Girls prep hockey is stacked with talented individuals and teams entering this season.
Many of these teams have strong cases for the NEPSAC postseason. Defending Elite 8 champ Nobles headlines our preseason rankings, followed by Phillips Andover. Loomis Chaffee is on our top five as well. BB&N, Dexter Southfield and Deerfield are also ranked entering the season.
Andover, Loomis and Deerfield also reached the Elite 8 last season, along with St. Paul's and Kent. Meanwhile, BB&N, Dexter, Choate, Thayer, Phillips Exeter and Westminster are each coming off trips to the Patsy Odden Large School tournament.
There was plenty of parity in the Large School tournament field last season, too, as a No. 3 and 4 seed met in the championship with No. 4 BB&N taking home the crown over Dexter.
Each of the above teams should very much be a factor this season, while others below are sure to challenge.
Here's our breakdown of every Large School team.
Austin Prep
Coach: Kerry Brennan
2023-24 result: 17-11-0
Other players to watch: Bree Anderson, D; Faith Steiner, F; Lexi MacKinnon, F; Adia Murphy, F; Riley Loveland, D, Evie Harris, D; Alex Herbert, G; Kayleigh Norton, F; Ashley Reilly, F; Sarah Sampson, F
Outlook: After reaching the Vaillancourt Conference finals last season, Austin Prep returns a similar group as last year’s squad. “We will definitely have a tough schedule, playing against some of the top teams in the NEPSAC,” Brennan said. Brennan expects returning top goal-scorer Faith Steiner to fill Maddie Vittands’ shoes, while Herbert could take the reins in net after Gianna McCusker graduated.
Berkshire
Coach: Lisa Marshall
2023-24 result: 5-16-2
Players to watch: Julia Echavarria G; Mairead Campbell, D; Adriana Echavarria, D; Emma Leahy, D; Alex Gregorek, F; Victoria Tesoro, F; Sophia Busa, F; Maddy McCreedy, F; Gabby Ogunnupe, D, Katie Hurley, G
Outlook: Key injuries throughout last season prevented Berkshire from gaining traction. “We are excited for this season to move forward cohesively as a team,” Marshall said. The Bears bring in nine newcomers, including an exciting forward in McCreedy and a promising young defender in Ogunnupe. Busa looks to build on a sophomore year in which she led Berkshire in scoring, while three college commits will lead the defense. Marshall is excited to see Echavarria and Hurley’s tandem between the pipes as well.
BB&N
Coach: Ed Bourget
2023-24 record: 16-10-4, beat Dexter in championship of Patsy Odden Large School tournament
Players to watch: Hannah Weyerhaeuser, F; Savana Littlewood, F; Anika Singh, F; Izzy King, F; Emi Biotti, D; Brenna O’Reilly, D; Lexi Mara, D; Kate Rice, D; Aislin VanVliet, D; Serena Mohsen, D; Eva Mai Whyte, G; Barbara Ma, G
Outlook: BB&N got hot at the right time, riding the momentum to a second Large School title in three seasons. The Knights have a chance to elevate this season, thanks to a three-headed monster of Division 1 commits on defense with Biotti, O’Reilly and Mara. Up front, Weyerhaeuser, a Yale commit, has a clean bill of health and could be in line for an explosive season. The key for Dexter will be how well Whyte and Ma can rise to the occasion in net, replacing Alexsa Caron.
PRESEASON ALL-STARS: First and Second girls Large School teams
Choate
Coach: Laura Troy
2023-24 record: 18-6-0, lost to BB&N in semifinals of Patsy Odden Large School tournament
Players to watch: Annie Forker, F; Maggie Swanson, F; Nani Keyes, F; Clara Kang, G; Kate Tortorella, D; Juliana Iannace, D
Outlook: The Wild Boars took the No. 1 seed in last year's Large School tournament and came a goal away from the championship, falling to eventual champs BB&N in overtime. Troy's group lost plenty of experience, including goalie Elsa Haakonsen, but they return several younger players who have made impacts, especially Forker. Kang showed well in a small sample size in net last season, while Keyes, Swanson, Tortorella and Iannace will need to take a step. Nevertheless, Choate will be in the playoff mix.
