When Cassidy Huckins played field hockey for Merrimack Valley, John Stark wasn’t even on the radar.

In the four years that Huckins played for the Pride between 2011-14, MV amassed a 44-21-3 record, reaching the playoffs all four years and playing in the NHIAA Division II championship game twice. Meanwhile, the Generals went 2-53, with three winless seasons, during that same span (most of it was spent in D-III). John Stark field hockey made the playoffs for the first time in program history in 2018, but didn’t have its first winning record until 2020.

Now, after playing collegiately for Southern New Hampshire University, Huckins is back to her D-II roots to coach the Generals. And as the winners of back-to-back state titles, they have a completely different reputation.

“It’s been so impressive; the entire program has taken a turn,” Huckins said. “They all play year round, and they want to get better. And now that they do that, the younger girls want to play club, too. It’s this culture that field hockey is in their blood. To see where they’re at now, is impressive.”

The Generals have only lost once in the last two years, with a combined record of 32-1-1 since the start of the 2022 season. Stark went 16-1-0 last year, avenging its only loss against Kennett in the championship game with a 1-0 victory, and outscored opponents 62-9 with 10 shutouts.

Weare is now a community with a robust youth and middle school program that now has players in college and in prep school. And Huckins wasn’t ever an heir apparent for the coaching job. John Stark has that kind of reputation where she heard of the job by word of mouth.

Huckins admitted that there were some nerves with all of the changes. Former head coach Dennis Pelletier and assistant Gretchen Guevin were the architects of field hockey in John Stark and Weare, building a youth program from scratch and coaching the varsity team for eight seasons, but stepped aside in order to be able to watch their daughters, Addy Pelletier and Lauryn Guevin, play.

But high turnout at summer workouts and successful preseason scrimmages have put those nerves at ease.

“I’ve never seen a preseason run as smoothly,” Huckins said. “They all showed up to everything this summer. The commitment is there. They want to improve; they want to be there.”

Even with seven seniors graduating from last year’s team, plus two more (Addy Pelletier and Lauryn Guevin) transferring to Cushing Academy, the Generals still boast a lot of returning talent.

Senior Jill Fredette is an All-State forward who is seven points away from the career 100-point plateau and will lead the attack up front.

Junior Ava Friberg, a newcomer, will also be key in the attack in the middle of the field, while juniors Caylin Worthen and Claudia Dustin are returning starters.

Senior captain Adie Bolduc, a First Team All-State selection last year, anchors the midfield.

“She’s the glue,” Huckins said. “She keeps the team composed. She knows when to switch fields with the ball.”

Junior Kaitlin Dennis and seniors Ryann Telgen and Emily Fredette are all returning starters to the defense in front of sophomore goalie Rowin Ledy, who has big shoes to fill with the departure of two All-State goalies in Pelletier and Edie Fischer.

Senior Michaela Niquette and sophomores Maxine Lundeen and Paityn Niquette are newcomers to the varsity roster who will make an immediate impact.

Overall, Huckins is impressed with the team’s depth, leadership, chemistry and ability to transition the ball up the field.

“We’ve got quite a few returning starters; most of those girls are going to be leaders on the field,” Huckins said. “I’m impressed with their collaboration and vision on the field together. … I want them to enjoy the game they love to play.”

Some area field hockey teams open their seasons on Friday but John Stark won’t start until Sept. 4, when the Generals travel to Hanover.

CONCORD

Division: I.

Coach: Nicole Armaganian (fourth year).

Last year: 10-6-1, reached quarterfinals.

Returning starters: Amy Desrochers, jr.; Nadia Hanna, sr.; Anya Kendziora, jr.; Lexi Magee, jr.; Ally McGonigle, sr.; Lilly Merrill, sr.; Emma Pelletier, jr.

Top newcomers: Elliana Wing, jr.; Brooke Nelson, so.

Outlook: Although the Tide is still figuring out positions, Concord will greatly benefit from seven returning starters, including Hanna (First Team All-State) and McGonigle (Second Team).

Teams to beat: Exeter, Pinkerton, Dover, Concord.

BOW

Division: II.

Coach: Sarah Vaughn (second year).

Last year: 12-5, reached semifinals.

Returning starters: Kayla Croscut, sr.; Ella Gray, sr.; Josie Johnson, jr.; Madelyn Hebert, so.; Kaylee Jacques, so.; Shire Kelley, so.

Top newcomers: Sophie Brooks, fr.; Elise Jacques, fr.; Peyton Vaughn, fr.

Outlook: The Falcons were revitalized last year by a large and talented freshman class and have another strong group of newcomers this year. Bow made an impressive run to the semifinals after pulling an upset in the quarterfinals and only graduated two seniors from that team. The nine returning starters include goalie and captain Croscut, leading goal scorer and captain Gray, a third captain in Johnson and three starters in the midfield (Hebert, Jacques and Kelley).

MERRIMACK VALLEY

Division: II.

Coach: Jen Colgan (seventh year).

Last year: 7-6-2, reached prelims.

Returning starters: Lauren Bailey, jr., M; Alyssa Brodeur, sr., F; Kaiya Mercier, sr., F; Julia Michael, jr., D; Hannah Butler, sr., F; Caroline Wheeler, sr., D; Zetta St. Onge, so., D; Abbey Thompson, jr., M; Taylor Gionet, sr., G.

