A Season Defined by Numbers and Leadership
Maeve Staunton, a midfielder from Northwest Catholic, capped a remarkable campaign by being selected as the 2025-26 Gatorade Connecticut Girls Soccer Player of the Year. The award follows a season in which she helped her squad finish 15-6-1 and reach the CIAC Class M championship final.
Her impact was felt in every third of the pitch, as she recorded 21 goals and 17 assists, accounting for more than 73 percent of the team’s total offensive output. Coach Brian Carr highlighted her speed, skill, and relentless determination as key factors in the team’s success.
Excellence Beyond the Pitch
Staunton’s achievements extend past statistics. She was also named the GametimeCT Player of the Year and earned All-American honors, adding to previous recognitions as a two-time GametimeCT All-State and two-time All-New England selection. Her consistency was further underscored by four-time All-CCC and three-time coaches all-state picks.
Although the team fell 3-2 to Foran in the championship match, Staunton contributed a goal and an assist, underscoring her ability to influence high-stakes games. Her versatility was on display again when she earned a spot on the GametimeCT First Team for girls basketball, illustrating a rare two-sport excellence.
Academically, Staunton maintains a 3.48 GPA, balancing rigorous coursework with athletic commitments. Off the field, she volunteers with Camp Inspire Ability, guiding athletes with special needs, and regularly participates in local food pantries and clothing drives, embodying a commitment to community service.
Looking Ahead to UConn
Beginning this fall, Staunton will join the University of Connecticut’s soccer program, a decision she says is driven by both athletic ambition and academic fit. The university’s official website notes its strong tradition in collegiate soccer, positioning her to continue her dual pursuit of sport and scholarship.
The recognition from Gatorade, coupled with her All-American status, places Staunton among a select group of players who have leveraged high school success into national attention. Her story reflects a blend of athletic prowess, scholarly discipline, and civic responsibility that resonates far beyond the scoreboard.