Here’s what you need to know for the 2024 high school field hockey season in the Baltimore area:
Storylines to watch
New coaches take reins
Two of the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland’s most successful programs welcome new coaches this season, with Alli Bitting taking over for Mimi Smith at Garrison Forest and Carey Fetting-Smith succeeding Jeanette Budzik at Bryn Mawr. Bitting, Garrison’s assistant director of admissions for the past two years, was a three-time All-American midfielder at Louisville, leading the Cardinals to the 2020 NCAA semifinals before being named Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. She succeeds Smith, who is now an assistant coach at William & Mary. At Bryn Mawr, Fetting-Smith has been elevated from her role as assistant coach to succeed Budzik, who has retired after coaching for 35 years. The 2001 Bryn Mawr graduate led the Mawrtians to four straight conference championships.
Garrison vs. Spalding
Expect the rivalry between Archbishop Spalding and Garrison Forest to continue this season. The teams have met in the IAAM A Conference finals every season since 2019, with the Grizzlies winning three of those four matchups, including last year’s 3-1 win at Stevenson University. All told, Garrison has won six of the past nine games in the series, outscoring the Cavaliers by two goals during that span. Now, both will again start the season ranked in The Baltimore Sun’s top five, with their lone regular-season meeting scheduled for Oct. 22 in Owings Mills.
Title town?
Celebrating state titles has almost become routine in Anne Arundel County, which has been home to at least one state champion every season since 2011, a streak likely to continue. In fact, the past 12 Class 4A champions have hailed from Anne Arundel, including Crofton last year. The county’s preponderance of recreation and club programs has been a major factor in the success of teams such as Crofton, Broadneck and Severna Park, as well as private school programs such as Archbishop Spalding and St. Mary’s.
Ranked and filed
Five Baltimore-area teams begin the season ranked in MAX Field Hockey’s 2024 Mid-Atlantic Region Top 20. They include defending Class 4A champion Crofton at No. 5, Class 4A state semifinalist Broadneck at No. 7, IAAM A Conference champion Garrison Forest at No. 8, A Conference runner-up Archbishop Spalding at No. 10 and A Conference semifinalist Bryn Mawr at No.18. Two other teams, Glenelg and Notre Dame Prep, were also considered.
City of One
Though field hockey has yet to gain much traction in Baltimore City, one program continues to show promise. City College will enter its second year at the varsity level after several seasons as a club. The Knights will be the only team from the city to compete this season, playing a schedule filled with opponents from Baltimore and Harford counties. Despite graduating several seniors, coach Krissy Johnson had 15 players on her roster entering fall practice and is hoping to be competitive while building toward the future.
Players to watch
Alayna Enoff, South Carroll, junior, midfield
The defending Carroll County Times Player of the Year often came up big last season, scoring a pair of game-winners and leading her team to a 14-3 record and the Class 1A state title. She finished with 13 goals and 13 assists.
Faith Everett, Broadneck, senior, midfield-forward
A versatile player with great speed, quick hands and a strong field sense, the Maryland commit finished with 16 goals and nine assists while moving seamlessly between forward and midfield. She’s hard to shut down and always finds a way to get her shot off.
Brinkley Eyre, Glenelg, senior, midfield
The Maryland commit had 17 goals and 15 assists to help lead the Gladiators to their third straight Class 2A state title. She stepped up on the biggest stages, contributing to 11 of her team’s 18 goals in the playoffs.
Spalding’s Skylar Gilman, left, is a University of Maryland commit. She totaled 14 goals and seven assists last season. (John Gillis/Freelance)
Skylar Gilman, Archbishop Spalding, senior, forward
The Maryland commit finished with 14 goals and seven assists, using her speed, field awareness and stick skills to shred opposing defenses. Five of the third-team All-American’s goals were game-winners.
Raleigh Kerst, Broadneck, senior, forward
Kerst had a breakout season after missing nearly all of 2022 with an injury. The Ohio State commit finished with a school-record 21 goals to go with nine assists, time and again weaving into tight spaces and getting her shot off.
