The 2026 high school field hockey season is set to begin with a spotlight on the Field Hockey Elite 11, a group of 22 players hand‑picked from a pool of more than 100 preseason candidates. This elite cohort blends established stars who have already earned all‑state recognition with emerging talents ready to break out and reshape the competitive landscape.
A roster built on proven excellence and fresh promise
Lily Brickman from Mamaroneck arrives as a two‑time All‑State selection and 2025 Westchester/Putnam Player of the Year, celebrated for her blistering speed, deft stick‑handling and knack for finding the back of the net. Joining her, Meredith D'Arcy also from Mamaroneck brings a two‑way work ethic, elite athleticism and a proven scoring touch that earned her 2025 All‑State honors.
Fin Degl of John Jay‑Cross River may have committed to lacrosse, but his field hockey skill set remains elite, contributing both defensively and offensively with poise. Meanwhile, Lily Diaz of Yorktown showcases top‑level field vision and defensive reliability, having topped her team with 16 goals last season.
Talia Grill, a key contributor to the state Class A runner‑up squad, posted eight goals and 10 assists, underscoring her all‑around impact. Meaghan Heyde from Lakeland, a Junior Olympian, combines exceptional one‑on‑one defensive prowess with offensive flair, recording eight goals and 20 assists in the previous campaign.
Defensive anchors and offensive dynamos
Callan Keeley of John Jay‑Cross River led the Wolves with 35 points, including 24 goals, highlighting superior stickhandling and shooting accuracy. Aditi Parambath from Lakeland earned All‑Section 1 honors by excelling across multiple positions, contributing 11 goals and 11 assists. Gianna Santini, also from Lakeland, stands as a two‑time All‑State honoree whose 19 goals and 12 assists illustrate her dual threat capabilities.
Sienna Tavolacci of Horace Greeley, renowned for her speed, amassed over 50 points last year and helped her team capture the Section 1 Class B title, cementing her status as one of the section’s most dynamic players.
Between the lines, McKenzie Ryder of John Jay‑Cross River has emerged as a standout goalkeeper, posting 11 shutouts and maintaining a 91% save rate that propelled her team to a Section 1 Class B semifinal.
Looking ahead, the mix of seasoned leaders and fresh talent promises a competitive season filled with breakout performances, strategic matchups and the kind of excitement that only a well‑balanced roster can deliver.