Campus Overview

Houghton University is a small, private Christian liberal arts college nestled in the rural landscape of western New York. With fewer than 1,000 students, the university offers an intimate, close-knit academic community characterized by strong personal connections and a faith-based educational approach.


Location & Setting Located in a rural, picturesque setting in Allegany County, New York, Houghton University is situated in a small-town environment surrounded by rolling countryside. The campus is distinctly rural, with limited nearby urban amenities, offering a serene and focused academic environment.

Campus Life Campus life is tight-knit and community-oriented, with most students living on campus. The small student population means strong interpersonal relationships, smaller class sizes, and numerous opportunities for direct interaction with faculty and peers. Social activities are largely campus-centered, with an emphasis on spiritual growth, community service, and personal development.

Student Body The student body is predominantly from the northeastern United States, with a mix of local and out-of-state students. Most students share a commitment to Christian values, academic pursuit, and personal growth. The university attracts students interested in a holistic educational experience that integrates faith, scholarship, and personal development.

Academics Houghton is known for strong liberal arts programs, with particular strengths in education, sciences, and humanities. The academic environment is rigorous but supportive, with an emphasis on critical thinking, personal mentorship, and integrating Christian perspectives across disciplines.

Athletics & Sports The university competes in NCAA Division III athletics, offering a range of sports including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and cross-country. While not a major athletic powerhouse, sports provide an important avenue for student engagement, teamwork, and campus community building.

Lifestyle & Weather Western New York experiences distinct four-season weather, with cold, snowy winters and mild summers. The rural location means a car is highly recommended for transportation and accessing off-campus activities. Outdoor recreation opportunities include hiking, skiing, and exploring the surrounding natural landscape.

Field Hockey (2025)

Level
D3 Unranked
Conference
Empire 8
Coach
Hannah Ogden

School

Type
Private (Greek Orthodox)
Classification
Baccalaureate: Arts & Sciences
Common Majors:
Biology (15%)
Business (15%)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (73%)
• Marketing (11%)
• Human Resources Management and Services (9%)
• Accounting and Related Services (8%)
Education (10%)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (65%)
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (35%)
Liberal Arts (10%)
Psychology (9%)

Student Body

Total
906
Undergrad
96%
Demographics
67% women
Student:Faculty
13:1

Programs of Interest

Environmental Science (0.5%)
Psychology (8.5%)
Biology (15.2%)
Sports Med / Kinesiology (7.6%)
French

Academics

Admission Rate
93%
SAT Median
1,285
SAT Range
1,180-1,390
ACT Median
25
Retention
77%
Graduation
65%

Costs

In-State
$17,290
Out-of-State
$17,290
Room & Board
$10,810
Avg Net Price
$21,148
Net price = average after financial aid

Weather

Winter
Cold
HighLow
January33°13°
April57°31°
July80°55°
October60°36°
Oct/Apr = field hockey season

Location

Setting
Rural (Rural: Remote)
Nearest City
Toronto, ON
Distance
105 miles

Coaching Staff

Name Position Contact Bio
Hannah Ogden Head Coach hannah.zgrablich@houghton.edu View Bio
Kelsie Ashley Assistant Coach View Bio
Jenna Slayton Assistant AD / Field Hockey Assistant Coach View Bio

Roster Breakdown

16 players

Geographic Recruiting

In-State: 12% (2 players)
US Out-of-State: 88% (14 players)
Pennsylvania: 69% (11 players)
New York: 12% (2 players)

Position Breakdown

Forward: 7 (43.8%)
Midfielder: 7 (43.8%)

Class Year Distribution

Freshman: 3 (18.8%)
Sophomore: 5 (31.2%)
Junior: 7 (43.8%)
Senior: 1 (6.2%)

Full Roster (16 players)

# Name Position Year Height Hometown High School
2 Katie Berghorn Forward/ Midfield Jr. - Newark Valley, NY Newark Valley
4 Courtney Walbridge Forward Fr. - Doylestown, PA Plumstead Christian
5 Lilyana Good Midfield/Defense So. - Lancaster, PA Lancaster County Christian
6 Elena Roberts Forward Fr. - New Hartford, NY New Hartford
9 Lauren Thurber Midfield/Defense So. - Lancaster, PA Lancaster Mennonite
10 Ava Kramp Midfield/Defense Jr. - Claymont, DE Wilmington Christian
11 Elizabeth Medford Midfield Fr. - Hampton Falls, NH Central Catholic
12 Campbell Bowers Defense Jr. - Worthington, OH Thomas Worthington
13 Davannah Dunn Forward Jr. - Kreamer, PA Commonwealth Charter Academy
15 Kylee Barshinger Defense So. - Denver, PA Garden Spot
19 Olivia Ocker Defense So. - Carlisle, PA Big Spring
20 Adelle Hunter Midfield Jr. - Turbotville, PA Warrior Run
21 Adria Hartzler Forward/ Midfield Jr. - Belleville, PA Mifflin County
24 Ashley Quinnett Defense Jr. - Hanover, PA South Western
79 Amber Cribbs Goalkeeper So. - Carlisle, PA Big Spring
95 Annika Galen Goalkeeper Sr. - Ephrata, PA Ephrata