2026 brings a fresh wave of players and excitement to the Bucknell Women's Water Polo program. The 2025 season ended on an optimistic note after the squad upset Brown in the CWPA Tournament, was ranked for the first time since 2022, finished the season receiving votes, and now the Bison aim to move into the conference's top three. With a hardy core of veterans and ten newcomers to bolster the ranks, Bucknell has the ability, depth, and experience to make a splash.
The attackers are a seasoned group, led by goal-scorer Olivia Hopper, the 2025 freshman phenom who dominated the pool. Hopper tallied 89 goals, which easily led the Bison attack. The total was second-highest in Bucknell history, and the mark earned her Honorable Mention All-American. Hopper will receive the bulk of opponent attention in 2026 and must navigate becoming a marked target.
Her twin sister, Ashley Hopper, had opponents seeing double and preparing for trouble. Ashley scored 30 goals - second-most on the team. The two Hoppers leaped Bucknell's offense past the pedestrian stage and spearheaded it into a potent scoring machine. If they keep up their fireworks, the frog emoji will be charging royalties.
Gwen Kallmeyer, a senior utility player, finished with 29 goals (a career-high) in 2025 and has 71 for her career. The veteran continues to play a decisive role in the pool and as a leader.
Goalkeeper Tamara Toskos is the team's solo pipe protector. But Bison fans should not despair. The Hungarian is steel-toed tough and can withstand the season's grind. Should she, unfortunately, suffer injuries, a field player will take over the duties. Toskos played a large role in Bucknell's tournament win over Brown with two clutch saves in the dying seconds.
The ten freshmen push the roster count to 24 players, allowing a full travel squad, multiple practice teams, and the ability to play fast. Coach McBride has not that kind of depth since before COVID and has spent the post-pandemic years rebuilding his roster and restocking the cupboard.
"A lot of attackers, which means that we can sub a lot. In years past, we have not been able to sub much, but this year we should be able to. We should be able to go really deep in the bench, which means that we can withstand fast teams and constantly put fresh bodies in. We should never get tired, so we're excited for that."
After the conference abandoned the double round robin for a single round robin format, the traditional conference schedule has been sliced in half. Bucknell will only play six conference games instead of the traditional 12. That opens the schedule for more regional and national matches. McBride has taken advantage of the situation, booking an extensive California expedition and several local tournaments. The Orange & Blue will be tested and prepared for the CWPA Championships.
"The switch makes the conference games more exciting because they count more. There's no goal differential for the next time, so it adds a little more pressure. Who doesn't love pressure? So I'm excited for the pressure, and I know the team is excited for the pressure."
The schedule neatly has the Bison home for back-to-back weekends for the annual Bucknell Invitational, and a series of conference clashes, a welcome respite from the traditional nomadic wanderings.
"It's landed this year that we're here for two weekends in a row, which is nice. So we're excited for that. The women are excited for that."
The Bison have the depth and talent to push into the CWPA's upper echelon. The team can score at will and from multiple options. Opponents can key on Olivia Hopper, but that only opens them up to goals from the other weapons. 2026 promises to be a year to remember for the Orange & Blue.
"Hopefully, we can improve on last year's fourth-place finish. We want to get into the top three. That's the goal. Otherwise, why are we doing it? We have the talent. We have the depth. Now we need to execute, and I need to do a good job of coaching. If we don't achieve it, then it has nothing to do with the athletes."