Despite a winning 12-7 record, Rye field hockey’s 2024 season ended in a way that’s become inevitable for teams in Section 1 Class B: with a loss to Lakeland.
After beating the Garnets in the section semifinals, the Hornets won the section title for a 15th straight year and advanced all the way to the state finals.
Fortunately for Rye, this year’s roster is practically set after losing just three seniors, former co-captains Caroline Doyle and Kate Morreale, along with Rachel Kelly-Walsh. With 17 returning varsity players, there won’t be many changes on the field.
A major change on the sidelines, however, is the naming of new head coach Valerie Perkins. The alum of Lakeland and Quinnipiac, a Division I field hockey program, takes over for former coach Kelly Vegliante at Rye.
“They did have a very strong season last year to make it to section semifinals and to lose to Lakeland, it just shows how strong of a team that they are,” Perkins said. “Especially with so many incoming returners, I’m excited to see the potential that this team will have for this upcoming season.”
Among the 11 returning seniors is Beau Whaling, a captain last season, plus new captains Cara Bartlett and Sienna Myers. Other returning senior standouts include Issy Mann, Kira Woolsey, and Chloe Holden, the starting goalie.
“The seniors have been great in showing me some of their traditions that they’ve had,” Perkins said. “I’m just excited to keep pushing them and getting to know their team culture and traditions more, and how I can blend with them.”
The seniors have been hosting optional practices over the summer for returners to keep their skills sharp and for potential newcomers to demonstrate initiative and commitment before official tryouts on Aug. 25.
Other returning varsity member include juniors Cate Puzzuoli, Liv Prata, and Tessa Zicari; sophomores Robyn Wilmot and Kaitlyn Coyne; and freshman Eveline Luth, who already has varsity experience after being pulled up for a few games last season.
Perkins appears eager to meet an experienced team where they are and help guide them toward a deep postseason run, perhaps offering insights that can get Rye over the hump against her alma mater, Lakeland.
“I want our team to be competitive and supportive of each other, so that we can really push each other and test our limits,” Perkins said. “I definitely would love to make it into playoffs and just be competitive in every game. You can always learn something from a game — if you win, if you lose — and just continuing to learn and grow throughout the whole season.”
Rye’s season opener is Sept. 3 at Pelham. The home opener will be two days later against Ursuline on Sept. 5.