Deerfield
Coach: Brooke Fernandez
2023-24 record: 17-6-3, lost to Phillips Andover in quarterfinals of Chuck Vernon Elite 8 tournament
Players to watch: Sophie Frost, F; Ava Giroux, F; Olivia Austen, F; Gia Thompson, F; Brady Wierl, F; Peyton Wierl, F; Allie Corrieri, D; Olivia Austen, D; Chloe Cleaves, D; Taylor Wilburn, D; Campbell Krotee, G
Outlook: The Big Green boasted one of the most potent offenses in prep last season, thanks in part to Annie Dinges, who is now at Harvard. They ran out of steam in the Elite 8 quarterfinals, though. Nonetheless, Fernandez’s team can feel confident, knowing they have one of NEPSAC’s top netminders in Krotee. Meanwhile, returning forwards like Frost, Giroux and Keira Austen as well as productive defenders like Corrieri and Austen should continue coming into their own.
Dexter Southfield
Coach: Maggie Taverna
2023-24 record: 16-10-1, lost to BB&N in championship of Patsy Odden Large School tournament
Players to watch: Evelyn Doyle, F; Alex Mitsakis, F; Maddie Funk, F; Sawyer Merrill, F, Marion Legge, F; Maddie Bibeau, F; Devon Moore, F; Maddie Murphy, D; Alaina Dunn, D; Maggie Chudzinski, D; MacKenzie Sutherland, F; Annabelle Aitken, G; Addy Sutherland, G
Outlook: Dexter recovered from a sluggish start to last winter, going on a run to the Large School title game. Taverna’s group is in a terrific spot to run it back and build on last season after graduating just one senior. Doyle is poised to build on an excellent sophomore season in which she led Dexter in scoring, while top defenders and Boston College commits Murphy and Dunn are back as well. Exciting newcomers such as Moore and Chudzinski should elevate the depth and firepower.
Greenwich Academy
Coach: Erin Brawley
2023-24 record: 3-12-1
Players to watch: Emma Harrison, F; Lila Cabot, F/D; Caroline Watts, F/D; Ella Loehnis, F
Outlook: The Gators struggled last season, but return key leadership in captains Watts, Cabot and Loehnis. Harrison is back as well after a solid freshman season. Greenwich Academy has a challenging schedule out of the gates with Choate, Milbrook, Frederick Gunn and more ahead of the Howard Tournament at St. George's.
GIRLS PREP PREVIEWS: Groton | Loomis Chaffee | Dexter Southfield | BB&N | Cushing
Greenwich Country Day
Coach: Ashley Bairos
2023-24 record: 4-9-1
Players to watch: Caroline Muzzio, F; Gigi Putka, F, Gabby Zarrio, G; Elle Price, D; Grace Kepler, G
Outlook: The Tigers had their ups and downs last season, but key experience is back in the fold with Putka, Muzzio and Price. Both goalies, Zarrio and Kepler are expected back as well. GCDS will face some challenging oppenents this season, like Canterbury, Millbrook, Austin Prep and Frederick Gunn.
Hotchkiss
Coach: Kelsie Fralick
2023-24 result: 8-13-1
Other players to watch: Lila Snow, F; Caroline Bliss, sr., F; Marygrace Lawry, so., F; Nikki Ferraro, jr., G, Cadence Fassano, so, D; Delia Narral jr., F; Naomi Shapiro, so., F; Julia Kisiel, fr., D
Outlook: Hotchkiss lost its top two scorers from last season, but still have key returners as well as nine newcomers. “We’re excited to see what new energy and skills they bring,” Fralick said. Fralick expects the Bearcats to continue to improve as they have the last two seasons, looking to finish .500 or better. Hotchkiss has the potential to have its best year under her watch, and she’s eager to see young players and returners like Snow, Bliss and Ferraro continue to push in the right direction.
