Division III has featured some well-played soccer in the last few years, but certainly some domination as well. 

 Hopkinton has been one of the best programs in all of the state. Four straight titles are nothing short of amazing. It has been quite the run for the Hawks. 

 For some time, it felt like a new champion may be crowned, as St. Thomas gave the Hawks all they could handle until the final whistle. 

 Both of those teams will be right back atop the table, and others will be joining them. 

 Teams like Derryfield, Stevens, Trinity and Gilford feel that the division is up for grabs for the first time in quite a while. 

 Atop the table will be hectic, and the middle doesn't get any easier. There aren't too many easy games on anyone's schedule this season. 

  Our preview today is brought to you by our Lakes Region partner Kevin Shaw at Roche Realty!

 

Pre-Season Top 10

1. Hopkinton 

2. St. Thomas Aquinas 

3. Stevens

4. Derryfield

5. Trinity 

6. Gilford

7. Prospect Mountain 

8. Hillsboro-Deering

9. Belmont 

10. Raymond

 

 The back-to-back-to-back-to-back state champion Hopkinton Hawks could be in for a fifth consecutive title this season. The senior class that departed last season was certainly the catalyst in this great run, but the girls returning this season are ready to keep the train rolling. 

 “We are still going to be a force to be reckoned with,” said head coach Mike Zahn.”I told my girls everyone is gunning to beat us.” 

 The target is certainly on their backs, but most of these girls have played meaningful minutes in the past four runs. 

 The Hawks will be a bit on the younger side this season, taking three freshmen on the varsity roster, but return an experienced senior class. “They know the philosophy and style of play,” said Zahn. 

 Elise Miner has been a strong center midfielder for Hopkinton but may find some time at the forward spot this season. 

 Paige Martin will return to the midfield and Lexi Lawler steps back into a center-back position she took over and commanded for most of last season. 

 The jack-of-all-trades for the Hawks is Maddie Carmichael, who may play both in the field and also in the goal. “Maddie is a heck of an athlete,” said Zahn. “She has always played forward for me, but with her height and athleticism, I approached her about playing goalie. She said ‘I’ll do whatever you want coach.’ That is who Maddie is. A cool kid who is willing to do anything.” 

 That group will have a huge impact on how far Hopkinton can go this season. “They have been the best leaders I have had in five years,” said Zahn. They’ve stepped up to the plate.” 

 Junior Lizz Holmes is viewed as a “go-to player this year” and could see some time at the forward and center mid positions. 

 Katie Brown returns after an ACL injury suffered in the first game of the year last season and returns to the starting right back spot. 

 Kennedy Mark is a “tough as nails” midfielder willing to run through any tackle and freshman Ane Pearce has shown a lot at the center back position early on with her ability to cut off runs. “We have good role players around that core group which is nice to have,” said Zahn. 

 While this won’t be the most dominant team that Hopkinton has put together over the past few years, it is certainly one with the integrity and skill to be crowned Division III champions again. “Lose a game, get scored on first, they can overcome adversity,” said Zahn. “If we win again we win again. If we don’t, we work our hardest to get to that point.” 

 St. Thomas Aquinas found their stride at the best time last season and carried that to a championship appearance. The Saints were 1-1 with arguably one of the best teams in the state last season in a game that could have gone either way. 

 “We had a great season last year,” said head coach Patrick Hureau. “We controlled play against an unbelievably talented Hopkinton team.” 

 Eight of 11 starters return for the Saints and have a core that has gotten valuable experience the last few seasons. “They are a real positive group of girls,” said Hureau. “They want to get better, they want to win, and they want to play soccer the right way. I am lucky to have such an awesome group to coach.” 

 First-team all-state midfielder Ella Pottle is the centerpiece of the St. Thomas attack. “She is probably the best player in our division,” said Hureau. “She has kind of been the glue that has held us together. Ella gets a lot of things going for us. The play usually starts or finishes with the ball on her foot in terms of scoring opportunities.” 

 With a stellar shot and impeccable work ethic, Pottle will be a focal point in the Saint's success this season. 

 Maddie Karsonovich had a breakout season as a sophomore. “Her confidence level coming into last season was different,” said Hureau. “She is incredibly fast and has tremendous ball control.” 

 Karsonovich led the Saints in scoring last season and earned herself a first-team nod as a forward. “We will rely on her to get the offense going,” said Hureau. 

