Here are 29 Seacoast high school field hockey players to watch in 2023

With fall approaching, it also brings the high school field hockey season has arrived. Exeter will try to stay on top of its throne in Division I, and teams such as Winnacunnet, Dover, Portsmouth and York will look to contend after coming close to capturing a state title for their respective schools in 2022.

Here are 26 players who will attempt to lead their teams to successful regular season and, they hope, deep into the playoffs:

More: Seacoast high school field hockey 2023: Here's a close look at every local team

Hayden Adams, Winnacunnet High School, senior, forward

To capture Winnacunnet's fifth win in the team's first six games to start last year, Adams scored two goals to help lead the Warriors to 5-0 win over Nashua South.

This season, Adams is already off to a blazing start. In Monday's season-opening win over Timberlane, Adams scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime.

"(Adams) came into this year as a whole new player, and with her speed and stick skills, she's going to be unstoppable," Winnacunnet head coach Heidi Hand said. "(Adams) is a hard worker. We're looking for her aggressiveness to score and be a big impact for us."

More 2023 Seacoast field hockey: Here's a close look at every local team.

Maggie Aldous, Oyster River High School, sophomore, forward

Oyster River head coach Anne Golding is excited for Aldous to contribute to the team this season, and provide a spark to the Bobcats' offense.

"(Aldous) is quick skillful player who has great ball control," Golding said.

Olivia Andersen, Oyster River, senior, center/mid

Andersen was a Division II honorable mention in 2022, and scored both goals in a 2-1 win OT win over Kingswood.

"Andersen is just a phenomenal athlete," Oyster River head coach Anne Golding said. "She makes smart decisions with the ball. She's sure to get the entire team involved, a true leader."

Elsa Bishop, Exeter High School, junior, midfield

Bishop, one of the many talents in the Exeter midfield, showed she is not scared of the big moments. In last season's Division I quarterfinal win over Bishop Guertin, the then-sophomore added a huge insurance goal in the Blue Hawks' 2-0 win.

Grey Bowden, Oyster River, freshman, defense

Though this will be her inaugural varsity season, Bowden is expected to play a big role for the Bobcats, according to head coach Anne Golding,

Ava Brent, York, senior, forward/midfield

Brent, a three-sport athlete, has been steady for the Wildcats field hockey team, and will be called upon to continue her success with York for her senior season.

"(Brent) is stepping into a leadership role this year, and will need to set the example with her play and her experience at the varsity level," York head coach Barb Marois said. "She'll be playing a variety of positions and I will look to her to make an impact wherever she is on the field."

Audrey Carter, Dover, senior, midfield

A 2022 finalist for the Seacoast Sports Awards Field Hockey Player of the Year, Carter once again put together a tremendous season for the Green Wave, and helped Dover make a deep playoff push.

Carter was also a member of last year's Division I all-state first team, and recorded a goal and an assist in a 3-2 semifinal loss to Winnacunnet.

"(Carter) has been with the varsity program for the last four years, and as a two-year captain, she brings a lot of leadership and experience," Dover head coach Sarah Michaud said. "She's very steady and calm under pressure, and just a really good leader for our team."

Olivia Coite, York, senior, forward/midfield

Coite scored a goal in York's 5-0 Class B South quarterfinal win over Morse a season ago, and will make for tough competition alongside teammate Ava Brent and the rest of the Wildcats this year.

"(Coite) is stepping into a leadership role this year, and will need to set the example with her play and her experience at the varsity level," York head coach Barb Marois said. "She'll be playing a variety of positions and I will look to her to make an impact wherever she is on the field."

Natalie Dickson, York, junior, goalie

Dickson is back in goal with another year of experience under her belt this season, which should help the Wildcats go on another deep run in the tournament.

"She'll be asked to take on more of a leadership role organizing the defense in front of her and patrolling the cage," York head coach Barb Marois said.

Noelle French, Traip Academy, sophomore, defense

"Noelle is an emerging star on the Traip field hockey team," Traip Academy head coach Anna Powers said. "Having played mostly midfield, she is now trying out being a forward. This is because her tenacity and motivation to move toward the goal is so great."