Kent
Coach: Elena Gualtieri
2023-24 record: 12-3-2, lost to Loomis Chaffee in quarterfinals of Chuck Vernon Elite 8 Tournament
Players to watch: Renee Bishop, F; Rachel Bishop, D; Clara Cumming, D; Eva Mayo, F; Louise Roper, F; Ainsley Moffitt, F
Outlook: The Lions are coming off a trip to the Elite 8. After losing key pieces, including starting goaltender Lauren Ferrari, Kent will have a new look this season under new coach Elena Gualtieri. But leading scorer Rachel Bishop returns, along with key blue-liners in Cumming and Rachel Bishop. The Lions will challenge for a playoff spot once again.
Loomis Chaffee
Coach: Liz Leyden
2023-24 record: 19-6-2, lost to Nobles in semifinals of Chuck Vernon Elite 8 tournament
Players to watch: Lindsey Stepnowski, F; Chloe Obser, F; Ellie Lachance, F; Annie Schwarz, F, Bella Zollezzi, F; Brooke Murphy, F; Easton Pramuka, F; Carly Dann, D; Catie Collins, D; Megan Hosman, D; Hattie Willard, D; Megan Duplantie, F; Adeline Roper, G; Emily Hosman, G
Outlook: Few NEPSAC squads can boast the plethora of talent on defense that Loomis Chaffee does between Collins, Dann, Megan Hosman and more. After reaching the Elite 8 semis last season, Loomis is among the early contenders between its blue line and its deep group of returning forwards, be it established scorers like Obser and Schwarz or breakout stars like Lachance and Stepnowski. Duplantie also adds another dynamic presence after transferring from Kent. After splitting the net last season, Roper might have the inside track, but newcomer Emily Hosman is an exciting prospect in the crease.
LOOMIS CHAFFEE: Why the Pelicans’ defense should be a force in girls prep hockey
Middlesex
Coach: Briana Mastel
2023-24 record: 9-13-2
Players to watch: Finley Crosby, F; Janie Martin, F; Merritt Fitch, F; Louisa Ferrari, D; Vivienne Milosavljevic-Cook, G; Lily McTeague, F; Ali Marsters, F
Outlook: Middlesex graduated four seniors, but the Zebras return an exciting crop of seniors and juniors. Five of Mastel's top six scorers are back in the mix between Martin, Crosby, Fitch, McTeague and Ferrari. Meanwhile, starting goalie Milosavljevic-Cook is expected back as well. With a big core ready for another step, Middlesex could compete for the postseason.
Milton Academy
Coach: Liz Keady-Norton (interim)
2023-24 record: 8-16-0
Players to watch: Sudannah Ward, D; Maddie Bonavita, F; Becca White, F; Mary Quatrale, D; Sadie Quatrale, F, Ava Scannell, G; Jessie Ward, F; Ruth Chen, D; Laurie Deguire, G; Julia Guden, F; Maddie Bonavita, F
Outlook: The Mustangs struggled last season, falling short of preseason expectations. But there's still a strong core in place after graduating just three seniors. Milton returns eight of their nine leading scorers last season, including White, Jessie Ward and Susannah Ward. Bonavita, Guden and Chen each reached double digits in points as well. Interim coach Liz Keady-Norton will lean on Scanell and Deguire in net after they shared the crease last season.
Newton Country Day
Coach: Gus Means
2023-24 result: 8-10-0
Players to watch: Marie Mulroy, D; Lucy Guden, D; Katherine Mackey, D; Addy Winchenbaugh, D; Katherine Cedrone, F; Taylor Young, F; Caroline Folan, F; Ellie Monahan, F; Caroline Mackey, G
Outlook: Newton CD finished second in the Eastern Independent League in the regular season last winter. After losing six critical seniors, including their top three scorers, Means believes the Falcons can be a competitive team, leaning on a strong junior class. Guden and Folan are the top returning scorers, while Mackey is back for a second season as the starter.
Nobles
Coach: Tom Resor
2023-24 record: 27-0-4, beat Williston in championship of Chuck Vernon Elite 8 tournament
Players to watch: Molly MacCurtain, F; Calleigh Brown, F; Gretta Hulbig, F; Catherine McCool, F; Rachael Zhao, F; Ava Decourcey, D; Laney Mead, D; Maddie Jaeger, D; Reese Engel, D; Nora Shea, D; Annie Spring, G; Annika Jonas, G
Outlook: The Bulldogs return a deep forward group, including last year’s top scorers in Brown and MacCurtain. Hulbig and Zhao are coming off breakout seasons as juniors, while Resor is eager to see what youngsters such as McCool can do after key experience last season. After graduating four pillars on defense, Nobles reloaded, bringing in Decourcey from Tilton as well as Engel and Shea from the MIAA. In net, Spring and Jonas have big shoes to fill after Anya Zupkofska graduated.