 Abby Rayder joined the team last year as a junior and made an immediate impact as the starting goalkeeper. “She is a tremendous athlete,” said Hureau. “She is always encouraging people, always has a smile on her face, works super hard in practice. Abby is the ideal student-athlete to coach.” 

 Rayder’s athleticism may be seen in other aspects of the field this season. “She would be a major threat in the field as well,” said Hureau. “She may play a bit in the field as well since she can have such an impact there.” 

 The chemistry of this team is what can put St. Thomas over the top this season. “We became a much more patient team last year,” said Hureau. “Our group started to read off each other last season. They knew where their teammates were going to be, and what their tendencies were. We slowed the game down and played simple soccer.” 

 Simple soccer is where it will begin for the Saints, and that will hopefully lead them far into the postseason. “I think the goal ultimately is to win a championship,” said Hureau. “The girls expect that of themselves and are capable of getting back. If everything goes the way we would like it to we can be back in the mix come late October.” 

 Stevens makes the move down to Division III this season and is in search of a new identity after graduating an impactful senior class. “It has been a lot of learning and adjustments early on,” said head coach Tim St. Pierre. 

 A big boost will be getting Stella Lavertue back on the field after a collarbone injury derailed her season last year. The Cardinals’ leading goal scorer will certainly have an impact up top. “She will be a key going forward,” said St. Pierre. 

 Senior Hailey Knight is a three-year starter in goal for Stevens and is as good as they come at the position. “You will have to earn your goals against us,” said St. Pierre. 

 Alyssa Paquette returns to the team after not playing the last few seasons, and her impact should be felt right away. “What a breath of fresh air she has been,” said St. Pierre. “Alyssa is a really good soccer player.” 

 The chemistry of this team is what has stood out early on, and St. Pierre believes that will bolster their success early on. “This is the best chemistry I have had in probably a decade,” said St. Pierre. “This is the most fun preseason I have ever had.” 

 Stevens has the experience, the chemistry, and now it will be about competing with Division III’s best. “We will have some early season tests,” said St. Pierre. “We are ready for those challenges. Our group was competitive in Division II last year. I think we will be a tough out when it is all said and done.” 

 Derryfield is motivated to return atop the Division III standings and head coach Joel Hatin feels his team has promising potential. “The goal right now is how do we finish executing on what was started last year?” said Hatin.

 A strong group of seniors returns to lead the team and the underclassmen have had an immediate impact on the group. “We want to increase our depth and get fresh legs on the field when needed,” said Hatin. 

 Senior Ashley Hardner will hold down the fort in goal for the Cougars. “She is one of the better goalies I have seen,” said Hatin. “Ashley can cover post to post.” 

 Hardener will be a captain alongside fellow senior Christine Nadeau who will be atop the Cougar offense this season. “I am excited about Christine and Ashley leading the team this year,” said Hatin. “The leadership is driving the direction.” 

 Junior Sam Chappell is new to Derryfield but hasn’t missed a bit with the team. “She is an outstanding defensive player and defensive holding mid for us,” said Hatin. 

 Another junior who has stepped up is Ingrid Bjornas. “Ingrid has a good skill set,” said Hatin. “She can distribute the ball very well for us.” 

 Two freshmen that have stood out for Derryfield have been Chloe Larson and Almedina Ahmetobic. Larson will be on the attacking side of things while Ahmetobic will play a variety of roles for the Cougars this season.

 The big loss this season will be Lilly Losey, who is sidelined with an injury for the year. The group has certainly picked up their play in her absence and will need to keep that level of play going as the season progresses. 

 With the experience and youthful talent Derryfield puts on the field this year, the Cougars feel like they can be amongst the best in the division.“The seniors feel that they didn’t finish the job last year,” said Hatin. “The job is not done, they have more work to do. “If they can focus on the things we are executing on it is in our reach.”

  The Gilford Golden Eagles were right in the mix last season and hope to replicate that performance and improve upon it this fall. Even after losing a good senior class, head coach Rob Meyers has high hopes for the core that returns. “We want to be competitive in every game,” said Meyers. 

 Vanessa Flanders will be a calming presence on the defensive end and right behind her is goalkeeper Hannah Gannon, who is a two-year starter coming off a 10 shutout season in 2021. 

 Sophomore Gracey Leblanc will join Flanders on the backline and has done a nice job of being vocal from the center-back position. 

 Allie Kenyon is an all-state midfielder with a strong shot and a knack for distributing the ball. The senior will certainly be in the middle of the Golden Eagles’ offensive plans this season. 

