PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers field hockey has announced a trio of captains set to lead the team in the upcoming season. Returning captain Paulina Niklaus will be joined by first-time captains Kara Heck and Vicky Jure.

"We are so proud to announce Kara, Vicky and Pauli as our captains for the 2025 season, as selected by their teammates and coaches," head coach Meredith Civico said. "Pauli, now a two-time captain, has tremendous experience as a player – as a leader she inspires all. Vicky is hard working, passionate and her love for the game and her team drives us forward every day. Kara is composed, smart and respected by her teammates and coaches. She is a natural leader."

Heck enters her second season as a Scarlet Knight after playing in 37 games at Boston College, where she was all-conference and all-region. In 2024, Heck was a starter at forward in all 17 games. The graduate student from Ocean City, N.J. scored six goals last season and added two assists.

Jure was the team's Big Ten Sportsmanship Award winner last season and is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten and two-time National Academic Squad honoree. The midfielder from Funes, Argentina has played in 55 games across her first three season 'On the Banks', starting 29. In that time, she has two goals and eight assists for 12 points.

Niklaus has excelled in her two seasons On the Banks, including as a team captain in 2024. The native of Mannheim, Germany, has 10 goals and seven assists across 34 career games and starts. He was a Third Team All-American last season and member of the Big Ten All-Tournament team. She is a two-time all-conference and two-time all-region selection.

"I have no doubt that together these three will help the team be their very best this upcoming 2025 season," Civico concluded.