Jen Frost, Winnacunnet, senior, forward

Frost, especially last season, showed she doesn't shy away from the big moments, nor the big games. And take last year's regular season overtime game against rival Exeter as an example.

Frost scored the equalizer with 38 seconds left in regulation, and then with 16 seconds remaining in overtime, she scored the game winner. Frost was another nominee for the Seacoast Sports Awards Field Hockey Player of the Year.

"Quiet but skilled player, and a captain this year," Winnacunnet head coach Heidi Hand said. "Hoping she will step in the roll of being a big scorer for us, but also the playmaker on the team."

Cecilia Gagner, Traip Academy, junior, defense

"Cecilia is a very skilled defensive player who you can tell loves her position on the field," Traip Academy head coach Anna Powers said. "She is tough to get by, and is a dedicated, and kind member of our team who will be vital on the field."

Abbie Gaynor, St. Thomas Aquinas, junior, defense

Just a couple of months ago, to end the 2022 school year, Gaynor was hitting grand slams for the St. Thomas Aquinas softball team. She's also dangerous to opponents when it comes to field hockey.

"Abbie is a great leader on the field, she has great communication skills, and is able to really help rally the team both through good times and when things aren't going right on the field," St. Thomas Aquinas head coach Lindsay Dobecki said. "She's also a very adaptable player. We can put her in different positions when we need and that will be key for us this year."

Rylen Gray, Dover, senior, back

Another nominee for the Seacoast Sports Awards Field Hockey Player of the Year, Gray's ability to play her position has been a huge needle mover for the Green Wave over the years.

"Rylen is really the anchor to our back diamond and our defensive structure," Dover head coach Sarah Michaud said. "She's extremely smart, her game IQ is very high."

Gray was a Division I all-state second team selection last season.

"She's really our playmaker back there and she organizes our defensive unit," Michaud added.

Kensley Harris, St. Thomas Aquinas, junior, goalie

A key component returning to the Saints' lineup is Harris, who was a Division III all-state first-team selection last year. Harris had a seven-save, shutout performance in a win over Newfound last season.

"Kensley is an incredible goalkeeper," STA head coach Lindsay Dobecki said. "She has worked hard to improve through the years, and just the skill level she brings to our team as a junior is a real asset for us."

Ella Holland, Marshwood, senior, forward

Holland will have a steady presence for the Hawks' forward line in her final year.

"(Holland) has a big year ahead of her, coming out of an injury last fall," Marshwood head coach Molly Humiston said. "She's high energy and focused at all times. She is a very dependable player who is always in the right place. I think she has something to prove this season and is constantly working to make herself and her teammates better."

Erin Lynch, Dover, junior, midfield

Lynch is coming off a sophomore season where she was named to the Division I all-state second team, and will be a major contributor for Dover this fall.

"She really had a breakout year, and I think this year is going to be big for her," Dover head coach Sarah Michaud said. "She's explosive, she's gritty, she works really hard and she's a great teammate, really encouraging, really positive and really one of the hardest working players."

Elle McDaniel, Marshwood, senior, forward/midfield

McDaniel had three goals and five assists last year for the Hawks and will look to keep up her impactful contributions to the team in her senior season.

"(McDaniel) is one of the those players who is always a little bit scrappy and owns any position she's placed in," Marshwood head coach Molly Humiston said. "She's calm, cool and collected, allowing plays to develop around her while digging deep to maintain the pace of the game. Her quick thinking in the circle is sure to generate ample shots as well."

Sadie McLeod, Oyster River, sophomore, midfield

Before even stepping on the field for her first varsity game as a freshman last season, Oyster River head coach Anne Golding knew McLeod would be a great piece for the Bobcats.

This year, Golding is expecting more of the same for McLeod.

"McLeod is a very strong, smart and capable player," Golding said. "She defends her position well, and I can always count on her for positive and productive steps to the ball."

Sydney Moreau, Portsmouth, senior, midfield

A 2022 Division II All-State honorable mention selection, Moreau is ready to standout again during her senior season.