RANKINGS: Nobles leads a deep field in girls prep preseason top 10
Northfield Mount Hermon
Coach: Bri Wood
2023-24 result: 1-22-1
Players to watch: Helen Zeaske, G; Sara Carrion, F
Outlook: Northfield Mount Hermon is in a rebuilding phase under new coach Bri Wood, who wants to see her team build a strong foundation going forward. “We will look to play solid team defense and find a footing for the future,” she said. Wood will rely on Zeaske in net, who faced a high shot volume last season, as well as Carrion, who will drive the offense after a concussion held her out for a significant part of last season.
Phillips Andover
Coach: Martha Fenton
2023-24 record: 19-4-2, lost to Williston in semifinals of Chuck Vernon Elite 8 tournament
Players to watch: Caroline Averill, F; Sarah Powers, F; Peyton Kennedy, F; Emily Mara, F; Lilly McInerney, F; Keira Bruen, F; Maggie Averill, D; Molly Boyle, D; Kimee Duplessis, D; Sienna Glass, D; Vanessa Hall, D; Avery Rodeheffer, G
Outlook: The Big Blue bring back nine of their top-10 leading scorers after graduating just three seniors last year. Fenton’s squad is as deep and skilled as they come, with eight double-digit point getters back in the fold, including top forwards in Kennedy, Powers, Mara and Caroline Averill. On defense, Boyle projects as one of NEPSAC’s top blueliners again, while Maggie Averill leads a strong group of underclassmen. Rodeheffer continues to improve in net, too. Andover is firmly among the early favorites.
Phillips Exeter
Coach: Sally Komarek
2023-24 result: 12-11-2, lost to Dexter Southfield in quarterfinals of Patsy Odden Large School Tournament
Players to watch: Maria Gray, F; Grace Riley, D; Paisley Meyer, F; Erin Sears, F; Emma Shu, F; Lauren Xu, F; Allie Bell, G; Grace Benson, D; Mia Griffith, D; Lainey Fortney, D; Lucy Danielson, D
Outlook: The Big Red return their top five scorers in Gray, Meyer, Sears, Shu and Xu. Komarek is eager to see what Riley can add to the mix as a key addition on the blue line, while Bell, last year’s team MVP, is back for another season as the starter. Freshmen Dominique Reiher and Clara Cary are among the intriguing newcomers as well. Komarek is looking for more consistency out of this year’s group. “We are in an exciting place as a program with such a strong group of returners and a high-impact group of incoming players,” Komarek said. “We are hungry to build off last year’s playoff season and return to postseason play.”
Pingree
Coach: Carey Shugrue
2023-24 result: 6-16-0
Players to watch: Aby Amigo, F; Jaselle Yepez, F; Neely Payne, F; Julia Giordano, D; Harley White, D; Piper Davekos, G
Outlook: Entering her second season with the team, Shugrue is excited about what is ahead for the program after reaching the Eastern Independent League semis last season. Six of the Highlanders’ losses were one-goal games, so Shugrue is looking to turn those Pingree’s way this season. “Our strength of schedule was stronger last year and will be again this year, so we want to keep raising the bar for ourselves and be a stronger contender for the future,” she said. Davekos made the third-most saves of anyone in the NEPSAC as a freshman last season, while top scorers Amigo and Yepez return as well. Giordano will lead the way on the blue line.
