MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – The RMU women's hockey team has announced its leadership group for the 2025-26 season. Head Coach Logan Bittle named redshirt junior Alaina Giampietro team captain, while juniors Catriona Crarer, Thalia D'Elia and Maggie Hatch will serve as alternate captains.
 
"We're very excited with our leadership group going into next year," stated Bittle. "They all bring unique leadership qualities to our locker room and beyond, and are all very highly respected by their teammates and the coaching staff. They'll continue to guide the culture and build on the foundation of those that have come before them."
 
Giampietro, a native of Strongsville, Ohio, transferred to RMU from Ohio State after her freshman season and quickly became a standout both on and off the ice. In her first year with the Colonials, she was named CHA Rookie of the Year and earned spots on the All-USCHO Rookie Team, CHA All-Rookie Team and All-CHA Second Team. She was also included on the Hockey Commissioner's Association Rookie of the Year Watch List and was honored as HCA Rookie of the Month once, CHA Rookie of the Month twice and CHA Rookie of the Week four times during the 2023-24 season.
 
In 46 career games, Giampietro has totaled 22 goals, 17 assists and 39 points, including four game-winning goals and three power-play tallies.
 
"It's not only an honor but a privilege to be able to lead the Colonials next season," Giampietro said. "This role represents more than just a letter and a title—it represents building trust with the team, leading in the right direction and building a culture everyone wants to be a part of. It is all about leaving RMU better than I found it. Being captain is about integrity, accountability, and trust among my teammates, staff and coaches. It comes with great pride to be able to be part of the Colonial family."
 
Joining her in the leadership group is Catriona Crarer, a steady contributor since her freshman year. The Pickering, Ontario native has appeared in 62 games over two seasons, producing seven goals and 16 assists for 23 points. She's been instrumental on the penalty kill, has notched 405 career faceoff wins and added 50 blocked shots.
 
"It's an incredible honor to step into this leadership role during such a defining moment in our program's journey," Crarer said. "We stand at a point of real growth and opportunity, and I am very grateful for the trust and support that my teammates and coaching staff have in me. I'm looking forward to continuing to build on our success and am excited for the future of Colonial hockey."
 
Thalia D'Elia, a junior from West Chester, Pa., has anchored the RMU blue line over the past two seasons. In 65 career games, she's registered six goals and 17 assists for 23 points while blocking 89 shots. She was twice named AHA Defenseman of the Week in 2024-25.
 
"I'm incredibly proud to be named captain and grateful for the trust my teammates and coaches have placed in me," D'Elia said. "RMU has had a huge impact on me, and it's an honor to be part of this rebuild. There's a lot of pride in what we're building, and I'm excited to lead alongside people who care deeply about bringing this program back to where it belongs."
 
In goal, Maggie Hatch will also take on a leadership role as she enters her third season as the team's starting netminder. The Cleveland Heights, Ohio native was named to the AHA All-Rookie Team in 2023-24 and has since added accolades such as AHA Goaltender of the Month, three AHA Goaltender of the Week honors, and two appearances on the HCA Goalie of the Year Watch List.
 
Hatch has compiled 16 career wins, including three shutouts, with a .916 save percentage. Her 1,628 saves already rank fourth all-time in RMU program history.
 
"It's an honor and a privilege to lead this team next year alongside Alaina, Cat and Thalia," said Hatch. "Wearing the RMU jersey with such an incredible group of girls and playing for one another is something truly special—an experience I do not take for granted. I've been fortunate to be a part of this program's rebuilding, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to help lead it as we continue working toward our full potential. I'm excited to grow with this team, leading with pride, humility and commitment to the legacy of RMU hockey."
 
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