 Joining Kenyon is junior Millie Caldon, another all-state player in the midfield who has great vision on the offensive end and is a good defender when called upon.

 Anna Coapland brings more playmaking ability in the midfield to round things out for Gilford in the middle. 

 Senior Margaret Cummings just joined the team this season after moving from Massachusetts. Cummings is a strong athlete who could find herself in a variety of positions for Gilford this season. “She will be an instant contributor to our team,” said Meyers. 

 The team will look different, and the schedule will be tougher, but the goal remains the same for Gilford. “We want to be competitive in every game and give ourselves a chance to play in the tournament in November,” said Meyers. 

  Belmont found themselves a few chances away from a trip to the Final Four after a magical postseason run last season. Jeff Malcom settles in for year two in the program and is pleased with the growth his team has made.

 A strong upperclassmen contingent will help lead the Red Raiders this season. “I appreciate the effort the girls have put in so far,” said Malcom. “We have a solid core from the net all the way up the field.” 

 Brooke Matthews was a big reason Belmont was in so many games last season with her ability to protect the goal. “She made some saves a short girl like her I didn’t think was possible,” said Malcom. 

 In front of Matthews is a strong defense led by Lena Rodrigues and Emma Winslow. The sweeper-stopper combo does a good job of controlling the defense and keeping good shape. 

 The midfield features Quinn Jewell and Helena Papadopoulos. “They hold their own up there,” said Malcom. 

 With a solid forward in Darci Stone up top, Belmont has solid pieces all around the field to work with. 

 “It has mostly been looking at the games we did well in last year and improving upon that,” said Malcom. “We want to look at what we did in close games and get better from that and hold our own against the teams superior to us.” 

 Sanborn makes the move down to Division III this season and head coach Kerrie Alley and her squad are excited for a new environment and division to go up against. 

 “The girls are excited for Division III,” said Alley. “We gave up a year of eligibility for playoffs moving down and that was a team decision. We are hoping to have some opportunities to rebuild and have success.” 

 Emma Soares is one of the three seniors on this year’s team and has been a varsity player since her freshman year. “Emma is a natural leader for us,” said Alley. “She is a tough player who will control the middle of our defense.”

 Joining her in the backfield will be fellow senior Alayna Markee. “She has improved so much since her freshman year,” said Alley. “Alayna is a workhorse.” 

 The last of three seniors is Bella Lelis, who makes up another part of the Sanborn defense. “She brings a lot of personality to our team,” said Alley. “Bella keeps everyone in a positive mood.” 

 Junior Sidney O’Toole has led the team in scoring the last two seasons and will look to do more of the same this fall. “Look for her to continue to put the ball in the back of the net,” said Alley. 

 Kaitlyn Bobseinhad just transferred to Sanborn last year and made a good impact in her first year in the program. “Kaitlyn has good control of the ball in the mid-field,” said Alley. “She distributes well and has good field awareness.” 

 O’Toole and Bobseinhad will look to create a lot of the Sanborn offense on a game-to-game basis. 

 Junior goalie Tori Gibson has seen her fair share of shots the last two years and has held things down in the net for Sanborn. “She took on a lot of shots last year,” said Alley. “What those scores don’t show is how many saves she had. Things could have been a little more painful if we didn’t have her.” 

 While playoff soccer is not in the cards for Sanborn this year, they will look at this season as a year to grow, get acclimated, and get better. “I have been coaching soccer for 26 years and this will probably be one of those top teams that will stick in my mind for a while,” said Alley.

 Head coach Holly Munce is settling in nicely for her first full season as varsity coach for the Berlin Mountaineers. “I am quite excited for the opportunity,” said Munce. “This is very humbling and I have a lot to share with the girls.” 

 Munce has played and coached at both the high school and college levels and has also coached many of the girls on her team since they were in 8th grade. 

 The Mountaineers are a team of primary juniors, and that starts with all-state midfielder Ava Bartoli. “She is the cog that links our offense and defense,” said Munce. 

 Joining Bartoli in the midfield are Abigail Blais and Lena Caouette. “They create a lot of opportunities to send up to our striking zone,” said Munce. 

 In that zone will be forwards Julia Coulombe and Aliyah Paquette. “They are going to be a force to be reckoned with up front,” said Munce. 

 Defensively for Berlin Lily Brungot will be holding down the fort alongside Aspen Langlois. In net is lone senior Alexa Goulet.“She is amazing in net and amazing off the field,” said Munce. 

