With the local high school sports season starting up, here is a look at some of the Upper Valley girls soccer teams hitting the pitch in 2026.
Windsor, which lost its first game since the 2023 VPA Division III state title game to Stowe in overtime in last season’s quarterfinals, is looking to retool in 2026 after losing six senior starters. But the Yellow Jackets still have a group of core returners to hopefully ease that transition.
Another soccer powerhouse in the Upper Valley, defending NHIAA Division III state champion Stevens High, will also be back in action with a mix of veterans and newcomers after going unbeaten a season ago. But the Cardinals will look to forge their own identity after 2025’s undefeated season.
Other teams, like Mascoma, are welcoming a new coach and will look to build on the progress made from a season ago.
Hanover
Coach: Doug Kennedy (19).
League: NHIAA Division I.
Last Year: 7-8-2, lost in the first round of the playoffs.
Top Returners: Seniors — Bumpsie Loughman (F), Joanna Bujarski (D), Josie White (F), Katie Calderwood (D), Lily Tine (G), Maeve Bradley (F), Malia Pratt (M), Penny Blatman (F/D), Salome Baertschiger (D), Sami Daigle (M), Vasilisa Halchenko (D); Juniors — Amelia Barlow (D), Pauline Rudd (D); Sophomores — Beya Kelley (GK), Jane Bartlett (D), Sally Gaughan (F).
Newcomers: Senior — Haley Song (F); Juniors — Annabel des Cognets (M), Grace Harrity (D), Zinnia Fuld (M); Sophomores — Alienor Baertschiger (M); Freshmen — Julia Welch (M), Tess Palm (M).
Coach’s Analysis: “We have the athleticism and experience to produce a strong team this fall. Our seniors will be the key to our performance; if they fully commit themselves to all aspects of play, we will do well.” — Doug Kennedy
Hartford
Coach: Blake Lopes (2).
League: Southern Vermont League, B Division; VPA Division II.
Last Year: 8-7-0, lost in the first round of the playoffs.
Top Returners: Sophomores — Rai Jones (G), Lucy Crowley (M), Lucia Beraldi (D).
Newcomers: Sophomore — Carly Cote (F); Freshman — Violet Jewett (F).
Coach’s Analysis: “Last year we worked really hard on changing the culture of our team. In one season, we were able to take a team that went 1-25-3 and only scoring 15 goals in the previous two seasons into a team that finished second in the league with a 6-2 record, with 10 different goal scorers (33 goals total), and earned ourselves a home first-round playoff game. This year we are trying even harder to continue to build off of the work that we put in last year. We have a very resilient upperclassmen group of girls that are turning into great leaders, and we have an amazingly talented underclassmen group. The key for our squad to continue to succeed will be dependent on our discipline from a defensive standpoint. We will need to be more diligent and get a bit more stingy on defense. In our league, we can’t afford to give up easy goals. It will also depend on how focused we can continue to be as the season grinds on. I think we’re up for the challenge, and we are looking forward to proving ourselves again this year!” — Blake Lopes
Lebanon
Coach: Breck Taber (11).
League: NHIAA Division II.
Last Year: 6-4-6, lost in state quarterfinals.
Top Returners: Seniors — Catie Bachelder (G), Addison Durell (F/M), Adelie Premore (M), Anna Turgeon (D); Juniors — Samyra Graber (F/M), Ella Kerin-Herrick (M), Rowan Laundry (F/M), Addison Lucero (M), Claire MacMartin (M/D), Katie Maloney (M); Sophomores — Carter Breedlove (F/M).
Newcomers: Seniors — Grace D’Entremont (D), Avelina Pentella (M/D); Juniors — Grace Billings (D); Sophomores — Alyssa Arruda (M/D), Hannah Follensbee (D/G), Ellis Harrington (D), Mara Jordan (M), Amelina Mangani (F/M), Lyla Weinstein (M); Freshmen — Avila Martin (D), Maisie Boynton (M).
Coach’s Analysis: “We have a good returning core that will need to lead the newcomers. Doing the basic things well and playing up to our ability will be key to our success. We need to play as a cohesive unit and work hard off the ball. Capitalizing on goal-scoring chances will be critical.” — Breck Taber
Mascoma
Coach: Shannon Gould (1).