Penelope Kousouris, Bryn Mawr, senior, midfield
This Wake Forest commit is a dynamic player — quick, strong and highly skilled, with a gift for controlling the midfield. She finished this season with five goals and six assists to lead the Mawrtians to 10 wins and a No. 6 area ranking.
Jilly Lawn, Archbishop Spalding, senior, defense
A major factor in the Cavaliers’ nine shutouts, the Miami (Ohio) commit led the team with seven defensive saves. The center back showed tremendous poise in organizing her defense and made a habit of cleanly and quickly stepping up to the ball.
Mt. Hebron’s Anna Lindner had 14 goals and 14 assists to lead the Vikings to a state championship last season. (Brian Krista/Staff)
Anna Lindner, Mount Hebron, senior, defense-midfield
A key player in her team’s run to its first Class 3A state title, Lindner finished with 14 goals and 14 assists. Coach Jeannette Ireland calls her the team’s best passer, consistently making stops near midfield and triggering the counterattack.
Ryleigh Osborne, Crofton, senior, goalie
The junior’s standout agility and quick reactions helped her stop 92 of 99 shots for a .929 save percentage. The Maryland commit recorded 12 shutouts, including a 2-0 win over defending 4A champion Broadneck in the state semifinals, in becoming a second-team All-American.
Izzy Vickery, Garrison Forest, senior, forward
Vickery finished with nine goals and three assists last season for the IAAM A Conference champions, using her speed and advanced field sense to excel at both forward and midfield. She is dynamic in the open field and fearless in the circle.
Preseason Top 15 teams
1. Crofton
Coach: Amy Skrickus
Last season: 16-2 overall, No. 1 ranking
Postseason: Class 4A state champion
Outlook: The Cardinals will vie for their third straight state title a year after outscoring their opponents 94-9 and avenging two losses to Broadneck with a 2-0 win in the Class 4A state semifinals. They return a plethora of seniors, including All-Metro and second-team All-American goalie Ryleigh Osborne, who saved 92% of shots against her a year ago. Also back are second-team All-Metro defender Bree Riggs, as well as potent forward Olivia Feeley (10 goals, 11 assists) and talented junior midfielder Jackie Kerner.
2. Broadneck
Coach: Shannon Hanratty
Last season: 16-2, No. 4
Postseason: Class 4A state semifinalist
Outlook: First-team All-Metro midfielder Faith Everett (16 goals, 9 assists) and forward Raleigh Kerst (21 goals, 9 assists) return for the defending Anne Arundel County champions, who will feature a mix of experienced veterans and talented youth. Fellow seniors, including midfielder Katelyn Kearns (14 goals, 13 assists), defender Grace Figueroa and goalie Mia Moody, also will play key roles for a team that twice defeated eventual Class 4A state champion Crofton a year ago.
3. Archbishop Spalding
Coach: Leslee Brady
Last season: 13-1, No. 3
Postseason: IAAM A Conference finalist
Outlook: After dominating last year’s regular season, including a lopsided win over Garrison Forest, the Cavaliers are out to capture their first A Conference title since 2021. They return 15 seniors, including All-Metro forward Skylar Gilman (14 goals, 7 assists) and defenders Jilly Lawn and Stella Bumgarner, Gilman (Maryland) used her speed and stick skills to score five game-winners, while Bumgarner (Duke) and Lawn (Miami of Ohio) were major factors in their team’s nine shutouts.
Garrison Forest field hockey poses with the IAAM A Conference championship plaque after beating Spalding, 3-1. (Rich Scherr/Freelance)
4. Garrison Forest
Coach: Alli Bitting
Last season: 11-3, No. 2
Postseason: IAAM A Conference champion
Outlook: The two-time defending IAAM A Conference champions have a new coach, but a most familiar outlook. Despite losing some star power in the midfield and defense, the Grizzlies feature a strong group of returning juniors and seniors, led by second-team All-Metro forward/midfielder Izzy Vickery (9 goals, 3 assists) and fellow seniors Gracie Kothari (midfield), Alex Jordon (midfield), Maddy Snyder (defense) and Augusta Santarelli (defense). Garrison has gone 23-2 in the A Conference over the past three seasons.
