maryland Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex as part of the Conference Cup event that includes teams from multiple conferences: ACC (Stanford), Big Ten (Maryland), Big East (Villanova), and MAC (James Madison). They will also face James Madison on August 31 during this trip to Chesapeake Bay.
“Daisy Ford earns preseason accolades as Cardinal begins second season in the ACC,” said Stanford Athletics.
###
