West Milford field hockey sets sights on conference, county titles

The expectations are high, but given their knowledgeable coaching staff, history and talent and experience on the roster, that’s not a surprise for the 2026 West Milford High School field program.

The Highlanders are slated to host Randolph on Monday, Aug. 31.

“We want to win the Conference and County titles,’’ West Milford coach Krista Provost said. “I have been coaching 20 years (15 as a head coach) and I have won the Conference title and the County title, but never both in one season. It is a big goal of mine and something that I truly believe this group of athletes can get done this season.

“I am very confident with our front line and while the midfield and back end are brand new varsity starters, they trained nonstop this off season and look ready to go. Having Emme Kreutzer as a three-year starting goalie gives us a lot of confidence defensively.’’

Among the key returning Highlanders are Julia Plewa (senior, captain, forward, 32 goals last season), Emmeline Kreutzer (senior, captain, goalie), Gianna White (junior, midfield), Addison Tyburczy (junior, midfield) and Taylor Keegan (junior, forward).

Promising newcomers to the varsity lineup for West Milford include seniors Ashlyn Carter and Skylar McFarlane (both forwards), juniors Avery Mett (midfield), Sammy McConnell (midfield), Sarah Foley (midfield), Flynn Kennedy (defense), Ella Goodell (defense) and sophomores Sydney Brock (midfield), Meghan Allwood (midfield) and Jillian Bruce (defense).

“The seniors are a great group of natural leaders-Julia Plewa, Emme Kreutzer, Ashlyn Carter, Sophia Colucci, Daisy Barca, Skylar McFarlane and Elaina Fassilis,’’ Provost said. “They want what is best for the team and always put the team above their own interests. Captains Plewa and Kreutzer are eager to start their third varsity season and have earned respect from their teammates over the years.’’

The Highlanders had a terrific overall record of 19-3 including a mark of 6-1 in the NEFHL Liberty Division in 2025. They advanced to the NJSIAA North Jersey Group 2 Sectional Tournament quarterfinal round before losing a one goal game to Warren Hills.

This year West Milford plays in the Liberty Division along with Ramsey, Demarest, Immaculate Heart, Lakeland, Old Tappan, Passaic Valley and Wayne Valley.

“We will definitely be contenders this season,’’ Provost said. “We have a great group of starters, but something different this season is a full bench of hard working athletes who can be substituted in at any moment and do something great on the field. We have a lot of seniors and juniors, non-starters, who are committed and excited to do some damage this year.”