Michigan Introduces Girls Field Hockey as a Varsity Sport

Michigan, September 15, 2025

News Summary

Michigan is set to launch its first-ever girls field hockey matches under the Michigan High School Athletic Association, marking a historic shift in high school athletics. This sponsorship, effective from August 19, will increase participation and visibility for the sport throughout the state. With schools like Brighton transitioning from club to varsity status, student-athletes will have the opportunity to compete for titles and strengthen their athletic eligibility and pathways to collegiate sports. The inaugural state finals are scheduled for October 25, contributing to a competitive athletic environment.

Michigan will witness its first-ever girls field hockey matches as a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) sponsored sport on August 19, 2025. This marks a significant milestone for high school athletics in the state, where the 2025 school year will officially initiate the sport under the MHSAA’s governance. The addition of girls field hockey was approved following a vote in May 2024, highlighting the growing interest in the sport within the state.

The MHSAA aims to expand participation and elevate the profile of girls field hockey. This sponsorship means that the sport will now have organized tournaments and championships, which is expected to increase both competitiveness and visibility. Girls field hockey will be designated as a fall sport, setting it apart from girls lacrosse and soccer, which will continue to be played in the spring. There may be some overlap, however, as many student-athletes participate in multiple sports.

Field hockey has been played in Michigan for years, despite not having MHSAA sponsorship. With the formal inclusion, schools across the state will now have opportunities for their teams to compete for district, regional, and conference titles. This change is seen as a step forward towards enhancing the sport’s recognition and allowing athletes to easily transition to higher levels of competition.

Leaders in the field hockey community, including coaches and committee members, have expressed their enthusiasm regarding this change. This sponsorship becomes a game-changer for programs such as Brighton High School, where the girls field hockey team will officially operate as a varsity sport starting in the 2025-26 school year. Previously, Brighton’s team had been functioning as a club, which required them to handle their own logistics and funding. Transitioning to a varsity designation will not only promote athletic eligibility but also provide better pathways for players aiming for collegiate opportunities.

The inaugural high school state finals for girls field hockey are set to occur on October 25, 2025, though the venue has yet to be confirmed. In addition to Brighton, other schools including Hartland, Pinckney, Novi, and Dexter are anticipated to have varsity programs, creating a greater pool of competition for athletes in the region.

Tryouts for the Brighton team are scheduled for August, with games expected to begin shortly after. The Live Oak Field Hockey Club, led by a coach and MHSAA Field Hockey Committee member, is making strides to grow the sport in the Livingston and Oakland counties, ensuring access for players of all skill levels.

This initiative coincides with the MHSAA’s decision to introduce boys volleyball, which will commence in spring 2026. The attention given to these programs reflects the MHSAA’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive athletic environment in Michigan schools.

Key Features of the Girls Field Hockey Expansion

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HERE Resources

Brighton High School Ranks 38th Among Michigan High Schools

Additional Resources

• C&G News: First Year of MHSAA-Sponsored Field Hockey
• Wikipedia: Field Hockey
• WHMI: Girls Field Hockey – Newest Varsity Sport at Brighton High School
• Google Search: Girls Field Hockey
• The Sun Times News: Saline Field Hockey Headed to the State Finals
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Field Hockey
• Livingston Daily: Livingston County High School Sports Schedule
• Google News: Michigan High School Athletic Association
• MHSAA: OAA TVC Showdowns Stream Live

Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER

The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.