League: NHIAA Division III.
Last Year: 5-11-0; missed playoffs.
Top Returners: Seniors — Bella Davis (D), Halia Sethi (M/D), Molly Gray (G), Karley Hollis (M); Juniors — Dani Carriere (M/D), Montana Ballard (M/D), Kyleigh Clausen (F), Lyla Jacobson (F); Sophomores — Nora Emerson (D), Brailyn Dubois (F/M), Brooklyn Bonardi (F/M), Scarlette Bates (F/M), Madi Smith (F).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Kaylee Clark (F/M).
Coach’s Analysis: “I’m really excited for the upcoming season and looking forward to seeing our team grow and improve along the way. We have a hardworking group of girls who are committed to supporting one another and getting better each game. Our success will come down to teamwork, communication, consistency and a strong work ethic. Most importantly, I want our players to enjoy the experience, compete with confidence and continue to learn and grow together. I’m excited to see what this team can accomplish and the progress we can make throughout the season.” — Shannon Gould
Newport
Coach: Ron Perry.
League: NHIAA Division IV.
Last Year: 2-13-0, missed playoffs.
Oxbow
Coach: Brad DeGoosh (1).
League: Mountain League; VPA Division III.
Last Year: 10-3-2, lost in the quarterfinals.
Top Returners: Seniors — Addison Marsh, Aneta Morse, Brianna Marsh, Mackenzie Pearl; Juniors — Kendall Barrett, Sage Cook, Willow Cook; Sophomores — Alexandra Ross, Raina Calley, Margaret Williams.
Newcomers: Freshmen — Edith Lornitzo, Jacklynn Chamberlain, Keelie Prouty, Reese Harrington.
Coach’s Analysis: “I’m looking forward to coaching this group. They have a lot of potential.” — Brad DeGoosh
Rivendell
Coach: Jason Knowles (3).
League: Southern Vermont League, C Division ; VPA Division IV.
Last Year: 5-7-2, lost in quarterfinals.
Top Returners: Seniors — Lily Murray (F), Autumn Powers (D); Junior — Kacie Hill (M).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Marin Fahey (M), Grace Bourn (M).
Coach’s Analysis: “We graduated nine of our 16 players from last season, so this year will be very much about rebuilding and development. That said, we’re excited about the talent coming into the program. We have a strong freshman class, several promising eighth graders moving up and a solid core of returning players. With three seniors and four juniors, we have a good balance of experience and youthful energy. Last season was heavily impacted by injuries and illnesses, which made it difficult to maintain consistency. If we can stay healthy, we believe we have the talent and depth to compete and play the kind of possession-based, passing game we want. Continued growth throughout the season and building chemistry within the group will be key to our success.” — Jason Knowles
Sharon
Coach: Hilary Mills Linehan (1).
League: VPA Division IV.
Last Year: 1-12-1, lost in the first round of the playoffs.
Top Returners: Seniors — Paetyn Gray (D), Olivia Standen (D), Lainey Standen (M); Junior — Lorelai Putney (F); Sophomore — Maddie Kopicki (F).
Newcomers: Juniors — Charlotte McCrystal, Susannah McCrystal; Freshmen — Marcy Cathcard (D), Sierra Lecuyer (F/M), Kiera Rose (M), Bella Crump (M), Willow Wood (M/D).
Coach’s Analysis: “We have a strong returning core and a great group with newcomers who can fill in the holes. Keys for a successful season are consistency, teamwork and playing to our strengths.” — Hilary Mills Linehan
Stevens
Coach: Tim St. Pierre (7).
League: NHIAA Division III
Last Year: 20-0-0, state champions.
Top Returners: Seniors — Anna Cass (D), Alexis Castaneda (M/D), Maddy Chambers (M/D), Kayleigh Ferland (D), Faith Norton (F/M); Juniors — Jillian Castaneda (F/M), Zoey Friesen (M), Bailey Morin (F/M), Ella Smith (D); Sophomores — Liza McManus (F), Shawna Morin (M)
Newcomers: Juniors — Raegyn Brothers (G), Amelia Raymond (D); Sophomores — Sophia Raymond (M/D), Alainah Bastian (M), Kylie Cederman O’Neil (D), Hailey Davis (D), Penny LaVarnway (F), Emma Warburton (D); Freshmen — Peyton Bazell (F), Shania Ferland (M), Faith Seale (G).
