Meet 25 southern Maine field hockey players to watch in 2026

Twenty-Five Players to Watch as Maine High School Field Hockey Season Heats Up

The new Maine high school field hockey season brings a deep pool of talent across all three classes, with returning stars, breakout sophomores and program leaders ready to shape the championship picture. Here are 25 players expected to make a major impact this fall, spanning defending champion Cheverus, Class B contenders and a stacked Class C field.

Cheverus Looks to Repeat Behind Brunelle and Radford

Cheverus, the reigning Class A champion, will lean heavily on its midfield to defend the title. Senior Sydney Brunelle returns as the Stags' top offensive weapon after posting 14 goals and 13 assists a year ago, and she will be the player every opposing defense tries to silence. Junior Jaylee Radford emerged as a clutch finisher in her own right, scoring a team-high 18 goals and netting two in the Class A title game win over Skowhegan. The duo gives Cheverus one of the most dangerous attacking tandems in the state.

Sanford/Kennebunk Boasts Two Standouts

The Spartans have a pair of first-team all-SMAA picks back in the fold. Sophomore forward Reese Beaudoin made a splash in her debut season with 21 goals and 13 assists, and she's poised to be even more of a focal point as a sophomore. Junior midfielder Hailey Payeur tied a program record with 19 assists and added 10 goals while playing a more defensive role, helping Sanford allow only 20 goals last fall. With both players returning, Sanford/Kennebunk should again be among the top teams in Class A South.

Mt. Ararat's Chase Takes Her Game Up the Field

Junior midfielder Kamryn Chase did a little bit of everything for the Eagles last year, leading them to their first regional final. She set a Mt. Ararat program record with 21 assists, scored five goals and was one of the team's best defenders, pacing the squad in defensive saves. Chase will be joined in the Mt. Ararat backfield by senior Sarah Middleton, whose speed lets her shadow any offensive player, and whose discipline makes her an asset defending corners. Middleton was a second-team all-KVAC selection last year.

Class B Talent Runs Deep

Several of the state's most skilled players will compete in Class B this season. At Yarmouth, junior forward Maya Nasveschuk is one of the WMC's most dangerous attacking players, weaving through defenders with excellent stick skills. She tallied 17 goals and 14 assists on her way to first-team all-conference honors. Cape Elizabeth senior Finn Gilbert anchors the Capers' midfield and back line after earning first-team all-WMC status, providing a steadying defensive presence that helped Cape Elizabeth reach the Class B South semifinals. In net, York senior Sarah Orso is in her third year as the Wildcats' goaltender and earned second-team all-conference recognition while helping York reach the Class B tournament.

Midfield Stars Set the Tone for Class A and B Contenders

Falmouth senior Ani Bush has earned all-SMAA distinction in each of the past two seasons. The Amherst-bound midfielder scored 13 goals last year, controls the tempo of the game and is effective on both sides of the ball. Her coach, Meg Sullivan, called her the player who "sets the standard." At Biddeford, junior Mia Mariello is a big-play threat with a hard shot that can find the net from anywhere in the circle. A Varsity Maine All-State pick, she moved to center mid last year and responded with 14 goals and 18 assists.

Greely senior Maya Tracey will lead the Rangers' attack once again after earning all-WMC recognition in all three of her previous seasons, including first-team honors the last two. Scarborough junior Clara Ferrie has established herself as one of the SMAA's best one-on-one defenders, and has expanded her game by playing closer to midfield and contributing more offensively. At Marshwood, senior Hazel Stout is the Hawks' best all-around player and will play at center midfield, where her sense of when to set up a teammate or take the ball herself makes her a constant threat.

New Faces Stepping Into Bigger Roles

Several players are preparing for expanded roles this fall. Bonney Eagle junior forward Ella Karlis has shown a knack for reading the field and jumping on loose balls, giving the Scots a dangerous presence at the front of the attack. Freeport junior Dalila McCarthy, who played in the backfield last year, will move up to midfield and provide veteran leadership for a Falcons squad that graduated its midfield and forward core. Massabesic junior Addison Rogers, an all-SMAA honorable mention and a starter since her freshman year, will step into the spotlight at center midfield and is expected to take on more of a vocal leadership role.

Class C and Smaller-School Standouts

Boothbay junior Moriah Smith earned first-team all-MVC honors last year after scoring 19 goals and adding six assists, and she helped lead the Seahawks to the No. 1 seed in Class C South. At Lake Region, senior Abigail Travis earned her second all-conference selection after scoring a team-best 16 goals, giving her 28 for her career as she enters her fourth season as a starter. Brunswick sophomore Grace Roak quickly found a home at center midfield in her first year and established herself as a leader, drawing praise from coach JoAnn Bourgoin, who called her "the glue to the team."

Other Players to Keep an Eye On

• Shyla McVeigh, Thornton Academy senior forward: A two-time all-SMAA second-team pick, McVeigh will be counted on for scoring production after the departure of teammate Cora Bolduc.
• Sydney Quimby, Gorham senior forward: A strong, fast and quick finisher, Quimby had 10 goals last year, including the overtime winner against Scarborough in the Class A South quarterfinals.
• Morgan McLain, Windham senior forward: Coach Maddy Perfetti said McLain "can do a lot with the ball and it looks effortless."
• Alison Sylvester, Camden Hills junior midfielder: A finalist for KVAC A Player of the Year and committed to American University, Sylvester excels in transition and on defense.
• Lucy Wetzel, South Portland/Westbrook senior midfielder: A stabilizing presence with speed, stamina and high field hockey IQ, Wetzel will lead a young Blazin' Riots squad.

From the championship-tested veterans to the breakout sophomores and emerging juniors, Maine's field hockey landscape is brimming with talent heading into the new season. These 25 players represent the kind of skill, leadership and competitive fire that should make for an exciting fall across every class.