One in a series of previews for the 2026 HS season
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/19/26
Germantown Friends School
League: Friends Schools League
Head Coach: Katie Bergstrom Mark (entering her 25th season as head coach), Rachel Hegarty, Vinny Rigoglioso, Whin Sylla, Caryn Miller ‘13, Steph Hilton (GK Coach), Takoda Wells
2025 Record: 14-4
2025 Team Honors: 5 time League Champions
Key returners: Emmie Day ‘26 (Oregon), Sarah Goldberg ‘26 (Amherst), Naomi Shaffer ‘26 (Pomona), Olivia Lutey ‘26, Talia Rubenstein ’26, Cat Rogers ’27, Isla Smoger ’27, Grace Chaisson ’28
Key newcomers: Gabriah Dowdell ’29
Coach’s Outlook for 2026: ” We are looking forward to a competitive season. Our team returns strong leadership from our seniors, who continue to set the tone with their commitment and support for one another. We are also excited by our large junior class, who will have multiple athletes step into starting positions on defense. Our 9th grade class brings positive energy, athleticism, and momentum to the program. With the addition of the possession clock this year in the Friends Schools League, we are excited for the pace of the game to increase and believe it will highlight our speed and transition game. We look forward to seeing this group continue to grow throughout the season.”
Academy of the New Church
League: Friends League
Head Coach: Abby Forster- 3rd year Head Coach, Greg Clark – 3rd year assistant coach
2025 Record: 13-3
Opener date & opponent: 3/20 @6:30pm HOME vs. Dock Mennonite
Key returners: Molly McCabe, Nahla Bernhardt, Abby Szasfran, Georgie Fowler, Avia Rogers
Key newcomers: Adeline Childs
Coach’s Outlook for 2026: “With the loss of only two seniors, we’re excited for the girls to continue building on the success of last year! Missing a key player due to injury to start this season we have a few holes to fill, but are confident in the rest of our returners to step new into roles and make a big impact.”
Westtown
League: Friends League
Head Coach: Kristen Makatche 5 years head coach, 7 years total 22-26 as head coach; Assistants Lizzy Oxyler, Lisa D’Ortone and Avery Amaya
2025 Record: 6-6
Opener date & opponent: 3/26 vs Barrack
Key returners: Emma McDonough, Catherine McDonough, Payton Corp, Juliana Del Beato
Key newcomers: Abby Leone (Fr) , Lily Hartmann (Jr), Vienna Lubic (8th)
Coach’s Outlook for 2026: “The 2026 Westtown Girls Lacrosse team welcomes back 9 seniors, including 2025 All League recipients Emma McDonough (RPI), Payton Corp (Oberlin) and Juliana Del Beato. Ohio Wesleyan commit, Catherine McDonough, is back as the core of the defense. Freshman, Abby Leone, and junior transfer, Lily Hartmann, round out the stellar talent of this season’s team.”
