Concord junior midfielder Kate Dickson in August, 2025. Credit: Chip Griffin / Photos by Chip

Concord boys tennis coach Kevin Parsons is taking over for Andrew Mattarazzo as head coach of the Crimson Tide’s girls soccer team this year and will try to get them back in the Division I playoffs for the first time since 2022.

The biggest challenge will be staying solid defensively. The Tide had a minus-30 goal differential and was held scoreless seven times during last year’s 5-11-0 campaign. However, toward the end of 2025, Concord went on a five-game stretch that showed promise, going 3-2-0 with two close losses to Hanover and Dover.

Returning seniors Kate Dickson and Laura Vitoria will lead the attack as Concord tries to break down opponents more. In goal, Camryn Dubois will hold down the net with more experience under her belt.

Junior Hannah Brown and sophomores Alex Kalpinski and Slyvia Shea will return as starters as well, looking to bolster the six seniors also in the lineup.

Moving down to D-II, every local team made the playoffs last season.

Bow continued its perennial success, and the Falcons’ group of rising seniors will look to reach its third final in three years and fourth consecutive final four.

Bow’ legacy of success should carry over into this season even after graduating seven seniors who all contributed throughout last year’s run. The defense will be led by senior Madison Pfister and junior Zoe Lupien.

Coe-Brown, John Stark and Pembroke all reached the quarterfinals last season and will have to get over that hump this year in hopes of competing for a title.

John Stark is returning a deep roster that played seven draws last season. The challenge for coaches Dana Pellerin and Eddie Marceau will be to get the attack and defense to work together to convert those into wins and earn a higher seed.

Coe-Brown will be led by new head coach Paul Webster with a new mix and tactical setup after losing a few all-state standouts. Similarly, Merrimack Valley is entering year two under head coach Danielle Wiley and will have to find its rhythm to make it past the first round of the playoffs, driven by a large group of returning midfielders.

Concord

Division: I.

Coach: Kevin Parsons (first year).

Last year: 5-11-0, missed tournament.

Returning starters: Alex Kalpinski, so., M; Slyvia Shea, so., A; Hannah Brown, jr., D; Olive Terragni, sr., M; Cora Cooney, sr., D; Fiona Luce, sr., D; Kate Dickson, sr., M; Laura Vitoria, sr., A; Camryn DuBois, sr., G.

Top newcomers: Addyson Connelly, fr., D; Oliva Dussault, fr., M; Ellie Cooney, jr., M.

Outlook: “We are excited for the season. Some team goals are to make it into playoffs this season, as they were not in playoffs last season. Work with our entire program to get more girls out playing and developing. Some of our strengths will be the number of returning starters and the leadership from our captains Kate, Laura and Camryn.” — Parsons

Teams to beat: Exeter, Bedford and Pinkerton.

Bow

Division: II.

Coach: Jay Vogt (23rd year).

Last year: 13-3-3, D-II champion.

Returning starters: Gwen Barrieau, sr. G; Brylie Gelinas, sr., M; Sierra Scull, sr., G; Madison Pfister, sr., D; Cara Van Dyke, sr., A; Anna Zerba, sr., A; Autumn Betteridge, jr. D; Zoey Lupien, jr., D; Marissa Reyes, jr. M; Jolee Trudel, so. M.

Top newcomers: Ava Adams, sr., A; Mily Jacobson, jr., D; Kyleigh Duval, so., M; Hannah Couture, fr., A; Abigail Rae, fr., D; Addison Young, fr., A.

Outlook: “We have had a very good preseason with all the girls working extremely hard. There seems to be a very strong connection amongst all the players this year, which is great to see. We will work hard to continue to grow as a team and see what happens at the end of the year.” — Vogt

Teams to beat: Hollis-Brookline, Milford, Pembroke, St. Thomas, John Stark, Coe Brown and Merrimack Valley.

The third-seeded Falcons took down the Hollis-Brookline Cavaliers, 1-0, to claim their first championship since 2021. Credit: CHIP GRIFFIN / Photos by Chip

Coe-Brown

Division: II.

Coach: Paul Webster (first year).

Last year: 10-6-2, reached quarterfinals.

Returning starters: Jaelyn Demers, sr., M; Ellie Escabi, sr., A; Alexi Agnew, sr., D; Avery Barthel, sr., M; Bristol Shirland, sr., D.

Top newcomers: Ainsley Hunter, fr., M; Josephine Bielat, fr., M; Macie Buchanan, fr., A.

Outlook: “Blend of experienced returning group with younger, talented players. Team is very coachable and has embraced a different style of play.” — Webster

Teams to beat: Bow, Hollis-Brookline, John Stark, Kingswood and Oyster River.

John Stark

Division: II.

Coach: Dana Pellerin (second year) and Eddie Marceau (fourth year).

Last year: 7-3-7, reached quarterfinals.

Returning starters: Kylee Asinoff, sr., G; Gracie Barton, sr., D; Brenna Crean, jr., A/M/D; Madison Lamothe, sr., A/M; Ava Montgomery, jr., A/M; Kaitlyn Oellette, so., A/M; Avery Pellerin, jr., M; Lexi Purington, jr., D; Jaycee St. Denis, jr., M; Nora Leigh Tagliafero, sr., A/M/D; Clara Ward, sr., A/M/D.

Top newcomers: Zenna Kabongo, fr., D; Raegan Dennis, jr., G; Kylie Dinan, sr., A/M; Natalie Dingman, so., D; Amelia Fredette, so., A/M; Samantha Matzke, so., M/D; Sophia Scordo, jr., A/M; Aislyn Smith, so., A/M; Hailey Thellen, jr., M/D.

