Realignment and Outlook
The 2026‑27 season of the Colonial Valley Conference will mark its first divisional reshuffle since the format was introduced three years ago, with West Windsor‑Plainsboro South moving up to the Colonial Division and Princeton Day School shifting to the Valley.
Despite the changes, the Colonial Division is projected to remain one of the state’s strongest and deepest leagues, anchored by perennial powerhouses such as Notre Dame High and Princeton High.
Notre Dame, under coach Bryan Fisher, will navigate the loss of several key contributors but can rely on a solid defensive core featuring Anthony Merluse, Felipe Samuel and Michael Hope.
Princeton High, guided by Ryan Walsh, returns a senior‑laden squad that includes forward Simon Danos Peltekian and fullback Alborz Khorsandi, giving the team a potent attacking option.
Steinert, now competing in Group IV, brings back 13 seniors including goalkeeper Andrew Ivens and scorers Derek Monahan and Sergio Mateus‑Gomez, a depth that coach Anthony Tessein hopes will translate into a strong campaign.
Robbinsville, coached by Jeff Fisher, will miss some departed stars but retains experienced players such as Chris Lewis, Lucas Messinger and Ethan Neagle, who should help maintain competitiveness.
Hopewell Valley, led by Ed Gola, returns a veteran lineup featuring Jaxson DeRossett, Archie Seas and Dylan Kawalek, aiming to rebound from a modest 2025 showing.
Allentown’s Justin Schmid emphasizes the need for additional goal‑scoring options while preserving a stout defensive unit, with twelve seniors returning to the fold.
Lawrence faces a heavy graduation slate but will lean on Marcelo Tajiboy’s experience as it seeks to adapt and stay competitive under coach Jeff Molinelli.
West Windsor‑Plainsboro South arrives in the Colonial Division with eleven returning players from a Valley‑second‑place finish, and team captain Matt Coburn expresses optimism about the squad’s core and future.