Nokomis field hockey is the Varsity Maine Girls Team of the Week
Nokomis Field Hockey Makes Strides Under New Coach, Earns Weekly Spotlight
NOKOMIS, ME – The Nokomis high‑school field hockey squad has been turning heads this fall, capturing a 6‑1 start to the season and earning a spot as Varsity Maine’s Girls Team of the Week. The Warriors’ early victories over Maine Central Institute and Erskine Academy, combined for a 10‑0 margin, positioned them at the top of the Class B North Heal point standings and set up a series of high‑profile matchups.
The team’s next game, scheduled for Wednesday at Camden Hills, will see them face the undefeated 9‑0 squad that sits first in the Class A North division. “There’s just so much talent on this team,” sophomore Maeve Rush told reporters before practice. “I think we’re going to make some waves this season.”
A Coaching Transition That Paid Off
The Warriors’ success comes in the wake of a coaching change last August. Former head coach Shaunessy Saucier departed Nokomis to take the head‑coach position at Husson University. The school quickly hired former Nokomis standout Lauren Neal—known in high school circles as Lauren Burke—who played for Merrimack College from 2020 to 2023.
“(The transition) has been interesting, but I don’t think it could have gone any smoother,” Neal said. “I think I got blessed to have a really good group of girls and a supportive staff. The parents have also been super supportive.”
Under Neal’s guidance, the Warriors have already dispatched sixth‑ranked Gardiner and second‑ranked Cony, cementing their place at the top of their division.
A Schedule That Keeps Them on Their Toes
While the team is riding a hot streak, their upcoming slate remains demanding. A road game against the two‑time defending Class B champion Belfast was postponed on Monday. The match will be rescheduled for October 10. Despite the challenge of back‑to‑back games against unbeaten opponents, the team remains optimistic.
“Playing harder games has taught us a lot about our gameplay,” Rush added. “Our schedule has been really tough, but it’s been really fun.”
A Weekly Highlight
Varsity Maine’s weekly “Team of the Week” series spotlights standout boys and girls squads across the state, taking into account factors such as success stories, bounce‑back efforts, and notable accomplishments. Coaches, athletes, and athletic directors can nominate teams by emailing sports editor Bill Stewart at mailto:bill.stewart@example.com or Varsity Maine editor Lee Horton at mailto:lee.horton@example.com.
Nokomis’ early performance, leadership under a new coach, and resilience against a tough schedule have earned them recognition as the top girls team for this week’s feature. The Warriors’ momentum suggests a promising season ahead, and the community’s support appears unwavering as they push toward further successes.
