The Crimson heads into this season ranked No. 9 in the country. Harvard’s ability to adapt to change will be put to the test from its very first game against Quinnipiac, another top-ten squad. From there on out, the competition will only get stiffer, as the Crimson takes on three more preseason top-ten teams in the following weeks.

“Whether people are expecting big things from us or not, we’re expecting big things from ourselves,” Gedman said.

In her stint as head coach, Crowell hopes to emphasize the importance of growth throughout these upcoming matches. Using each playing opportunity as a chance for the entire team to develop as a unit is a primary goal.

“I focus more on expectations than goals,” Crowell said. “I think that the steps along the way are really important in order to get there.”

The players have some goals of their own. After the disappointment of missing out on ECAC and national titles last season, the Crimson is hungry for redemption.

“It has definitely motivated everybody,” junior forward Hillary Crowe said. “And we are going to play with a chip on our shoulder.”

Rebuilding in the face of adversity seems to be the theme of this season for Harvard. From the assistant coach stepping up to take the reigns, to the captain returning stronger than ever after a debilitating injury, to the newcomers stepping up to fill the skates of some of the best players in the nation, the Crimson’s season already seems to be defined by dealing with adversity.

“You can hang your head and think it’s tough, and woe is me,” Crowell said. “But it builds character. We’ve overcome so much already, and we’ll see what else gets thrown our way... I know we can handle it.”