 Munce has been getting her group to buy in early on. “Everyone is a cog and an important aspect of the team,” said Munce. “We are focused on being a well-oiled machine.” 

 They are focused on three keywords to start the year: effort, sacrifice, and respect. “We are putting aside personal ambitions for the success of the team,” said Munce. “We want to balance the collection of skills we have and create versatility.” 

 In only their third year of being a program, Mascoma Valley and head coach Mark Rockwood are ready to add more pieces to the puzzle. “I am trying to build the program up,” said Rockwood. “They are a group of girls that want to be here.” 

 The seniors on this year's team, Rhiannon Stone and Kayli Stapelfeld played for the boy's team four years ago while they only offered co-ed soccer. “We are hoping to drum up numbers in the middle school program,” said Rockwood. 

 Just 12 girls will suit up for the Royals with a lot of first-year players coming out for the team this year. 

 With a lot of newness on the team, Rockwood is working girls into different positions to see where everyone fits best. “I am a firm believer in players being multidimensional,” said Rockwood. “I want them to learn every position.” 

 Stapelfeld and junior Emily Seiler are players to watch for the Royals this season. “With a little bit of coaching both could be all-state players,” said Rockwood. 

 There will be ups and downs this year, but the experience this group will get for this year and the years to come will only benefit the program. “With the program being fairly new we will work hard every time we step up on the pitch to be a team the whole community can be proud of,” said Rockwood. 

 Devon Spirka takes over for her first year at Conant. The Orioles field just 14, but Spirka likes how the group is coming together. “I think they are capable of some really good things if they put the effort and work in and believe in themselves a bit,” said Spirka. 

 Senior Kelly Williams has been strong in goal for Conant and has impressed Spirka with her skill and leadership. “She has been working really hard to improve and has done a great job,” said Spirka. “She has shown up as a leader for the team. 

 The sophomore and freshman classes have a bright future for Conant. Newcomers Ava Rollins and Riley Vitello. “They are both fast, versatile, and can play any position,” said Spirka.

 The sophomores have stepped into leadership roles early on. “I get excited when younger players seem to be stepping up,” said Spirka. “You can tell they want the season to be successful. Have it be a little more in their control” 

 Izzie Rollins has been a defensive voice and player to lean on for the Orioles. Rhianna Aho has shown great skill and tenacity in her second year at the varsity level. 

 “She is a very skilled soccer player,” said Spirka. “We are looking for her to be a playmaker and set the tempo in games.”

 The Kearsarge Cougars will have a bit of a new look this year after graduating 11 seniors, eight of which were starters. “Losing that squad is a really heavy hit on our squad this year,” said head coach Dave Smith. “That being said, we have young talent looking to step in and make an impact.” 

 Seniors Ella Stocker, Analiese Blasingame, and Val Soule will be turned, in to help lead the team and make an immediate impact on the field. “They will provide a strong base for us,” said Smith. 

 Stocker is a strong athlete who will provide support on both ends of the field in the midfield. “Ella is our stabilizer,” said Smith. “She is the perfect leader for the team this year.” 

 Blasingame will move to the defensive end of the field to bring a strong presence and stability. “She is a strong voice in the back for us,” said Smith. 

 Soule is a speedster up front who will be a tough forward to mark. “Val is probably our strongest offensive threat,” said Smith. 

 The big role to fill will be Caroline Camp had for the last four years, the center mid position. Carly Grant will look to fill that role as a sophomore. “They are big shoes to fill but Carly is certainly capable. 

 The Cougars had a strong run to end last season, and Smith is hoping his team can build off of that. “We are looking to keep building and growing,” said Smith. “We know we will have bumps along the way being a young squad, but I am hoping these learning experiences can help make us stronger. We are a young group that people hopefully don’t take for granted.” 

 Joe Levesque is looking to mold Bishop Brady into a well-rounded program in his first year with the team. Coming from Maine, Levesque has seen the difference in how the game is played in each of the neighboring states. “It has been a lot to analyze,” said Levesque. 

 Defense will be the top priority for the Giants to start the season. “Our defense will be our anchor this year,” said Levesque. Gwen O’Keefe will be the one to lead that charge. “She is probably the best leader I have as well.” 

 Claire Felicity will step in between the posts for the first time at the varsity level as a sophomore. “She has played pretty well so far,” said Levesque. 

 The midfield is centered around Megan Pellerin and Addie Haas. “Those two will anchor the inside for us,” said Levesque. 

