Preseason Power Rankings
The Vermont high school field hockey community received its preseason rankings this week, setting the stage for a competitive 2026 campaign that officially begins on August 28. The poll blends talent retention, recent performance and projected advancement, offering a snapshot of which programs are poised to dominate and which underdogs might surprise.
At the top of the list, Rice Memorial High School holds the No. 1 spot, buoyed by the return of all its leading offensive weapons and three committed Division I athletes. The Raiders’ depth and experience make them the early favorites, and their schedule promises several marquee matchups.
Not far behind, South Burlington High School returns ten starters from a season that ended below .500 in the regular slate. The team is targeting the Metro Division crown and hopes a full offseason of development will translate into a stronger finish.
Essex High School also features prominently, bringing back key contributors such as Calleigh Bruyns, Sadie Lizotte and Nathalie Hooker. Their 2025 improvement has set high expectations, and the squad is eager to build on that momentum.
Burr and Burton Academy, which advanced to the semifinals a year ago, will field 14 returning players. The Bulldogs are expected to contend again in Division I, leveraging a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent.
Champlain Valley Union High School, the 2025 Division I runners‑up, will be led by standout Emery Thompson. Though younger than some rivals, the team’s varsity experience gives it a solid foundation for another deep run.
Early Season Outlook
Bellows Falls Union High School must replace star Veronica Moore, but the return of players like Brook Parker, Haven Harty and Avery Maxfield keeps optimism high. The team opens the season against Colchester, a matchup that could set the tone for their campaign.
U‑32 High School returns all of its starting field players except for the goalkeeper, having fallen in the D‑II championship game last season. The team’s continuity could make them a serious threat in the upcoming tournament.
Mount Mansfield Union High School brings eight seniors into the fold, aiming to capture a quarterfinal victory for the first time since 2020. Their experience across every line positions them as a dark‑horse contender.
Woodstock Union High School returns every starting forward and midfielder, having finished as Division III runners‑up in 2025. The team is viewed as a strong candidate to push for the title this year.
Meanwhile, Montpelier, Spaulding, Otter Valley and Hartford sit on the preseason bubble. Each program faces its own set of challenges, from losing key contributors to navigating a tougher schedule, but they could still surprise as the season unfolds.
With the first games on the horizon, coaches and players alike are gearing up for a season that promises twists, breakthroughs and plenty of excitement. The rankings provide a starting point, but the true story will be written on the turf as the action begins.