From elite goal scorers to lockdown defenders, the field hockey teams the phillyburbs − Bucks and Eastern Montgomery counties − are loaded with top-tier talent. Check out our picks for Fall 2026's Top 12 Overall field hockey players.
Also, make sure to check out all of this season's Field Hockey Players to Watch: 22 Top Forwards and 32 Top Midfielders and 22 Top Defenders/Goalies.
Best in Bucks: Field Hockey's Top 12 Returning Players for Fall 2026
Kendall DeLuca, Gwynedd Mercy, senior, forward
DeLuca is not only one of the top talents in the region, but in the nation. Next fall, she’ll be playing for Northwestern University, which won 2024 and 2025 NCAA Division 1 Field Hockey championships. Named to MAX Field Hockey’s Top 50 Players in the Class 0f 2027 list, DeLuca earned numerous accolades last season, including first-team All-State, NFHCA High School PA
All-Region Team and MAX Field Hockey All-Region first-team. The Monarchs’ leading scorer, DeLuca scored a remarkable 45 goals last year, along with 12 assists. She scored three goals in the Monarchs’ 4-1 win in the District One Class 2A fifth-place game that secured a PIAA playoff berth. She was also named to the USA Field Hockey 2026 Junior Nexus Championship U-21 team.
Sunday ‘Sunny’ Draper, Quakertown, senior, midfielder
A top recruit not just in the Phillyburbs, but in the nation, Draper committed to Division 1 Boston College before the start of her junior season. Unfortunately, Draper didn’t take the field for the Panthers last season due to an ACL injury, but she is fully recovered for her senior year. A true ‘do it all’ player, Draper scored a team-best 30 goals as a sophomore, but she is just as effective on defense and in transition. She is a two-time USA Women’s Outdoor National Team U18 selection and was also named to the USA Women’s Indoor National U17 Team. Draper is ranked as Top 10 Player in the Class of 2027 by MAX Field Hockey.
Belyse Landis, Dock Mennonite, junior, midfielder
In just two seasons, Landis has racked up 21 goals and 22 assists for the Pioneers. She earned second-team All-State honors and is a member and captain of the Puerto Rican Junior National field hockey team. A selfless player, Landis looks to set her teammates up for scoring opportunities first. Last season, she had much success when keeping the ball for herself, netting 19 goals. A skilled stick handler, Landis can make the toughest pass look easy. She scored four goals in the Pioneers’ district semifinal win. She was also named to the MAX Field Hockey Class of 2028 Top 150 Players list.
Cheyenne Greene, Faith Christian, senior, midfielder
Ranked as a MAX Field Hockey Top 50 Player to Watch from the Class of 2027, the Liberty University recruit is a potent scorer, whether she’s dishing an assist or taking the ball to the net herself, highlighted by her 26 goal and 32 assist sophomore campaign. With the graduation of leading scorer Gracie Longacre, Greene will have even more opportunities this year. She entered the season with 88 career goals, well on pace to hit the 100-career goal milestone.
Heidi Schoenleber, CB West, senior, defender
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 powerful 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.
Genevieve Gajan, Germantown Academy, senior, midfielder
A first-team All-State selection, Gajan led the Patriots with eight assists, and scored eight goals. The College of William & Mary recruit is a bonafide playmaker who excels in transition and moves seamlessly between offense and defense.
Lucy Smith, CB West, junior, midfielder
As a sophomore, Smith scored a couple of the Bucks’ biggest goals in recent years. She netted the game-winner in a 4-3 PIAA 3A quarterfinal victory against Penn Manor, and in the semifinals, she scored twice, including the game-winner, against Emmaus. A smart player with remarkable field vision, she also possesses strong technical skills. She earned an All-State honorable mention and was named a Top 100 Player in the Class of 2028 by MAX Field Hockey.
Jenna Butler, CB South, sophomore, midfielder
After an impressive freshman season, Butler was the lone freshman to receive first-team All-SOL Colonial honors and also earned a second-team All-State nod. She was one of 40 players to make the 2026 USWNT World Youth Hockey U16 team, where she played in England this spring and the World Youth Hockey Festival in the Netherlands in August. A strong scoring threat as well as a standout defender, Butler will command the midfield for the Titans, who are looking to make a splash in the competitive SOL Colonial.
Claire Demmer, CB West, junior, forward
Ranked as a MAX Field Hockey Top 100 Player to Watch from the Class of 2028, Demmer scored 18 goals and dished out 10 assists last season for PIAA 3A state finalist Bucks. Tough on the attack, Demmer has exceptional stick handling skills and can hit a variety of shots. Demmer committed to Division 1 Boston College prior to her junior year, and played for the USA Field Hockey U-18 Girls Junior Nexus team. As the team’s second leading scorer the past two years, she will take on even more responsibility with the graduation of Aida Ierubino (University of Maryland), who scored 51 goals last year.
Brynn Bonargo, CB East, senior, forward
Committed to Division 1 Wagner College, Bonargo is a powerhouse at forward who dominates in the offensive circle. An intelligent player who is a student of the game, Bonargo’s blend of smarts with physicality make her a skilled and tactical offensive threat. She had her best games against SOL Colonial opponents last season, scoring in every game played in the highly competitive division. Despite missing some time due to injury, Bonargo finished with nine goals, including three game-winners, and three assists.
Cece Durkin, Germantown Academy, senior, forward
The Division 1 Bucknell University commit has led the Patriots in goals the past two years. After netting 11 goals and six assists as a sophomore, Durkin recorded 15 goals and three assists last year, earning an All-State honorable mention. A two-year team captain, Durkin is a strong leader on and off the field and gives the Patriots a consistent and reliable scoring threat, especially against tough Inter-Ac opponents.
Mia Brooks, Neshaminy, senior, forward
A four-year starter, Brooks’ had a remarkable junior season and was named the SOL Patriot League Player of the Year and earned an All-State honorable mention. The West Chester University commit’s determination and unrelenting perseverance gave Neshaminy a win in the first round of the district playoffs last year. Brooks scored twice in regulation and dished out the game-winning assist in OT in a 3-2 victory over Haverford. During the regular season, she had two goals and one assist in a 3-2 win over Wissahickon, and four goals and two assists in a 6-0 victory against Bensalem. She scored both goals against Pennsbury for a 2-1 win and also had the game-winner in a 1-0 victory over CR North.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Who are Bucks County's Top 12 Field Hockey Players for Fall 2026?
