Talia Schenck was scoring goals for the United States U-21 field hockey team last summer in the Pan American games and looking forward to a great fall at Princeton University.

The great fall never developed as Murphy’s Law took over and Schenck never had the 2025 season she had expected.

But, from her first game at Lawrence High as freshman to this summer, Schenck has never been one to just accept things.

No, the talented Schneck is always looking to make the best of every situation, on and off the field. So with some eligibility left Schenck will be putting her skills to work for Rutgers University this season.

“It was a tough year, coming off the summer I was thinking it was going to be a great end to my career,’’ recalled Schenck, of 2025. “But, things happen and a good situation came out of it and that’s all you can hope for.’’

Now, the Mercer County and Colonial Valley Conference’s all-time leading scorer is very happy with the Scarlet Knights.

“I’m very excited and I’m trying to live in the moment and I’m happy to be here for my last semester,’’ Schenck declared. “I’m super excited.’’

Good things have already started to happen as she is one of seven Scarlet Knights to be selected for the Nexus Championships.

Schenck, who was a two-time All-Ivy selection while at Princeton, will be with Samantha Arnold, Olivia Fraticielli and alternates Caroline DeKenipp and Maddie Olshemski in the Senior Nexus Championship in Virginia Beach this month.

Two of Rutgers’ incoming freshmen, Ella Gandy and Lauren Iaccio, have been chosen for the Junior National Championships.

Her national experience in the Pan American games was a positive one as she won a Silver Medal and scored four goals in the tournament.

Schenck, who was the three-time Trentonian Player of the Year at Lawrence, scored 244 career goals in high school and the number is the fourth best nationally.

“I wanted to play another year of Division I hockey,’’ stated Schenck. “I’ve always had that competitive side and I want to give it my all and go for something big. I feel I owe it to myself and my teammates.’’

She also wants to have a good time playing the game, again.

“I want to have fun and I want a nice way to end my career,’’ Schenck stated. “I feel I owe it to myself to go out on a good note and I’m excited to do it at Rutgers. The people there are great and they understand I want this as the capstone for my career.’’

Schenck capped off her Princeton career with 10 goals and seven assists.

“It was great and it was more than I ever hoped for,’’ said Schenck, of Princeton. “I didn’t know as much as I thought I did coming in and I felt I knew what D1 hockey was about, but playing at an Ivy League is a unique experience and you challenge yourself like you never thought you would and you get so much of it. I’m so grateful to Princeton as I have really grown a lot as a person and the friendships I’ve made there. I will take the family I’ve made here with me forever and it has been a positive experience. There’s ups and downs and at the end of the day, but I love Princeton.’’

Schenck has quickly developed a love for Rutgers, on the field and in the classroom, as she continues to study to be a Veterinarian.

“I’ve known the coaches for a long time and I’ve been going there since middle school,’’ said Schenck. “Academically it made so much sense, as well.’’

It’s a situation that is perfect for Schenck and for Rutgers.