Each week, we’ll be highlighting a region whose field hockey matchups stand out on the national stage. This week, all eyes are on the West/Midwest, where both in-state rivalries and interstate showdowns have delivered plenty of excitement. From Texas powerhouses like Saint John’s and Kinkaid to Illinois contenders New Trier and Glenbrook North, this region is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive.
This article breaks down the teams on the rise, the biggest matchups so far, and the games you won’t want to miss this week.
Rising Stars
One program already making noise in the West/Midwest is New Trier High School out of Winnetka, Illinois. Led by senior and Princeton commit Lilly Cimarolli, who has already tallied 14 goals and 9 assists, New Trier opened its season with a statement win, beating top-ranked Saint John’s School 2–1 on September 5.
Their momentum hit a bump on September 13, when they faced Glenbrook North, led by senior and Maryland commit Ella Beach, and suffered their first loss of the year. These two Illinois rivals are expected to go head-to-head all season for the title of state’s best.
New Trier will also be tested this weekend at the Max Field Hockey High School Invitational, where they’re slated to take on defending New Jersey Group 4 state champion Kingsway and preseason national No. 1 The Hill School.
Lily Cimarolli from New Trier, IL
Best Matchups
So far, the most thrilling showdown in the region came on September 12, when Kinkaid took on Saint John’s in a heated Houston rivalry game. With Saint John’s entering the year ranked No. 1 in the region and Kinkaid right behind at No. 2, anticipation was high, and the game didn’t disappoint.
Kinkaid ultimately came away with a commanding 5–2 victory. The matchup was fast-paced, high-skill, and showcased standouts like Montgomery Ferguson, Valentina Baizan, and Jackie O’Donnell. Fans won’t have to wait long for round two—their rematch is set for October 9 at Saint John’s.
Upcoming Games to Watch
The Max Field Hockey Invitational promises even more high-level action this weekend. The event kicks off Friday, September 13, with an East vs. West battle between Academy of Notre Dame (PA) and Kinkaid (TX). Later that day on Field 3, Assumption (KY) takes on Mamaroneck (NY).
On Saturday, one can’t-miss matchup is Conestoga (PA) versus Sacred Heart Academy (KY). Conestoga is looking to fill the void left by last year’s National Player of the Year, Shae Wozniak, while Sacred Heart brings a defensive powerhouse anchored by goalkeeper Morgan Lala and defender Vera Kelly, both of whom are Wake Forest commits.
This weekend’s slate is packed with talent and storylines, setting the stage for East vs. West clashes that will define the national picture heading into the fall.
Valentina Baizan from St. John's School in Houston, TX