MORE GIRLS PREVIEWS: Nobles | Williston Northampton | Phillips Andover | New Hampton
St. Paul's
Coach: Kelli Mackey
2023-24 result: 17-8-1, lost to Nobles in quarterfinals of Chuck Vernon Elite 8 Tournament
Players to watch: Maude Niemann, F; Maggie Berleth, D; Charlie Voge, F; Ava Hunter, F; Caroline Humber, F; Brooklyn Godisak, G; Tess Mulkerron, F; Erin Flaherty, F; Chelsea Bell, D; Maisie Koo, D; Clara Peroni, G
Outlook: Despite graduating some high-end talent from last season’s team, St. Paul’s boasts strong returners. Niemann, Mulkerron and Flaherty are among key names to watch with the forwards, while Berleth, Bell and Koo will lead the blue line. Godisak has big shoes to fill in net, but has performed well when previously called upon. Mackey believes the Big Red remain a top team in New England. “Our team has the potential to make waves this season,” she said. “The girls have had a great offseason with their club teams and are excited to get back. … On paper, we may be young, but we are very excited for the challenges thrown our way.”
Tabor
Coach: Eric Long
2023-24 record: 16-8-2, lost to Williston Northampton in quarterfinals of Chuck Vernon Elite 8 tournament
Players to watch: Adeline Paskowski, D; Julianna Goffredo, F; Lilly Shaughnessy, F; Jen Birolini, F; Lucy Stearns, D; Grace Stirling, F; Avery Olson, G
Outlook: The Seawolves reached the Elite 8 once again last season but bowed out early. Long lost some key producers, but has a group of seniors and juniors ready to build on strong seasons between Goffredo, Shaughnessy, Stearns and Stirling. Olson will be back to man the crease, while Paskowski gives Tabor a top option on the blue line. Birolini will look to make an impact right away after standing out at Pembroke High the last few seasons. The Seawolves are always in the mix for the postseason.
Taft
Coach: Mackenzie Keith
2023-24 result: 8-12-3
Players to watch: Sara Comiskey, F; Brooke McLaughlin, F; Lindsey Pontillo, F; Emily Smith, F; Brighton McMahon, F; Sam Richard, D; Rachel Turer, D; Savoy McMahon, G
Outlook: Taft struggled for offense in a difficult schedule last winter. However, the Rhinos return a strong core, led by juniors McLaughlin and Pontillo, their leading scorers last season. There's plenty of experience, too, between nine seniors, including Comiskey, Richard and Turer. After showing well in a small sample last year, Savoy McMahon has an opportunity to step up in net after starter Truus VanWees graduated.
Thayer
Coach: Michael Flynn
2023-24 result: 16-9-2, lost to BB&N in quarterfinals of Patsy Odden Large School tournament
Players to watch: Morgan McGathey, F; Kate Sullivan, F; Wren Abboud, F; Madeline Call, F; Veronica Taylor, F; Abigail DeAnzeris, D; Emersyn Fisher-Bailey, D; Abigail DeRoeve, D; Madison Hayes, G; Colleen Wallace, G
Outlook: The Tigers returned to the postseason for the first time since 2019 last winter, but fell to eventual champion BB&N. Under new coach Michael Flynn, Thayer returns one of the region's top prospects in McGathey as well as other difference-makers in Sullivan, Abboud, DeAnzeris and more. Expectations remain high. 'We're expecting another visit to the NEPSAC tournament," assistant coach Brad Peterson said.
Westminster
Coach: Sara Ugalde
2023-24 result: 14-8-3, lost to Dexter Southfield in semifinals of Patsy Odden Large School tournament
Players to watch: Bella Zapata, F; Adrienne Hall, F; Alyssa Jimenez, F; Mana Shida, D; Remi Morello, D
Outlook: After reaching the Large School semis last season, Westminster brings in plenty of newcomers to the fold to supplement key returners. Zapata had a standout freshman season for the Martlets, finishing among their top five scorers along with Hall and Jimenez. "There are many new players on the team, so we are excited to see what this group can do," Ugalde said.
Worcester Academy
Coach: Kevin Zifcak
2023-24 result: 10-15-3
Players to watch: Kenzie Hydon, F; Lauren Moran, F; Raquel Walecka, F; Georgia Macinnis, F; Hayley McNeal, D; Lexye Payne, D; Bella LaRoche, G
Outlook: After falling in the Vaillancourt Conference semifinals last season with a young roster, the Hilltoppers return all but four graduated players in 2024-25 with hopes of winning the championship this time around. “Our group of D is strong along with our goalies, so it comes down to putting the puck in the net,” Zifcak said.