5. Notre Dame Prep
Coach: Katrina Ross
Last season: 13-3-1, No. 7
Postseason: IAAM A Conference semifinalist
Outlook: NDP once again will vie for the top spot in the A Conference with an athletic squad capable of beating any team in the league. Junior Emerson Ross (10 goals, 4 assists, 8 defensive saves), a member of the USA U-16 Women’s National Team, is a defensive specialist who can play anywhere on the field when needed, and junior forward Paige Mogar contributed 10 goals and eight assists as a sophomore. Add to that athletic senior Addison Carey, a three-year starter on defense, and the addition of several newcomers from a strong JV squad, and the Blazers will be tough to beat.
6. Bryn Mawr
Coach: Carey Fetting-Smith
Last season: 10-3, No. 6
Postseason: IAAM A Conference semifinalist
Outlook: Don’t sleep on the Mawrtians, who are young and talented, and hoping to contend for their first conference crown in 15 years. Senior midfielder Penelope Kousouris (Wake Forest) and forward Addie Polakoff (Northeastern) combined for 16 goals and 13 assists last season, and lead a dangerous team whose only losses came against conference finalists Garrison Forest and Archbishop Spalding. Clara Espenshade and Anna Powell, a pair of strong junior defenders, also are back, in addition to a trio of dynamic sophomores active in USA Field Hockey.
7. Glenelg
Coach: Martie Dyer
Last season: 13-2, No. 5
Postseason: Class 2A state champion
Outlook: The three-time defending state champion has more than enough firepower to vie for a fourth straight. Led by returning All-Metro players and Maryland commits midfielder Brinkley Eyre (17 goals, 15 assists) and defender Sarah Walker (9 goals, 3 assists and 8 defensive saves), the Gladiators will mix a handful of returning starters with several talented newcomers. Also back are sophomore forward Meghan Walker, who had 10 goals and three assists, as a freshman, and second-team all-county goalie Trinity Shackelford, who didn’t allow a goal throughout last year’s playoffs.
8. Manchester Valley
Coach: Denean Koontz
Last season: 15-1, No. 8
Postseason: Class 2A state semifinalist
Outlook: After advancing to at least the Class 2A state semifinals each of the past three years, the Mavericks again appear in prime position to vie for their first title. Back is All-Metro senior midfielder Sophie Baer (4 goals, 11 assists), who played a key role in the middle of the field as Manchester Valley outscored opponents 87-1 in winning its first 14 games last season. Also back is junior forward Amanda Herrold (11 goals, 8 assists), who can use her crafty stickwork to dominate the left side of the field, as well as talented seniors Liz Szybalski (midfield/defense) and Shelby Wurzburger (attack).
9. Severna Park
Coach: Shannon Garden
Last season: 11-6, No. 10
Postseason: Class 3A state semifinalist
Outlook: Experience abounds for the Falcons, who return 14 varsity players and only lost four to graduation. Among those returning are first-team all-county senior defender Emma Weber, who had 13 defensive saves to go along with 6 goals and 11 assists, and second-team forward Sydney Day. Seniors Ava Zimmerman (midfield), Kelsey Rowe (forward/midfield) and Camryn Lowman (goalie) also are expected to play important roles, as Severna Park looks to build on its record 25 state championships.
