It’s a no-brainer for most that the first weekend of college can be a little daunting. Speaking from experience, I remember when my parents left freshman year after helping me move into my dorm: I felt a pit in my stomach.
However, the best way to acclimatize yourself to your new surroundings is by doing things that you love to do. For me, my version of acclimatization was attending various UConn sporting events throughout the move-in weekend.
Sports are an integral part of being a UConn Husky and what better way to start off your time here than by going to games to support your fellow Husky student athletes!
Lucky for you, during WOW weekend there are games you can attend. Plus, tickets for students are free!
Saturday, Aug. 23 Field Hockey vs. Northeastern (Exhibition)
The UConn field hockey team is set to host an exhibition game on Saturday, Aug. 23 versus Northeastern. The program is coming off of a first-round exit in the NCAA tournament last year, after falling to the University of Massachusetts, 2-1. The Huskies return to the field locked and loaded for another dominant season, with returners like goalkeeper Natalie McKenna and senior forward Julia Bressler at the helm.
The squad received numerous accolades last season with the coaching staff receiving the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Mideast Region Coaching Staff of the Year award, as well as multiple players competing in the Junior Pan American Games and senior Sol Simone earning a Big East Sport Excellence Award.
This match will be a must-see game during the weekend and will commence at 2 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 24 Men’s Soccer vs. No. 8 UMass
What better way to spend the night before the First Day of Class than by going to a ranked match!
The Huskies are set to have another record-breaking season after being predicted to conclude the 2025-26 season at fourth in the East Division in the Big East standings.
Last season the Huskies finished up their season with an 8-4-6 record, making their second consecutive Big East tournament appearance under Connecticut’s head coach Chris Gbandi.
Returners like Sabri Hanni, Charlie Holmes and Marco Valentic were each major contributors to the squad’s offense last season. Each of them etched their names in the list of top five scorers for the program.
To see how the Huskies fare against UMass, pull up to Morrone Stadium for a kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
With that being said, grab a friend, roommate or your WOW group and head down over to Nancy Stevens Field and Morrone Stadium and see all that UConn athletics has to offer!
In addition, it is my pleasure to welcome you all to campus! This is a subtle plug, but if you’re interested in sports journalism feel free to pop by our sports section meetings at 7 p.m. on Sundays in the Daily Campus building behind Moe’s in Storrs Center.