HANOVER

Coach: Doug Kennedy (16)

League: NHIAA Division I

Last Year: 8-9

Returnees: Seniors — Sophie Wise (M), Emma Campfield (M), Maeve Lee (F), Bella Hunt (F), Syd McLaughlin (F), Mia Bagnato (F), Elena Mierke (D), Kiran Park (D); Juniors — Nora Bradley (M); Sadie Ross (G); Ali Daigle (D); Reese Hamlin (D); Dahlia Fuld (D); Sophomore — Cosi Torresani (F).

Newcomers: Seniors — Nina Marshall (M), Erin Kirkpatrick (D); Juniors — Campbell Madden (M). Freshmen: Grace Stewart (M); Lily Tine (G), Malia Pratt (F), Joanna Bujarski (D).

Analysis: Will eight returning seniors cancel out the graduation loss of seven others? Kennedy cites Hanover’s strengths as its collective work ethic and ability to play at a high level. Consistency and whether the Bears can steadily improve remain question marks. This is Hanover’s third season playing a full Division I schedule and it’s a combined 13-21-2 the past two campaigns.

HARTFORD

Coach: Jeff Acker (18)

Last year: 1-14

League: Vermont Division II

Returnees: Senior — Dallas Kelley (D). Juniors — Morgan Curtis (D), Nicola Husmann (M), Harper Fallon (G). Sophomores: Tallulah Abbey (D).

Newcomers: Sophomores — Rowan Dumont (D), Michaela Anderson (F), Serenitee Martel (F). Freshmen — Paisley Danaher (G), Riley Martin (M), Aislyn Emerson (M), Jasmine Stocker (D), Kathryn Summarsell (D), Samantha Fraser (M), Paeton Griswold (F), Sylvia Johnson (F), Mackenzy Carrier (F).

Analysis: “Hartford’s youth and lack of experience will allow plenty of opportunities for a very talented ninth-grade class to shine,” Acker said. However, the Hurricanes are 10-30-1 the past three years. Five players graduated earlier this year and more than half a dozen others quit, leaving one senior and three juniors. There are only 18 players in the program, which for the first time in recent memory, has no junior varsity squad. Sophomore Braelyn Park, whom Acker described as the program’s rising star prior to last season, is among those who elected not to return, and sophomore Sadie Mullen is out for the season a knee injury suffered during spring lacrosse.

LEBANON

Coach: Breck Taber (8)

Last year: 8-8

League: NHIAA Division II

Returnees: Seniors — Phoebe Ballard (F), Sydney Deshane (M), Nora Falcone (B), Rayna Graber (M), Isabelle Hamilton (M), Madison Jewell (D), Sophie Longacre (M), Abigail Ripley (F); Sophomores — Sara Forman (M), Annelies Hanna (M), Marianna Utell (M), Brooke Walker (M).

Newcomers: Juniors — Nina Ellingson (B), Lucy Eshbaugh (B), Laura Hines (M), Savannah Lindsley (F), Sage Murray (B).; Sophomores — Maezie Angles (G), Charlie Hayward (B), Audrey Newton (M/F), Peyton Rutherford (B).

Analysis: The Raiders return six starters but will feature freshman Angles in goal. Taber said his team could start as many as six sophomores. “We need to be able to capitalize on scoring opportunities and work as a cohesive unit, both on the attack and defensively,” he said.

MASCOMA

Coach: Mark Rockwood (2)

Last Year: 3-14

League: NHIAA Division III

Returnees: Seniors — Emily Seiler (F), Kamdyn Aldrich (D), Natalee Pettersen (G); Juniors — Braelyn Stone (D), Cora Peters (D), Emily Brewster (D), Jenny Lutz (D); Sophomores — Grace Clifford (D), Sonya Roberts (F).

Newcomers: Seniors — Alexis Patterson (M), Izzy Adams (M), Sophia Taylor (D); Junior — Andrea Fernandez (M); Sophomore — Zofia Adams (F); Freshmen — Bella Davis (D), Clara Marx (D), Halia Sethi (F), Karley Hollis (D). Molly Gray (F).

Analysis: Rockwood exhorts that the young program “has turned around in just one year”, citing an increase from 13 players to 20 and the return of six starters. “The future is looking bright,” he said. The return of Pettersen from a preseason concussion could be a factor, given that the program has no experienced goalkeepers. Fernandez is a Spanish exchange student.