 Up top, Anna Beauchesne and Lydia Tremblay will look to generate scoring opportunities at the striker positions. 

 Levesque is looking to get his team in the best positions possible to make sure he is getting the most out of them. “My philosophy is once I find a position they play well I will keep them in that position,” said Levesque. “You don’t get 100 percent out of a player if they aren’t comfortable.”

 To start the season, it will be finding comfort and getting them prepared for a strong Division III schedule. “I am looking to change the culture here,” said Levesque. “We will try not to get caught up in wins and losses. We want to get caught up on what is going on, on the field and I am hoping that will translate to wins and losses for us this year.”  

 Inter-Lakes returns a strong senior class and a potential-filled group of newcomers that should have an immediate impact. Head coach Chelsea Crockett is excited about what this team can accomplish this season. 

 Captains Kate Detolla, Sara Harris, and Joscelyn Boucher all bring great leadership and ability to the field. Detolla will be featured in the backline as a center-back and has shown a great knowledge of the game in her time with the program. 

 Harris starts at the center midfield position and will be the link between all aspects of the field for Inter-Lakes. 

 Boucher returns as the starting goalkeeper and put a good offseason of hard work together to prepare for this fall. 

 Lianna Keenan will join Harris in the midfield this year and should find herself on the scoring sheet a few times or more this season. The same goes for Ali McCarthy, who will be a lethal option up front. 

 The maturity and growth of this team have been apparent all summer and preseason, it will now be about putting together some wins in what should be a strong Division III slate for the Lakers. 

 Richard Hirtle is excited to get his second year underway with Monadnock. Last season was about adjustment and learning the players as a whole. “It took some time,” said Hirtle. “We tried to figure out the right fit of which players work well together as the season went on. The team improved each week, but we fell just short of the playoffs.” 

 The Huskies return a good balance of under and upperclassmen working well together. “The energy is good to start our season,” said Hirtle. “They know what the expectations are.” 

 Senior captain Bree Lawrence returns as an important piece for the Huskies in the midfield. “She will bring leadership and strength to our team,” said Hirtle. 

 On defense, Julie Hoden will lead the charge with her power and knowledge for the game while Amanda Roy, Bailee Soucia, and Shaylee Brannon all bring good quickness and scoring ability up top as forwards. 

 Monadnock has a solid core that will look to make some noise and get a playoff berth. “Just one game at a time for us,” said Hirtle. “The team needs to only look at the next team we play and prepare for the opponent, not the standings or the schedule.” 

 Fall Mountain has a lot of youth coming into the fall, and head coach George Tsitsonis is excited about where his group is headed. "The girls have been fantastic," said Tsitsonis. "The attitude and energy have been great." 

 After losing seven seniors, the Wildcats are embracing the role of being underdogs. "This team could turn some heads," said Tsitsonis. 

 A new addition to the team is senior Ashley Rule who moves to the school from New Jersey. "She will provide good leadership for us," said Tsitsonis. "Ashley has become more vocal for us. We want the girls to not be afraid to communicate." 

 The sophomore class features a lot of strong multi-sport athletes who will leave a huge imprint on the team this season. "They will spearhead our effort as we build this team," said Tsitsonis. 

 Leading that group is Mariella Tsitsonis, who led the team in scoring with 15 goals last season. "We expect a lot from here to get us forward and create with the ball," said Tsitsonis. 

 Clara Stewart mans the midfield for Fall Mountain and will take on even more responsibility in her second year at the varsity level. "She is kind of a midfield engine for us," said Tsitsonis. "Clara is one of those never say die players. She covers so much ground." 

 Skyelar Blanchard will be a defensive force for the Wildcats at the center-back position. "She has a real go-getter attitude winning the ball and being disciplined defensively," said Tsitsonis. 

 Selah Fredrick has "a real eye for the goal" according to her coach and Emma Putnam could be a breakout player for the Wildcats. "She brings speed and tenacity to the field for us," said Tsitsonis. "We are excited for what she can do." 

 Freshman Charlotte Reilly is looking like a potential scoring threat around the box and Sophia Grillone has put in a lot of work over the summer to improve her game. 

 The potential is certainly there for Fall Mountain. Early on they will need to find their way, but once everything clicks, the Wildcats could surprise some people. 

 "Inexperience and youth is something we will climb uphill with a little bit," said Tsitsonis. "Our strength will be in the collective. I believe in this team. Our goal is to push in the second half and the hope is we can make a run."