Outlook: “The team goal this year is to make the final four. Three years in a row making the quarterfinals and not one final four is frustrating to the girls. I would say the strength of this team is the team camaraderie and strength of our upperclassman willing to help the younger players. Our weakness, like all other high school teams, is trying to fill the holes from the previous year’s leaving seniors.” — Pellerin

Teams to beat: Bow, Hollis-Brookline, Merrimack Valley and Oyster River.

Merrimack Valley

Division: II.

Coach: Danielle Wiley (second year).

Last year: 7-5-5, reached prelims.

Returning starters: Lila Gray, sr., M; Gabrielle Jones, sr., A; Sasha Longver, sr., D; Emma McNutt, jr., D; Sophie Porter, sr., M/A; Hadley Raine, sr., M; Lyndsay Walden, jr., D/M; Madelyn White, so., M/A.

Outlook: “I’m very excited for this season. As a team, the girls are dedicated to finding an identity that will benefit us. Every indication has been that the team is ready to put in the work and make sacrifices to help our program succeed. I think our group of returners have the experience to stay steady under pressure but a desire to achieve more than we did last year, and I’m looking forward to seeing how we can make that happen.” — Wiley

Teams to beat: Bow and Hollis-Brookline.

Pembroke

Division: II.

Coach: Jess Kaufman-Desrochers (17th year).

Last year: 7-8-3, reached quarterfinals.

Returning starters: Ava Alberico, sr.; Lily Ricci, sr.; Lily Royer, sr.; Giuliana Davis, sr.; Journey Keeley, sr.; Paige Bemis, so.; Kennedy Jeski, jr.; Saydi Desrosiers, jr.

Top newcomers: Loralye Wainright, jr., G; Olivia Carignan, fr., G; Brynn Alberico, fr.; Tenley Alberico, fr.; Kendal Lesmerises, fr.; Aubrey Bouffard, jr.

Outlook: “The Spartans always suit up to battle true to their mascot name, in a very competitive division. In a new year of the two-year cycle, the division will see some teams depart for higher or lower divisions and welcomes St. Thomas and Manchester Memorial, which should shake up the standings and playing field on any given day. We always focus on making gradual improvements day by day, game by game, with the ultimate goal to qualify for playoffs and earn the right for a fresh new season where anything is possible to make a run for excellence. With a focus on reducing turnovers and building a creative attack, the sky is the limit.” — Kaufman-Desrochers

Teams to beat: Hollis Brookline, Bow, John Stark, and Oyster River.

Pembroke’s Lily Royer (8) chases Merrimack Valley’s Izzy Navoy (24) during an NHIAA Division II girls’ soccer preliminary round match at Merrimack Valley High School on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Navoy scored for MV, but Pembroke advanced with a 2-1 victory after winning the penalty kick shootout 3-1. Credit: CHIP GRIFFIN / Photos by Chip

Belmont

Division: III.

Coach: Cassie Contigiani (second year).

Last year: 2-14-0, missed tournament.

Bishop Brady

Division: III.

Coach: Chris Cammarota (first year).

Last year: 7-8-2, reached prelims.

Outlook: “We have a good mix of returning upperclassmen and a talented freshman class. The upperclassmen have done a great job setting the standard during preseason, while the younger players have brought great energy and enthusiasm. Our goal is to build a program centered on discipline, accountability and teamwork. We’re trying to create traditions that players will remember long after they graduate. Winning is important, but building a strong culture is what will sustain success. Like many young teams, we’ll need to gain experience together and continue developing consistency throughout the season.” — Cammarota

Hillsboro-Deering

Division: III.

Coach: Amy Montanez (first year).

Last year: 0-16-0, missed tournament.

Outlook: “This year marks a brand-new chapter for our program. Between stepping in as the new head coach, shifting our formation and welcoming a strong group of talented freshmen, this season is all about building a relentless growth mindset. Every match is an opportunity to prove ourselves, sharpen our game and push our limits—and I can’t wait to see this team transform into a powerhouse as the season unfolds.” — Montanez

Hopkinton

Division: III.

Coach: Mike Zahn (ninth year).

Last year: 12-4-2, reached quarterfinals.

Returning starters: Julia Chapin, sr., M; Avery Chase, sr., A/D; Pippa Lang, jr., D; Gemma Guadagno, jr., M.

Top newcomers: Brylee Chase, so., A; Ruby Emerson, fr., M; Emma Jenkins, fr., A; Lily Sproles, fr., M.

Outlook: “We are young but athletic and fairly skilled. Strong work ethic will be our strength this year, as well as speed. Weakness will be learning the systems and grasping a strong understanding of the game.” Zahn

Teams to beat: Stevens and Raymond.

Kearsarge

Division: III.

Coach: David Smith (sixth year).

Last year: 8-7-2, reached prelims.

Returning starters: Bella Collins, sr., M; Avery Raia, sr., D; Brooke Aiken, jr., M; Madden Huff, jr., D; Katie Walkinshaw, jr., M.

Top newcomers: Tess Hagerty, so., A; Gigi Collins, fr., D.

Outlook: “We have a good core of veterans but a lot of new faces. Very solid group all together. Will take some time to gel and get everyone on the same level. There is a lot of potential, so we are feeling good about what we can do but know there will be some bumps along the way.” — Smith

Teams to beat: Stevens, Campbell and Hopkinton.

Concord Christian

Division: IV.

Coach: Josh Winans (ninth year).

Last year: 16-1-0, reached quarterfinals.

Pittsfield

Division: IV.

Coach: Jen Tyrell (third year).

Last year: 2-11-1, missed playoffs.