NEWPORT

Coach: Gary McCall (5)

Last year: 3-13

League: NHIAA Division III

Returnees: Seniors — Emma O’Connor (D), Lauren Brewer (F), Adrianna Coleman (M); Juniors — Leila Trott (D), Torrence Williams (F), Cassie Sanborn (F/M), Cheyenne Hannum (D), Skylar Nelson (G); Sophomores — Brooklyn Ranney (F), Makayla Cossingham (M), Callie Dixon (D

Newcomers: Sophomores — Aubrey Curtis (M), Lennox LaRochelle (D); Freshmen — Aubrie Gosselin (M), Paige Hall (M), Glory Parker (G), Jesenya Santana (D), Abigal Tenney (M), Allidia Urista (D/M).

Analysis: Newport moved up to Division III last season and the next step is to be consistently competitive at that level. “We can certainly improve upon last year’s win total,” McCall said.

OXBOW

Coach: Shannon Gould (2)

Last year: 3-7-8

League: Vermont Division III

Returnees: Seniors — Hadlee Allen (M), Lilly DeGoosh (M/F), Hazel Fahey (D); Juniors — Maggi Ellsworth (D), Caleigh Bean (F). Sophomores — Natalee Spear (D), Tessa Cook (D), Abby Peavey (F/M).

Newcomers: Sophomore — Ainsley Smith (M); Freshman — Aneta Morse (M), Addison Marsh (G), Mackenzie Pearl (F), Mya Clogston (M/D), Annabelle Smith (D), Brianna Marsh (F), Kenady Pinson (D).

Analysis: Oxbow reached the state finals in 2007, 2011 and 2013 but lost each time. The Olympians made the semifinals in 2018 but haven’t escaped the first round since. Gould, once a standout player and a coach at Lebanon High, must mesh seven returning starters with eight newcomers.

RIVENDELL

Coach: Tim Goodwin (15)

League: Vermont Division IV

Last year: 5-11

Returnees: Seniors — Colleen Underhill (D), Elisia Sonsalla (M), Lauren Smith (M), Lexa Smith (D); Juniors — Shaylee Carter (M), Erin Ricker (M); Sophomores — Allie Vogelien (M), Harper Traendly (F), Koki Tomlinson (D), Lindsey O’Hearn (M), Mia Currier (F), Stella Star Worcester (D), Wayah Cook (G).

Newcomers: Juniors — Klara Boennen (D), Emily Oquendo (M). Freshmen — Lily Murray (F), Lyza Taylor (M), Autumn Powers (M), Sarah Champagne (M).

Analysis: Last season was the Raptors’ first losing season since 2003 and under Goodwin, who’s 123-54-12. “We have a hard schedule against a lot of larger schools,” Goowin said. “This group will be exciting to watch as they become united, brave, and play with freedom.”

SHARON

Coach: Ben Diller (1)

Last year: 3-12

League: Vermont Division IV

Returnees: Seniors — Anna Gnodde (M/F), Miriam Gurchumelia (M); Juniors — MaCallister Gray (D), Abby Chase (G), Maddy Mintz (F), Avry Loftus (F), Elsa Skarsten (M); Sophomores — Lucy Proulx (D/M), Evelyn Murawski (M), Caitlin Seville (D).

Newcomers: Juniors — Madi Shaw (F); Sophomores — Natalie Young (M), Ava Lacaillade (M), Aleyna Aydogan (M); Freshmen — Paten Gray (M), Olivia Halsey (M/D).

Analysis: Fourth-year coach Andy Ruddell departed after last year and seven seniors graduated. Chase is a first-year goalkeeper. It’s been a long slide for the Phoenix since going 13-1 and reaching the 2016 state title game.

STEVENS

Coach: Tim St. Pierre (23)

Last year: 16-2-1

League: NHIAA Division III

Returnees: Seniors — Maddy Minckler (F), Maddie LaVarnway (D), Kaiya Richard (M), Kiley Bundy (M), Maya Rice (M); Juniors — Bella Bovell (D), Navaeh LeBlanc (D), Rhea Quick (M), Bri Marsh (D); Sophomores — Addison Derosier (M), Riley Leonard (F).

Newcomers: Sophomores — Audrina Pelton (G), Ella Muenzer (MF); Freshmen — Maddy Chambers (M), Payton Ferland (M), Faith Norton (M), Alexis Castaneda (D), Kayleigh Ferland (D), Anna Cass (D).

Analysis: Stevens scored 75 goals and allowed only five last season but fell in the state semifinals to eventual champion Gilford. The Cardinals graduated five players, including three who earned all-state honors. “Despite our youth we could be a very strong team by late October,” said St. Pierre. “If we hit our form, we will be a tough out in the playoffs.”

