High School Sports |

Capital Gazette 2024 high school field hockey preview: Shrinking numbers affecting many programs

It’s fitting in a morose, metaphorical sense that field hockey is a fall sport. Like autumn colors, the players’ skills are brightening under the increase of club play, like green leaves to brilliant red and gold – apt, considering how it aids red and gold teams like projected front-runners Crofton, Broadneck and Archbishop Spalding.

But then, like leaves, the overall numbers in the county are falling drastically, too.

Seven programs cannot field junior varsity teams this year: Old Mill, Arundel, Glen Burnie, Meade, North County, Northeast and Severn Run, notwithstanding the last is a new team. Anne Arundel coaches who can carry JV report hearing from out-of-county coaches pleading for a game, citing that their own league is short of JV teams.

It might be a problem for Old Mill down the road, if not already. The Patriots lost 11 athletes to the Severn Run redistricting. There are only five juniors and no sophomores or freshmen. Several former Old Mill JV players line the Wolves’ varsity roster now.

“Long term, I don’t know what the future holds,” Old Mill coach Stephanie Shanahan said.

It’s not just the addition of Crofton four years ago or Severn Run this fall at the root, though most of the schools lacking a JV team are those split by those schools’ openings. Longtime Archbishop Spalding field hockey coach Leslee Brady chalks up some of the decline to a lack of feeder recreational programs, a loss that former Indian Creek and current Severn Run coach Jesse Larson backed up.

Day camps and “try it” days are being offered to try to counteract the field hockey decline, Chesapeake coach Stacey Mackintosh said. But as the numbers slip, some coaches fear the divide between the perennial powerhouses and the others will deepen.

“It seems like the top teams — Crofton, Broadneck, Severna Park, Chesapeake, etc … — continue to grow while other schools continue to lose numbers,” Shanahan said. “It’s hard to see how we can even begin to compete.”

On the bright side, there’s still a full season ahead. Here is more about county teams.  (Editor’s note, not every coach responded to requests for information):

Annapolis Area Christian School

Coach: Jules Riley, second season

Last season: 6-6

Region/Conference: IAAM C

Top returners: Senior Grace Knapp (M); junior Sydney Ahmed (M).

Outlook: With six incoming players into the smaller program, the challenge lies in merging the new and veteran into a seamless team. Still, coach Riley said her Eagles have the right attitude about it.

Coach’s thoughts: “The team will rely on the returning players to set the foundation on the field, showing the new players how to play as a unit. I am excited to see how the team does over the team and look forward to being a part of their overall growth.”

Annapolis

Last season: 4-6

Region/Conference: 4A East Region I

Coach: Kristin Burke, fifth season

Top returners: Seniors Marina Moore (D), Shanley May (F), Hannah Ditmars (M) and Sadie Steffens (GK); junior Maggie Moylan (M).

Newcomer to watch: Sophomore Ella Schubert (M).

Outlook: The Panthers have had to do some shuffling with key positions graduated, especially among defense and the midfield. Even so, Burke is anticipating a lot from her newcomers and those taking up the new roles.

Coach’s thoughts: “We have a small team, but team cohesion and trust will be key to our growth and success this season.”

Archbishop Spalding

Coach: Leslee Brady, 26th season

Last season: 15-1, IAAM A Conference finalist

Region/Conference: IAAM A

Top returners: Seniors Skylar Gilman (F), Stella Bumgarner (D), Jilly Lawn (D), Carys Donahoe (M), Gabby Prentice (GK) and Ainsley Pearce (GK); sophomore Paige Sanborn (F).

Outlook: Graduation cost the near-champion Cavaliers seven seniors, but that pales in comparison to what they keep. Fifteen seniors, including six four-year players, hunger for a chance to be more than finalists.

Coach’s thoughts: “Although in the IAAM, once you get to the quarterfinals, it’s anybody’s ball game.”

Arundel

Coach: Megan Mulherin, first season

Last season: 2-10

Region/Conference: 3A East Region I

Top returners: Senior Reese Beard (F); juniors Amanda Lloyd (M) and Sienna Steg (M).

Outlook: Times have been rougher for the Wildcats since Crofton’s opening four years ago, but Mulherin is hopeful as Arundel’s numbers start to improve.

Coach’s thoughts: “I’m excited for what is to come this season.”

Broadneck

Coach: Shannon Hanratty, sixth season

Last season: 16-2, county champions, state semifinalist

Region/Conference: 4A East Region II

Top returners: Seniors Faith Everett (M), Raleigh Kerst (F), Katelyn Kearns (M), Grace Figueroa (D) and Mia Moody (GK).