"Sydney is a quiet leader both on and off the field," Portsmouth head coach Sara Carpenter said. "As a midfielder, her field sense is outstanding and she has a wonderful ability to generate plays that assist our team in moving the ball down the field."

In Portsmouth's semifinal loss to Souhegan last season, Moreau scored the opening goal of the game. She was also one of 15 midseason surprise standout players.

"(Moreau's) defense is equally as impressive," Carpenter said. "She's able to clear the ball cleanly out of the defensive circle and provide her teammates with passes that opens the field up for greater ball movement. Her field hockey sense is amazing."

Amber Morgado, Winnacunnet, sophomore, goalie

Morgado only allowed 14 goals last season as a freshman.

"(Morgado) has a voice on the field and helps her defenders and teammates on where they need to be," Winnacunnet coach Heidi Hand said. "She is aggressive and driven, and works hard everyday."

Emerson Parish, Winnacunnet, senior, forward

Parish, and of course with the help of her teammates, was instrumental in the Warriors nine-game winning streak a season ago, and has been a great and consistent presence for Winnacunnet.

"Being a veteran on the forward line, we're looking for her to lead the underclassmen and show them what needs to be done," Winnacunnet coach Heidi Hand said. "(Parish) scores goals and set up the other forwards, but also helps with her midfielders."

Erika Parker, Marshwood, senior, midfield

Parker, a nominee for the Seacoast Sports Awards Field Hockey Player of the Year for 2022, scored five goals last season for Marshwood, and was also named to Class A South first-team selection. The senior midfielder, also an all-state pick, has a great ability to find the back of the net and will be huge for the Hawks in 2023.

"As our attacking center midfielder, (Parker's) game sense and ability to distribute is imperative to our success," Marshwood head coach Molly Humiston said. "She's not afraid to take risks and carry the ball up the field, but she also knows when to pass. Her composure and intensity is unbeatable."

Lillian Preston, Traip Academy, sophomore, forward

"Lillian Preston brings hustle and skill to our team every day at practice," Traip Academy head coach Anna Powers said. "It is apparent that she practices in the off-season, and takes field hockey seriously."

Nora Rogers, Oyster River, sophomore, forward

Rogers, a Division III all-state honorable mention selection last season, has started strong this year, scoring the Bobcats opening goal in a 3-2 overtime win over Souhegan on Tuesday.

"She's been playing very well, consistent and fast," Oyster River head coach Anna Golding said.

Garen Steiner, Exeter, senior, midfield

Garen Steiner is a versatile player for the Blue Hawks who can defend, as well as create scoring opportunities for others. Steiner assisted teammate Dani Caron's goal in Exeter's 2-0 win over Bishop Guertin last season; a play where Caron humbly credited Steiner for making the play happen.

Izzy Steiner, Exeter, senior, midfield

Much like Garen Steiner, Izzy is also a force for the Blue Hawks midfield, and will be a key piece for the team in her senior season.

Irie Weinstein, Portsmouth, freshman, defense

Irie is the first of the two Weinstein twins who are set to take on the varsity landscape representing the Clippers, and is already a "phenomenal defender," said Portsmouth head coach Sara Carpenter.

"She's little, but she's so fast and has such phenomenal field sense," Carpenter said. "She's very coachable. She knows the game, but is also willing to listen to what coaches are asking her to do."

Shiloh Weinstein, Portsmouth, freshman, forward

While Irie Weinstein is causing havoc on the defensive side of the ball, Shiloh has the ability to put points on the scoreboard.

"Playing that center forward, (Shiloh) is able to see the field really well," Portsmouth head coach Sarah Carpenter said. "She also works to generate those scoring opportunities by getting the ball out wide to the wings, having the wings pass it in and then her being there to tip it in."

Carpenter added, "Her sense of where the goal is and what she needs to do to work to get that ball into the cage is just phenomena. She's seemingly where she needs to be almost all of the time."

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This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: 29 Seacoast NH ME high school field hockey players to watch in 2023