As the 2026 high school field hockey season looms, coaches and analysts in Vermont have turned their attention to the players who will anchor the backline. A preseason watchlist released by the Free Press spotlights the top defenders and goalies who impressed during the 2025 campaign, offering a glimpse of the talent that could shape the upcoming year.
Defensive Standouts to Watch
Among the standout net‑minders, Sammy Cacace of Rutland earned first‑team All‑State honors after backstopping his squad to a dominant season, while Jillian Cousino of Mount Abraham posted a stingy average of just one goal allowed per game, earning a spot on the Capital Division coaches’ second team. Trista Favreau‑Ward from Missisquoi also received second‑team recognition, and Molly McGibney of Rice was celebrated with Free Press all‑state first‑team accolades, underscoring the depth of talent between the posts.
Brook Parker from Bellows Falls garnered an honorable mention in the SVL ‘A’ Division, while Heaven Ross of Middlebury secured a place on the Capital Division coaches’ first team, further enriching the goalie pool.
On the defensive front, Ceci Davis of Mount Mansfield emerged as a leader in forced saves, anchoring a unit that proved difficult to breach. Harlow Hier of Colchester was rewarded with a Metro coaches’ first‑team selection, reflecting his poise and consistency. Callan Wilson, a sophomore defender from Colchester, appeared in every game last season and impressed with his raw defensive talent.
Opal Ritchie from Montpelier earned an honorable mention on the Capital Division team, while Sophie Simpson of Middlebury contributed two goals and served as the team’s penalty corner inserter, showing that the defensive line can also generate offensive spark.
With a blend of experience and emerging talent, Vermont’s 2026 defenders and goalies are poised to make a significant impact. As the season unfolds, these players will be watched closely by coaches and fans alike, each hoping to translate preseason promise into on‑field excellence.