Outlook: The Bruins suffered a blow when they lost three-year contributor Chloe Page to injury, but make no mistake, they’ll be one of the best. Those mentioned above represent a stalwart senior class that helped guide Broadneck to glory a couple years back and will continue to stand tall. Early-September games against Spalding and Crofton should give an idea as to what’s what.

Coach’s thoughts: “The goal is to continue to develop as a team and make progress each time we step on the field together. We are eager to test ourselves and see where we stand and where we have room to grow for the 2024 season.”

Chesapeake

Coach: Stacey Mackintosh, fifth season

Last season: 9-5

Region/Conference: 2A North Region II

Top returners: Senior Caitlyn Zabko (GK); juniors Austin McFarland (M) and Ava Hoyer (D/M); sophomores Bryn Vickery (M) and Caitlin Wolff (F/M).

Newcomers to watch: Sophomores Emersen Miller (M) and Lucy Culp (M); freshmen Kaitlain Belher (M) and Saniyah Kellerward (M).

Outlook: An entire midfield line – a portion of 13 seniors – won’t suit up for Chesapeake this fall, leaving the remaining Cougars to figure it out. Mackintosh is gladdened already by the communication skills and work ethic she sees from her current roster, as well as “unselfish” passing and plays and quality stickwork. There’s a “fearless” aspect to them, she said.

Coach’s thoughts: “To have a successful year, this team will have to quickly  adjust to the speed of a varsity level game, which I have faith they will do very quickly. They will have to work hard and play as a team in an unselfish manner. A key thing they will have to continue doing as a group is to keep positive and bring each other up during difficult or frustrating moments.”

Crofton

Coach: Amy Skrickus, fourth season

Last season: 16-2, state champions

Region/Conference: 4A East Region I

Top returners: Seniors Karryn Dean (M), Charlotte DeForest (F), Olivia Feeley (F), Ryleigh Osborne (GK), Mary-Cate Parks (F), Lyla Poknis (D) and Bree Riggs (D); juniors Hailee Humphrey (D) and Jackie Kerner (M).

Outlook: It’s not a secret that losing the indomitable Kylie Corcoran – last year’s Player of the Year and a leading scorer in two state title runs – is unfortunate. On the other hand, the Cardinals are absolutely loaded with seasoned talent. The vast majority of the starting crop return, firmly anchored by All-American goalkeeper Osborne.

Coach’s thoughts: “We’re looking to fill a few spots from graduation but have girls ready to step in. Our strong defensive unit returns from last season.”

Glen Burnie

Coach: Tracee Simms, sixth season

Last season: 6-6

Region/Conference: 4A East Region II

Top returners: Seniors Sydney Green (GK) and Rosslyn Reyes-Velasquez (F); junior Melany Tello (F); sophomore Madisyn Fernandez (M).

Outlook: Speed and discipline are necessities for Glen Burnie this year. The Gophers lost eight seniors (as well as the numbers needed for a junior varsity team). In their stead are eight returners and a crew of players who’ve never played field hockey before and eight returners – bound together by four-year starting goalkeeper Green.

Coach’s thoughts: “[Green] will lead the team with help in each area of the field from our other key players. Our newness will be our biggest obstacle this year, but it will also be our biggest strength as our newer, younger players are excited to work hard and be part of this team.”

Meade

Coach: Lorrie Short, seventh season

Last season: N/A

Region/Conference: 4A East Region I

Top returners: Seniors Julia Clore, Yanderi Ramirez, Adria Song, Jhelsey Taylan, and Sarah Woods; juniors Lilly Boyd, Denise Walker and Trilby Moore; sophomore Cyra Potts.

Newcomers to watch: Maryi Claros, Aiyanna Nida, Erika Perez, Yashi Shah, Ava Garrison-Brown, Taryn Jeter, and Keana Zemke.

Coach’s thoughts: “The ladies are excited for the season and wish all teams the best of luck.”

North County

Coach: Britney Castle, 2nd season

Last season: 10-4, state quarterfinalist

Region/Conference: 3A East Region I

Top returners: Seniors Mikayla Petersen (F), Shyann Giunta (F), Maggie Blanford (M), Kayleigh Parks (D); juniors Roxy Stephenson (F) and Katie Von Berg (M).

Outlook: The Knights made a historic run when they captured their region championship last year but have since suffered the curses of graduation and Severn Run redistricting. That said, the team’s made a difficult schedule to try and stay their new course.