Outlook: The Pride return nine starters and have a strong group of upperclassmen who have been playing together for several years.

“We will look to be competitive every game by focusing on being well-conditioned, playing solid team defense and consistently capitalizing on offensive opportunities by being aggressive in our attack 25 (yard line),” Colgan said.

Teams to beat: Souhegan, John Stark, Oyster River, Kennett.

PEMBROKE

Division: II.

Coach: Steve Langevin (fifth year).

Last year: 4-10-1, reached prelims.

Returning starters: Ashlyn Barker, jr., F; Phoebe Morris, jr., F; Anne Phillips, so., M; Carlee LePage, jr., M; Ava Strazzeri, jr., D; Maddie Teasck, sr., D; Annika Jawidzik, sr., G.

Top newcomers: Jenna Godin, sr., F; Ashlie Klawes, sr., M/D; Avery Kelly, so., M.

Outlook: “There is great chemistry and enough girls returning in important positions to help the new ones come along quickly,” Langevin said. “We are at our best when we are moving as a unit, both offensively and defensively. There are so many very strong teams, we are just hoping to sneak into the playoffs.”

Teams to beat: John Stark, Kennett, Souhegan, Bow, Hollis-Brookline, Oyster River.

BISHOP BRADY

Division: III.

Coach: Kelly Owen (31st year).

Last year: 11-4, reached quarterfinals.

Returning starters: Payton Bryson, sr.; Kimble Rose, sr.; Camdyn Despres, sr.; Marcella Tonge, jr.; Madison Noel, sr.; Ava Archambault, jr.

Top newcomers: Ella Blanchette, fr.; Reese Henry, fr.

Outlook: Despite an excellent string of postseason success in recent years – four straight trips to the D-III finals and last year’s quarterfinal run – the Giants “will continue to compete in every game, one game at a time,” according to Owen. Brady graduated five starters from last year’s team, but three of the returning six (Rose, Bryson and goaltender Archambault) were Second Team All-State last season, and all six are excellent role players.

Teams to beat: “Could be anyone,” according to Owen.

FRANKLIN

Division: III.

Coach: Missy Lewis (fourth year).

Last year: 2-10, did not make tournament.

Returning starters: Savaughna Slocum, sr., G; Abby Collins, sr., F; Layleah Wells, so., F; Taylor Caron, sr., M; Kaia Roper, sr., M; Addison Francis, jr., M; Sage Slocum, jr., D; Abby Pitman, sr., D.

Top newcomers: Julia Swett, sr.; Rilynn Beaudet, so.

Outlook: The Tornadoes improved significantly from their 2022 season, where they went 0-12 and didn’t score any goals. Franklin found the back of the cage 10 times last season and is looking to continue improving.

Teams to beat: Bishop Brady, Berlin, Gilford.

HOPKINTON

Division: III.

Coach: Kate Hohenberger (sixth year).

Last year: 5-10, reached prelims.

Returning starters: Ryan Barrett, Emma Brock, Maddie Ceriello, Maddie Dwyer, Crissy Johnson, Mary Maughan, Autumn Meier, Aurelia Salce, Kelsey Sullivan, Lauryn Vetter.

Top newcomers: Gigi Upton.

Outlook: After a couple of tough rebuilding years, the Hawks returned to the playoffs last season.

“Last year we worked hard and wanted to make it back to the tournament,” Hohenberger said. “This year we will be working hard to make it further into the playoffs. As a team we have a lot of talent and depth with our players, and we are ready for a positive season.”

Teams to beat: “Every team will bring its own challenges that we will need to be ready to compete with,” Hohenberger said.

KEARSARGE

Division: III.

Coach: Chelsea Williams (sixth year).

Last year: 7-8, reached prelims.

Returning starters: Luna Landers, sr., G; Ava Valle, sr., D/M; Ava Nolan-Waddell, so., D; Tori Wooten, sr., F; Abby Bradbury, jr., F; Leah Reeve, so., M/D; Ryley Grace, so., D.

Top newcomers: Raegan Billado, fr., M; Payton MacMichael, fr., M; Adella Monnat, fr., M.

Outlook: “With an experienced and talented goalie, a combination of strong leadership from our juniors and seniors and new energy from our sophomores and first years, we are expecting to be a competitive and skilled team this season,” Willisams said.

Teams to beat: Bishop Brady, Stevens.

WINNISQUAM

Division: III.

Coach: Nelly Roache (second year).

Last year: 5-9, did not make tournament.

Returning starters: Camilla Cote, jr.; Zariah Moore, jr.; Ava Sargent, jr.; Autumn Smith, jr.; Annabella Soucy, jr.; Denessa Williams, jr.

Top newcomers: Bianca Mendez, sr.; Olivia Fredette, fr.; Brianna Gammon, fr.; Brooke Gammon, fr.; Anastasia Soucy, fr.

Outlook: After missing out on the playoffs due to a tiebreaker (two other 5-9 teams claimed the final tournament spots), the Bears are eager to get back on the field.

“We have always been a strong team in spirit and work well together and have the passion to give it all,” Roache said. “These girls, no matter what, don’t give up. We have a team that works well together, and I can’t wait to see what we can do even being as small as we are.”