With the local high school sports season starting up, here is a look at some of the Upper Valley field hockey teams hitting the field in 2026.
Woodstock High is coming back for more this season after falling just short of championship glory in overtime of the VPA Division III final last fall. Not only do the Wasps return a core that has played together for years, but they also welcome some new players from Springfield High in a co-operative venture.
Hanover High is also in a similar spot. Although the Bears fell in the quarterfinals of the NHIAA D-II playoffs, they also return a large number of athletes, except for their senior goaltender.
Elsewhere, the Newport High is looking to get the taste of last season’s winless campaign out of its mouth as the program continues to build.
Hanover
Coach: Mallory MacKenzie (4).
League: NHIAA Division II.
Last Year: 10-5-0, lost in quarterfinals.
Top Returners: Seniors — Greta Mancini (M), Sophia Mancini (F), Joia Collins (M).
Coach’s Analysis: “We only graduated one senior (goalkeeper) last year, so we’re essentially the same core group, just working on fine-tuning this year. Hoping for a big playoff run this year.” — Mallory MacKenzie
Hartford
Coach: Heather Scudder (38).
League: VPA Division II.
Last Year: 7-7-2, lost in semifinals.
Top Returners: Seniors — Leah Arsenault (M), Mack Bennett (D); Juniors — Emmy Whitney (RW), Amaya Argyros (LI), Gracie Roberts (G); Sophomores — Bella Lombardi, Tess Blake D’Amato, August Fallon, Nora Comeau, Kaylin Parker.
Newcomers: Freshmen — Hadley Oulette (G).
Coach’s Analysis: “Despite low numbers, I am very excited for the season for many reasons. First, we have great chemistry both on and off the field. Second, last year was a rebuilding year, which gave many young players an opportunity to gain game-time experience. I am looking forward to seeing their growth as players, teammates and young ladies. As for how it will end up, well, that is an unfolding mystery. So stay tuned and GO CANES!” — Heather Scudder
Lebanon
Coach: Amanda Valliere (10).
League: NHIAA Division II.
Last Year: 4-12-0, missed playoffs.
Top Returners: Seniors — Summer Crowell (F), Josie Dizon (F), Claire Kelly (D), Taylor Youngman (G); Juniors — Acadia Buck (F), Theresa LaHaye (F), Georgia Pichette (M/F); Sophomores — Andrea Calderon-Rios (D), Brynja MacDonald (M), Paisley Rancourt (M), Lucie Marsh (G).
Newcomers: Sophomores — Morgan Fitts (M/D), Rhayanne Kairys (M); Freshmen — Taylor Daniels (M), Summer Therriault (M), Ava Swain (F), Claire Swope (F).
Coach’s Analysis: “Increased numbers is very exciting for the future of field hockey at LHS. Looking to the captains for strong, positive leadership and for the team to continue to build its identity.” — Amanda Valliere
Mascoma
Coach: Danielle Pushee (5).
League: NHIAA Division III.
Last Year: 11-3-1, lost in tournament’s second round.
Top Returners: Junior — Tori Petty (F); Sophomore — Sophia Smith (F).
Newcomers: Sophomores — Addie Irwin (G; while not new to the team, this will be her first season in goal for us), Penny Roman (M/D; not new to the team; will be starting for us this year).
Coach’s Analysis: “We have some strong leadership in our returning players, so I’m looking to them to step up in difficult situations and lead their team on the field. We are struggling with numbers this year; we have a solid nine in our returning players, but finding people to fill out the roster with experience has been difficult. If we are able to adjust our style of play and use our strengths, we should be competitive this year while bringing new players along.” — Danielle Pushee
Newport
Coach: Paige Jette (2).
League: NHIAA Division III.
Last Year: 0-14-0, missed playoffs.
Top Returners: Seniors — Hailey Hill (D), Hanna Fellows (F); Junior — Lexy Ash (M).
Coach’s Analysis: “My focus as a coach this season is continuing to develop and grow the program. The team has been working back from a small core group of players, but the growth and progress we saw last season gives me a lot of optimism heading into this year. While the progress did not show on the scoreboard, it definitely showed on the field within their game play. These players made huge leaps and bounds through our last season and have created a strong foundation for us to build on.” — Paige Jette
Stevens
Coach: Madison Miller.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Last Year: 11-5-0, lost in quarterfinals.
Windsor
Coach: Blake Holden (5).
League: VPA Division III.
Last Year: 4-8-2, lost in quarterfinals.
Top Returners: Seniors — Grace Blanchard (M), Olivia Dube (M/F), Aurdrey McFarland (F), Izzy Mouse (D); Juniors — Layla Jackson (D), Lily Prebish (F).
Newcomers: Seniors — Olivia Larochelle (D), Ise Ciccarelli (D); Juniors — Emma Adams (D), Addison LaBounty (D), Payshence Coburn (G); Sophomores — Maci Burch (M), Danyelle Lowery (G), Natalie Ranney (M), Ava Sheridan (F); Freshmen — Brinley Boyle (F), Zoey Martaniuk (F), Kayla Stone (F), Emery Hines (D), Roxy Commock (M).
Coach’s Analysis: “We graduated a large group of seniors last year, leaving us with a young team, but I am excited to see what they can do this year. They are eager to learn and have a lot of determination to go a long way this season. Our returning players are hungry, very strong and great leaders on the field. Their determination will help carry this team through the season and into the postseason.” — Blake Holden
Woodstock
Coach: Leanne Tapley (5).
League: Southern Vermont League, B Division; VPA Division III.
Last Year: 12-5-1, lost in state championship game in overtime to Montpelier, 2-1.
Top Returners: Senior — Grace Perreault (F); Juniors — Betta Cirovic (F), Joey Palazzo (D).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Sadie Rowlee (G), Zella Little (M).
Coach’s Analysis: “We are looking strong with nine returning starters (and) a large junior class that have been playing together since elementary school. Grace Perreault and Ryann Hughes are providing strong leadership as senior captains. We will look for the upperclassmen to provide support for the new players. We also have five players from Springfield joining us this season. Quinn Jasinski and Sophia Lihatsh are seniors that are providing a great bridge for the three new players that are joining us this season. Camryn Thayer is a junior goalie who played goalie previously for Springfield and played soccer last season. She is bringing experience to the goaltending position. We are happy to give the Springfield players the opportunity to continue playing field hockey and build new friendships.” — Leanne Tapley
