KINGSTON, R.I. - With a mix of veterans and new faces, Rhode Island figures to have its fastest group of players in recent memory roaming the outfield in 2026.

Beginning with centerfield, the Rams have senior and three-year starter Hannah Hernandez returning. With 134 games played and 120 starts to her credit, she is second on the team in both categories behind only catcher Kylie Bulinski.

A speed demon, Hernandez already is fifth in program history with 36 career stolen bases and also has 55 runs scored to her credit. Defensively, she covers significant ground and has the ability to alter games with her glove.

"While she is not a captain, Hannah is certainly one of our leaders," Rhode Island head coach Mike Coutts said. "She has great energy and is fun to be around. I want her to play on the field the way she is off the field. Sometimes she gets too serious on the field. We want her to hit more this year. She had a great Fall swinging the bat."

Freshman Meg McNally will backup Hernandez in center, though Coutts will find ways to get her involved throughout the season.

"Meg can really run," Coutts said. "She is a lefty slapper out of a strong New Jersey Pride club team. "She understands the game, plays hard and has great bat control as a slapper."

Junior Sydney Orndorff emerged last season in her first year with the program. She made 36 starts - 28 of which came in the outfield last season. Orndorff had the team's hottest bat in the second half of the season, collecting 24 hits over the final 22 games of the season.

"She plays hard all the time," Coutts said of Orndorff. "When you have kids who play hard all the time, it just helps the rest of the team understand what it takes. Sydney had an awesome year for us. What I love about Syd is that she really competes her butt off every time she is on the field."

Senior Mandi Hanewich started 20 games in the outfield ad has played 94 games over the course of her career. A speedy player from the left side of the plate, she can contribute in every phase of the game.

"Mandi really bought in and has been a key part of the team this year," Coutts said. "Mandi can run well, she can throw and she is a good outfielder. If she is not starting, she is certainly going to be able to help us. She has a lot of skill."

Connecticut transfer Rayah Snyder is in her first year at Rhode Island after two seasons with the Huskies. She is the daughter of former Boston/Pawtucket Red Sox slugger Earl Snyder and offers very fast speed and a strong arm in the outfield.

"Rayah didn't get to play a lot at UConn, but she is a good player," Coutts said. "She wants to play and is very competitive. She is going to play a lot in right. With Hannah, Meg, Mandi and Rayah, we have a lot of speed in the outfield. Rayah can also play centerfield if needed."

Redshirt freshman Giuliana Ialongo and true freshmen Brooke Fairbanks and Lyla Caston all worked in the outfield during the Fall. Ialongo is primarily an infielder and Fairbanks came in as a catcher, but Coutts said both have the athleticism to work their way into the mix as the team targets as much position flexibility as possible. Caston, a California native, will get opportunities as she adjusts to the collegiate game.

"Sophie's situation is a lot like (infielder) Sophie Scurci," Coutts said. "Adjusting to college pitching is key for Lyla. How quickly she adjusts to college pitching will determine her development."

Several of the outfielders will see their way into games when they are not in the starting lineup. McNally, Hanewich, Snyder and Ialongo are all strong base runners who could also pinch hit.

As the team prepares to open the season this weekend at the Lion Invitational hosted by East Texas A&M, Coutts made sure to make mention of one more member of the program who impacted the team significantly in the offseason. Strength and conditioning coach Jack Hertz has the team healthy and strong heading into the season.

"Jack did an awesome job in the weight room with the kids," Coutts said. "They really pushed each other, and you can how the work in that area had a great impact on the team chemistry."