Mt. Hebron players celebrate beating Northern-Calvert in last season’s Class 3A state championship game. (Brian Krista/Staff)
10. Mt. Hebron
Coach: Jeannette Ireland
Last season: 17-2, No. 9
Postseason: Class 3A state champion
Outlook: A year after claiming their first-ever state title, the loaded Vikings are hot on the trail of their second. Led by second-team All-Metro midfielder Anna Lindner (14 goals, 14 assists) and fellow all-county picks Tylar Fleck (23 goals, 6 assists), Annabelle Kazanas (13 goals, 14 assists) and Maddie Casto (8 goals, 8 assists), Ireland’s squad should continue to put up big numbers offensively. Mt. Hebron enters the season riding an area-best 15-game winning streak.
11. St. Mary’s
Coach: Karen Zarchin
Last season: 16-4, No. 11
Postseason: IAAM B Conference champion
Outlook: The defending champions are loaded with enough firepower to not only dominate the B Conference but also compete with most teams in the A. The Saints return a quartet of all-conference players, led by first-team all-county midfielder Ava Boland, who rang up 12 goals and eight assists as a freshman, and junior forward Abigail Thompson. The sophomore-heavy team also features defensive midfielder Finley Davidson (10 goals, 11 assists), a second-team all-county pick as a freshman, and defender Natalie McLaughlin, who played a key role in helping St. Mary’s outscore conference opponents 32-9 last season.
12. South Carroll
Coach: Danielle Gabrish
Last season: 14-3, No. 13
Postseason: Class 1A state champion
Outlook: Most of last year’s state championship squad is back, led by junior Alayna Enoff, a midfielder-forward who earned second-team All-Metro honors with 13 goals and 13 assists, including the game-winner in the Cavaliers’ state semifinal win. Senior Caelin Lopes returns in goal after making 163 saves and earning three shutouts last postseason, and juniors Megan Maynard and Rowan Miller will play key roles on offense. A handful of talented newcomers at midfield could make an immediate impact, as well.
13. John Carroll
Coach: Jazmin Petrantonio
Last season: 11-5, No. 14
Postseason: IAAM B Conference semifinalist
Outlook: Petrantonio, a former assistant at C. Milton Wright, takes over a team that should provide the most formidable competition to St. Mary’s in the IAAM B Conference. The Patriots return 12 seniors, including Samantha Bender, an athletic midfielder headed to Ohio State for lacrosse. She and junior goalie Josie Bianco (Princeton for field hockey) both received all-conference honors a year ago. Add to them a trio of USA Field Hockey Nexus program veterans in junior midfielder Leah Foltyn and sophomores Kamryn Plotts (midfield) and Lilly Welling (defense), and this team should be hard to beat.
14. Maryvale Prep
Coach: Shannon Radebaugh
Last season: 9-7, not ranked
Postseason: IAAM A Conference quarterfinalist
Outlook: The entire defense returns for a team that last year shut down top attacks in wins over Mt. Hebron, Hereford and Notre Dame Prep. Senior Bella Marson, junior Heidi Radebaugh, senior Claire Rice and senior Maura Rigley played every minute of every game a season ago, and will again team with all-conference goalie Hannah Brooks (156 saves) to make the Lions difficult to score on. The question for Maryvale will be offense, with someone needing to step up following the graduation of All-Metro midfielder Tara Radebaugh. If this team finds scoring, it might be tough to beat.
15. Bel Air
Coach: Megan Lukasavage
Last season: 10-5, not ranked
Postseason: Class 3A North Region I semifinalist
Outlook: A strong mix of returning starters and talented underclassmen should help give the Bobcats the edge in Harford County. Dynamic midfielder Paige Feick (14 goals, 23 assists) returns for her fourth season as a starter, driving an offense that scored three or more goals 11 times last season. Senior forward Bella León (5 goals, 5 assists), defender Julian Feurer, goalie Sydney Kennedy and forward Kaitlyn Carlsen will also play key roles in addition to junior Amelia Mason and three-year starter Avery Frank (8 goals). Bel Air dominated in the second half of last season, at one point posting six straight shutouts before falling to Towson in the playoffs.
Others considered: Century (7-7), Dulaney (10-6), Francis Scott Key (10-5-1), Hereford (14-3), Towson (7-5)