The 2026 high school girls soccer season across Seacoast New Hampshire and Maine is shaping up to be another showcase of talent, with 43 standout players from a dozen schools poised to influence the competition. Building on the state championship victories of 2025, teams are entering the new campaign with high expectations and a blend of seasoned leaders and fresh faces.
Defensive Foundations
At the heart of many backlines is Amaia Abril‑Nieveras of Oyster River High School, a versatile center back who logged nearly every minute in 2025 and is expected to anchor the defense again this year. Ansley Ball from St. Thomas Aquinas shifted to center back and earned Division III second‑team all‑state honors for her relentless defensive work, while Molly Houlihan of Winnacunnet, a four‑year starter and future University of Southern Maine player, provides leadership and stability at the back. Lydia Edgerly from Newmarket also emerged as a defensive standout, earning Division IV all‑state second‑team recognition.
Goalkeeping Reliability
In goal, Julianne Banks of Winnacunnet posted 11 shutouts last season and returns as a proven shot‑stopper, giving her team a reliable last line of defense.
Midfield Creativity
Sophia Guimaraes of Winnacunnet, a Division I all‑state second‑team selection, contributed 11 goals and two assists in 2025, including the decisive penalty in the state championship, while Allison Bastien from Spaulding impressed with her vision and unselfish playmaking, earning praise for ball control and passing.
Attacking Threats
Mallory Baker of St. Thomas Aquinas was a Division III all‑state first‑team pick, scoring 20 goals and adding eight assists, and Jacqueline Diallo from Traip Academy tallied 20 goals with 10 assists, earning first‑team all‑state recognition as one of the state’s most potent forwards. Brooke Ford of Portsmouth brings energy and technical flair, often operating across forward and midfield roles, while Kaitlyn Bastille of Dover looks to build on an honorable‑mention all‑state performance as she enters her third year as a starter.
The 2025 season also saw state titles for Winnacunnet in Division I and Portsmouth Christian Academy in Division IV, underscoring the depth of competition and setting a high bar for the upcoming campaign.