Coach’s thoughts: “North County is approaching the season with a growth mindset, and is set on consistent improvement. Growing the team’s game IQ, decision making skills, and basic stick skills has been essential.”

Old Mill

Coach: Stephanie Shanahan, second season

Last season: 5-9

Region/Conference: 3A East Region I

Top returners: Seniors Tori Martz (M), Lindsey Soistman (D), Riley Kellner (D) and Addison Guthrie (GK).

Outlook: This might be a do or die year for Old Mill, at least for the moment. The Patriots field zero underclassmen and a handful of juniors but carry 13 seniors on the roster.

Coach’s thoughts: “They stand strong on defense and are able to maintain their composure. We are working and making progress on converting in the circle.”

Severn Run

Coach: Jesse Larson, first season

Last season: N/A

Region/Conference: 3A East Region I

Top players: Senior Alaina Simonson; juniors Fallon Liddy, Anna Cerria, Layla Cook-Torres and Ella Neff.

Coach’s thoughts: “We have a lot of juniors, so we are looking to build the foundation of our program by recruiting freshmen and sophomores and reaching out to the middle and elementary school programs.”

Severna Park

Coach: Shannon Garden, seventh season

Last season: 11-6, state semifinalist

Region/Conference: 3A East Region I

Top returners: Seniors Emma Weber (D), Ava Zimmerman (M), Kelsey Rowe(F/M), Sydney Day (F) and Camryn Lowman (G).

Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Sophia Weber (F/M) and Grace Redmond (F).

Outlook: The Falcons should still be considered in the top five. They’d only graduated four players that journeyed to the 3A state final four last fall and that only lost to nationally-ranked teams.

Coach’s thoughts: “We are taking on some tough out of conference games with St. Mary’s, Kent Island, and ranked teams from New York and New Jersey to prepare us even more.”

South River

Coach: Kate Norman, first season

Last season: 9-7

Region/Conference: 3A East Region I

Top returners: Seniors Kelly Webber (M), Natalie Groff (D) and Ella Lovelace (M); sophomore Lauren Reidy (F).

Newcomers to watch: Freshman Emma Bonaccorsy (GK).

Outlook: The Seahawks skew young with nine freshmen and sophomores intended to buoy the seasoned upperclassmen, ultimately aiming to craft a stronger offense and defense together.

Coach’s thoughts: “The goal for this year is to steadily improve during the regular season and county tournament to peak in the playoffs. We know that there are a number of strong teams on our schedule who will challenge us every night.

Southern

Coach: Cindy Gray, 14th season

Last season: 5-8, state quarterfinalist

Region/Conference: 1A East Region I

Top returners: Seniors Grace Legacy (D), EmmaKate Derrick (M) and Kaylee duCellier (F); junior Rylee Hardesty (D).

Newcomers to watch: Juniors Rylee Catterton (GK) and Caroline Harding (D); freshman Mackenzie Nutwell (M).

Outlook: The Bulldogs suffered greatly when senior captain Molly Durkin tore her ACL in the spring, sidelining her from field hockey now. That said, Southern’s chances of vying for a four-peat in its region are well-bolstered by nine seniors and other returning juniors.

Coach’s thoughts: “Southern has gained over their last three seasons earning the title of region champs back to back to back. Goalie Rylee Catterton is beyond ready for her first full season as the varsity starter with her communication, hard work and skill anchoring Southern’s team as we make another run towards a region title and the state tournament.”

St. Mary’s

Coach: Karen Zarchin, fourth season

Last season: 16-4, conference champions

Region/Conference: IAAM B

Top returners: Seniors Avery Bourke (M), Emmy McCarthy (GK) and Nora McLaughlin (D); juniors Addy Drain (M), Ryleigh Kline (F), Maeve O’Hare (F) and Abigail Thompson; sophomores Finley Davidson (D/M), Ava Boland (F), Natalie McLaughlin (D) and Paige Heary (D).

Newcomers to watch: Junior Savannah Kishis; sophomores Abby Johnson, Maeve Brownell, Amelia McCormack and Clara Mullen.

Outlook: St. Mary’s has a good chance of blowing through the B Conference, and considering the Saints scheduled games against Crofton, Spalding, Broadneck and the like, they know it.

Coach’s thoughts: “Still a young team, the Saints are eager to work hard this fall with the same grit and tenacity that we started to show in 2023. We look to rebound from the loss of our six seniors in 2023 and our senior captain Marin Hodor. The IAAM B Conference is stacked with talent which will create many competitive games this fall.”