THETFORD

Coach: Patrick Perry (1)

Last year: 1-13

League: Vermont Division III

Returnees: Seniors — Zurael Star (M/F), Kelsey Bogie (F/M), Shannon O’Donnell (D); Juniors — Heidi Hewes (G), Ruth Wilmott (D), Ashlyn Osgood (D), Rebecca Osgood (M/F), McKayla Stanley (M/F), Elizabeth Waterman (M); Sophomores — Natalie Perry (M/F).

Newcomers: Juniors — Hanae Debo (M/F), Grace Elmer (D); Sophomores — Kayla Downing (D), Aylhea LaBadie (M/F), Reece Kenney(M/F). Freshmen — Elizabeth Brown (M/F), Gabby Hayes (M/F), Aislin Peters (M/D), Sarah Marshia (D), Leah Crossett (D).

Analysis: The Panthers graduated four seniors, had seven players decide not to return and lost sixth-year coach Dave Williams, who went 6-23-1 during his last two campaigns after winning state crowns during first three. Perry describes himself as a first-year soccer coach with previous basketball coaching experience. “My expectation is that we learn to play fundamentally sound soccer… and create a winning culture,” he said.

WHITE RIVER VALLEY

Coach: Kim Prestridge (5)

Last year: 11-3-2

League: Vermont Division III

Returnees: Seniors — Amara Calhum-Flowers (M), Tanner Drury (D), Sadie Kinsley (D), Anita Miller (D), Anna Stratton (M); Junior — Norah Harwood (F); Sophomores — Cassie Armstrong (M), Addison Isham (D), Ella LaFromboise (G/F), Mackenzie Vesper (F), Imari Taylor (G/F), Logan Scott (M), Sarah Rule (M), Izzy Barnaby (F), Julia Bowen (F), Olivia Tuller (F).

Newcomers: Sophomore — Rhianna Young (G/F); Freshmen — Lucy Marcroft-Rikert (M), Bell Rouleau (F).

Analysis: WRV graduated top scorer Jillian Barry, but retains plenty of scoring power in Calhum-Flowers, Armstrong, Vesper, and Harwood. The Wildcats will continue their solid defense, led by Drury and Kinsley. The Wildcats roster includes numerous members of the school’s back-to-back girls track state title team.

WINDSOR

Coaches: Jen Rupp, Wendy Moody (1)

Last year: 11-5

League: Vermont Division III

Returnees: Seniors — Olivia MacLeay (F), Miah McAllister (D); Juniors — Audrey Rupp (F), Brianna Barton (M), Brooklynn Currie (D), Sophia Dufour (M), Sophia Rockwood (G).

Sophomores — Cassie Clark (D), Cloey Pecor (D), Gabby Crane (D), Kenzie Wescott (M), Lilly Keefe (F/M).

Newcomers: Sophomore — Bailey Athorne (M/D); Freshmen — Abigail Brown (F/M/D), Jaylin Lyman (M/F), Olivia Larochelle (D), Reese Osgood (D).

Analysis: Eight starters return from a program that reached the state quarterfinals last autumn. Rupp and MacLeay are a formidable scoring threat and Wescott and Barton spice up the midfield. McAllister is a strong defender in front of strong athlete Rockwood. Previous coach Jeff Bachey resigned after last season, his sixth with the Yellowjackets.

WOODSTOCK

Coach: Greg LaBella (24)

Record: 11-6

League: Vermont Division II

Returnees: Seniors — Sophia Nisimblat (M), Chloe Massillon (F), Leah Kuhnert (M), Hannah Watson (D), Skye Cully (M), Amelie Fabre (D); Juniors — Jane Stout (G), Lilly Macri (D), Aubrey Seman (M), Olivia Grasso (F), Lucy Drebitko (D); Sophomores — Anna Fink (D), Sierra Bystrak (D), Maeve Roylance (M), Ella Lockhart (M), Mimi Kanda-Olmstead (D), Fiona Piconi (F), Sadie Boulboi (F).

Newcomers: Juniors — Eryn McGuire (F), Pippa Scott (M).

Analysis: Woodstock battled injuries last season but still reached the state semifinals and LaBella, 69, believes so strongly in this squad’s potential that he delayed his planned retirement for one more campaign. The Wasps, who were 2-5-1 just three years ago, have a program includes more than 30 players, strong numbers for a relatively small school.

— Tris Wykes