Campus Overview

Virginia Wesleyan University is a small, private liberal arts college located in Virginia Beach, offering an intimate, personalized educational experience for students seeking a close-knit academic community. With approximately 1,400 students, VWU provides a small college environment with focused attention and opportunities for individual growth.


Location & Setting Situated in suburban Virginia Beach, the campus offers proximity to both coastal amenities and urban resources. Located near the Atlantic Ocean and close to Norfolk, the university provides students with a balanced suburban setting that combines natural beauty with convenient access to metropolitan areas.

Campus Life As a small college, VWU fosters a tight-knit community where students know each other well. On-campus housing is available and encouraged, creating a collaborative residential experience. While not known for an extensive Greek life, the campus offers numerous clubs, activities, and opportunities for personal engagement. Weekend activities often blend on-campus events with nearby Virginia Beach attractions.

Student Body The student population is predominantly regional, drawing primarily from Virginia and neighboring Mid-Atlantic states. Students tend to be academically motivated, with an interest in small classroom environments and personalized learning experiences. The university attracts students seeking a supportive, community-oriented educational setting.

Academics Virginia Wesleyan is recognized for strong liberal arts programs, with particular strengths in humanities, social sciences, and professional studies. The academic culture emphasizes small class sizes, close faculty interactions, and individualized academic support. Notable programs include business, environmental studies, and education.

Athletics & Sports Competing in NCAA Division III, VWU offers multiple varsity sports with a focus on student-athlete development rather than high-profile competition. The Marlins compete in the USA South Athletic Conference, providing opportunities for student-athletes to participate in competitive collegiate sports in a balanced academic environment.

Lifestyle & Weather Virginia Beach offers a moderate climate with mild winters and warm summers. A car is recommended for maximum mobility, though campus is relatively compact. Nearby attractions include beaches, hiking trails, and water sports, providing ample outdoor recreational opportunities. The location allows easy access to both natural environments and urban amenities.

Field Hockey (2025)

Level
D3 Unranked
Conference
Old Dominion Athletic Conf.
Recruiting Events:
Disney Showcase 2026

School

Type
Private (United Methodist)
Classification
Baccalaureate: Arts & Sciences
Common Majors:
Business (16%)
Biology (12%)
Homeland Security (9%)
Social Sciences (8%)
Political Science and Government (45%)
• Social Sciences, General (28%)
• International Relations and National Security Studies (21%)
• Sociology (7%)
Psychology (7%)

Student Body

Total
1,328
Undergrad
94%
Demographics
56% women
Student:Faculty
13:1

Programs of Interest

Environmental Science (4.0%)
Psychology (7.1%)
Biology (12.2%)
Sports Med / Kinesiology (8.7%)
French (0.4%)

Academics

Admission Rate
71%
SAT Median
1,245
SAT Range
1,140-1,350
ACT Median
28
Retention
67%
Graduation
49%

Costs

In-State
$36,960
Out-of-State
$36,960
Room & Board
$11,513
Avg Net Price
$20,583
Net price = average after financial aid

Weather

Winter
Mild
HighLow
January49°32°
April70°49°
July88°71°
October70°53°
Oct/Apr = field hockey season

Location

Setting
City (City: Large)
Nearest City
Washington, DC
Distance
148 miles

Coaching Staff

Name Position Contact Bio
Baylor Baxley Head Field Hockey Coach View Bio
Ryan Westpfahl Assistant Field Hockey Coach fieldhockey@vwu.edu View Bio
Lauren Hedspeth Graduate Intern View Bio
Jessie Cavolt Volunteer Assistant Coach View Bio

Roster Breakdown

23 players

Geographic Recruiting

In-State: 78% (18 players)
US Out-of-State: 22% (5 players)
Virginia: 78% (18 players)
Pennsylvania: 13% (3 players)

Position Breakdown

Forward: 10 (43.5%)
Midfielder: 6 (26.1%)
Midfielder/Defender: 2 (8.7%)
Defender: 3 (13.0%)
Goalkeeper: 2 (8.7%)

Class Year Distribution

Freshman: 7 (30.4%)
Sophomore: 6 (26.1%)
Junior: 9 (39.1%)
Senior: 1 (4.3%)

Full Roster (23 players)

# Name Position Year Height Hometown High School
00 Berkley Miller GK SO 5-8 Chesapeake, VA Western Branch High School
1 Ashlyn Boykin D/M JR 5-2 Carlisle, PA Carlisle HS
2 Kellyn McCloud F SO 5-5 Chesapeake, VA Hickory HS
3 Landry Meyer F JR 5-3 Virginia Beach, VA First Colonial High School
4 Isabelle Rogers F SO 4-11 Leesburg, VA Heritage High School
5 Breanna Gable D/M JR 5-4 Holland, PA Council Rock South High School
6 Regan Wells M SO 5-2 Delmar, DE Delmar High School
7 Dani Poulsen F JR 5-8 Williamsburg, VA Jamestown HS
8 Ava Stauch F JR 5-5 Williamsburg, VA Jamestown HS
9 Kyndra Peyton M FY 5-2 Spotsylvania, VA Riverbend HS
10 Lauren Kite M FY 5-5 Catharpin, VA Battlefield HS
11 Mary Ruffin F JR 5-1 Virginia Beach, VA Princess Anne HS
12 Gabriella Ortiz F FY 5-5 Laurel, MD Atholton HS
13 Morgan Stapleton F FY 5-2 Virginia Beach, VA Landstown HS
14 Samantha Middleton M FY 5-5 Stafford, VA North Stafford HS
15 Natalie Gillott F SO 5-3 Hampton, VA Kecoughtan High School
17 Jasmine Padilla D JR 5-1 Manassas, VA Osbourn Park HS
18 Emersyn Kane F FY 5-7 Virginia Beach, VA First Colonial HS
19 Clair Wagner M JR 5-6 Virginia Beach, VA Catholic HS
20 Katherine Druiett D JR 5-8 Stafford, VA Mountain View HS
24 Taryn Liester D FY 5-5 Red Lion, PA Red Lion Area Senior HS
26 Makenzie Short M SO 5-3 Virginia Beach, VA Princess Anne High School
99 DJ Holsclaw GK SR 5-0 Manassas, VA Osbourn High School