Coach’s Analysis: “Last year’s team set an incredibly high standard, finishing 20-0 and winning a state championship. This year’s group isn’t trying to recreate that team. They have to establish their own identity and earn everything on their own. We have a good mix of experienced returning players and young players who are being asked to grow quickly. Our preseason was intentionally challenging, both physically and mentally, and we’ve already seen significant improvement throughout the roster. For us, success will come down to our willingness to compete, our ability to play together and our commitment to playing the game the right way. We want to be courageous with the ball, technically sound, organized defensively and relentless in our work for one another. We have high expectations, but our focus has always been on the process rather than trying to defend what happened last year. If our players continue to become better versions of themselves as people, teammates and soccer players, the results will take care of themselves.” — Tim St. Pierre
Thetford
Coach: Kevin Brooker (2).
League: Capital League; VPA Division III.
Last Year: 0-17-0, lost in the first round of the playoffs
Coach’s Analysis: “Last season we had a season untarnished by wins. This season we have a 100% return of last year’s players plus a few more. The attitude and demeanor of the team is very good. Seeing the way the girls have not tied up their identity in outcomes means we are already having a successful season.” — Kevin Brooker
White River Valley
Coach: Kim Prestridge (8).
League: Southern Vermont League, C Division; VPA Division III.
Last Year: 10-6-0, lost in the first round of the playoffs.
Top Returners: Senior — Morgan Caron (F); Juniors — Macy Allen (D), Liberti Bollman (F), Anna Stone (M), Arhaea Lowe (F), Payton Woods (D); Sophomores — Naomi Kinsley (G), Madelyn Sellars (M).
Newcomers: Seniors — Bell Rouleau (D), Lucy Marcroft-Rikert (M); Sophomore — Mabel Bailey (M); Freshman — Trinity Maxham (G).
Coach’s Analysis: “White River Valley graduated 12 seniors and miraculously has replaced them with a collection of 17 new freshmen and upperclassmen. Coming off a winning-record season, we are looking to get everyone working together to play a quick transition game. Keys to our success include conditioning, communication and on-field familiarity. We are well on our way!” — Kim Prestridge
Windsor
Coaches: Jen Rupp and Wendy Moody (4).
League: Southern Vermont League, C Division; VPA Division III.
Last Year: 14-1-0, upset by Stowe in OT in quarterfinals.
Top Returners: Seniors — Callie Spaulding (M), Jaylin Lyman (D); Junior — Amelia Rockwood (M); Sophomore — Addison Crane (G).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Emily Hannux (D), Natalee McLeod (D).
Coaches’ Analysis: “After losing six senior starters, we have many starting positions to fill. We may be looking to move some players around and changing up our formations to see how to best build on from last year and keep the success of the program this season. We are also returning two of our top three goal scorers and our All-State goalie, who can anchor the defense. We will be relying a lot on some younger players this season as we only have three seniors. We have slightly lower numbers this season with some injuries, but we have been really impressed by the grit, hard work and commitment to the team so far in practices and scrimmages, which has made for a smooth transition with the newcomers.” — Jennifer Rupp
Woodstock
Coach: Stacey Forest (1).
League: VPA Division III.
Last Year: 5-9-0, lost in the quarterfinals.
Top Returners: Seniors — Khloi Bruso (D), Amelia Hurd (M), Ava Rich (M), Julia Barry (F); Juniors — Lila McCormick (M), Alaythia Lockhart (M), Hannah Lantiegne (F), Jess Pierce (D).
Newcomers: Seniors — Sadie Shebairo (D), Caterina Delieto (M); Juniors — Violet Kranz (D), Paloma Abbey (D), Sophie Hendee (D); Sophomores — Willow Carey (G), Ariana Franco (M), Zoey Filiault (M), Emmy Barry (F), Lucy Allegretti (F); Freshmen — Maegan McGuire (F), Eliza Kranz (M).
