The 2026 field hockey season is underway in Bucks County with plenty of talent taking the field, and teams looking to defend league titles and make a long postseason run.
Who are the names you need to know for fall 2026? Here are 22 of the top defenders and goalies in the Bucks County area.
Who do you think will be the season's top players? Let us know by voting in our poll for top defensive player.
Field Hockey 2026: Top forwards / Overall Top 12 / Top midfielders
16 Dominant Defenders in Bucks County area field hockey:
Heidi Schoenleber, CB West, senior
A four-year defensive starter, Schoenleber led a Bucks’ defense that allowed just 1.5 goals per game last year as they advanced to the PIAA Class 3A championship game. A versatile athlete, she is equally adept at defensive center mid and center back, earning first-team All-State recognition.
The Drexel University commit is a quality defender with excellent field vision, combined with an impeccable work ethic, heart and hustle. She has strong stick-handling skills and gets great lift on the ball.
Laney Hall, CB West, senior
A multi-sport athlete, Hall has committed to Bloomsburg University for both field hockey and track. Hall’s exceptional speed and lightning-quick reflexes give her an edge against most of her opponents, as does the fact that she never gives up on a play. Hall, who previously played forward, also makes an impact on offense. She scored both goals in the Bucks’ 2-0 win over North Penn last year.
Penny Longacre, Quakertown, junior
A three-year starter, Longacre earned first-team All-SOL Liberty honors last season. A versatile athlete, Longacre is known for making big plays on defense, but she also does the little things that often sometimes go unnoticed but are most appreciated by her coaches and teammates. She has game-changing speed and elite skills on defense.
Cameron Landis, Quakertown, junior
Landis took on a big role on the Panthers’ defense as a freshman, and she’ll anchor the backline this season. A smart player with a high field hockey IQ, Landis is a savvy, polished player with the demeanor of a mature veteran leader, both on and off the field.
Abby Cheung, Bensalem, junior
With Bensalem’s recent focus on defense, Cheung has played a major role in the unit’s improvement. Cheung was on the field every minute last season due to her excellence in outletting, free hits and defending after free hits and restarts.
Samantha Lafferty, CB East, senior
Despite missing much of the season due to injury, Lafferty was a factor when on the field. Recording four defensive saves in seven games, Lafferty is a patient and smart defender who will lead the back line this season. With her strong field awareness and ability to defend against the top attackers in the league, coach Emma Rosenthal is eager to see what a healthy Lafferty can achieve at the center back position.
Sophia Kraft, CB South, senior
The Titans’ top defender recorded eight defensive saves last season. The four-year starter brings experience and leadership to the field, along with skilled play. Kraft excels at block tackling, reading the field and applying pressure to opponents.
Taylor Tenaglia, Neshaminy, senior
The team’s leading defender, Tenaglia is a bonafide leader whose plays set an example for her teammates. Calm and composed under pressure, Tenaglia plays with both smarts and heart for the eight-time defending SOL Patriot champions.
Tori Still, George School, senior
The Cougars’ defensive anchor is a veteran, composed defender. A consistent and disciplined player, Still is a natural leader on the back line.
Anna McVeigh, Germantown Academy, junior
After an impressive sophomore season, her first as a full-time varsity starter, McVeigh proved to be a key defender for the Patriots. Fast and precise, McVeigh had 11 steals last year.
Cailyn Reilly, Pennsbury, senior
The Falcons’ top defender, Reilly powers the team’s defense at center back and sweeper. A four-year starter and team captain, the Babson College commit brings consistency and tenacity to the field.
Marielle Brown, Lansdale Catholic, junior
A swing player as a freshman, Brown secured a starting role last season thanks to her strong defensive capabilities, quick thinking and smart play. She has excellent stick work and the ability to cause turnovers.
Reina Caruso, Villa Joseph Marie, junior
After two years of anchoring the Jems’ defense, coach Ken Fetterolf has acknowledged Caruso as “one of the most effective defenders in Villa’s history.” Calm under pressure, Caruso excels in high-pressure situations and serves as an undisputed leader and role model for her teammates. This year, she is a team captain and will anchor and guide the defense of the young Jems’ squad.
Gianna Bocchino, Souderton, senior
A top performer for Souderton girls wrestling, Bocchino’s athleticism transfers perfectly to the field hockey pitch, where she earned first-team All-SOL Colonial honors last year. While strong on defense, she has also contributed plenty on offense, including a goal in the second round of the district playoffs that forced OT in Souderton’s eventual win. She also scored three goals in a 4-0 win against Springfield. She also excels at distributing the ball and defending corners.
Abby Jones, Plumstead Christian, senior
The team captain is the Panthers’ strongest defender and will lead the defensive unit this season.
Ellie Miller, Neshaminy, senior
A York College commit for softball, Miller is also a team captain and defensive anchor for Neshaminy’s high-achieving field hockey squad. Dedicated and hardworking, Miller excels in the middle of the field and on corners. She works well in transition, can easily distribute the ball to teammates and can score goals herself.
6 Golden Goalies in Bucks County field hockey:
Wynne Campbell, Germantown Academy, junior
Campbell’s first two seasons in net for the Patriots have been eye-opening, as she has racked up 676 saves in one of the toughest leagues (Inter-Academic) in the country. Last year, Campbell saved 80 percent of shots on goal, recording 321 saves in 18 games against high-scoring Inter-Ac opponents. She holds the Patriots’ record for saves in a season and was named second-team All-State last year.
Hailey Fricke, Bensalem, junior
A first-team All-SOL Patriot selection last year, Fricke was responsible for decreasing Bensalem’s average goals against by 1.5 goals per game. She recorded six shutouts for the Owls, helping the team give up 26 fewer goals than the previous season.
Keely Gallagher, Abington, senior
A two-time All-SOL Liberty selection, Gallagher continues to improve each season. After recording 121 saves as a sophomore, she rejected 191 shots on goal last year for an 83 percent save rate. She is also an All-SOL defender for Abington lacrosse.
Kasey Papp, Council Rock North, senior
After graduating most of the team’s starting lineup last year, Papp stepped up to anchor the defense for an inexperienced team. Papp didn’t have much time to relax in net, facing a barrage of shots most games. Typically posting double-digit saves, including 18 against North Penn, Papp kept the damage to a minimum and earned second-team All-SOL Patriot honors.
Megan Embrico, Conwell-Egan, senior
Embrico’s varsity debut in goal last season was quite impressive as she recorded 150 saves and two shutouts of PCL opponents. With a year of experience, Embirco is expected to be the team’s defensive leader. The track-and-field star who is a district champion in the shot put, brings strength and power to the position.
Lucy Jasionis, Villa Joseph Marie, senior
A talented athlete who is also a starter on the Jems’ basketball team, Jasionis has been guarding the field hockey net for three seasons, posting four shutouts last year. The team captain provides leadership for a team with just six returning starters. In addition to her athletic saves and aggressive rejections in net, Jasionis’ hard work and energetic play keep her teammates engaged and motivated.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Who are the top defenders and goalies in Bucks County field hockey?
