Rockport’s golf team is already off to a great start — you can read a previously published preview on their talented group at GloucesterTimes.com.
Now, the Vikings’ boys and girls soccer and field hockey teams hope to join them as they embark on their new campaigns this week.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect from those aforementioned squads:
FIELD HOCKEY
Head coach: Liz Luster (1st season)
Last year’s record: 5-13
Captains: Gretel Marshall, Sr. M; Reese Swanson, Sr. D; Cecilia Chadbourne, Sr. M; Olivia Flannagan, Jr. D
Other key players: Sadie Rose, Jr. M
Season opener: Wednesday at home vs. Manchester Essex (6 p.m.)
Outlook: The Vikings welcome in a new coach in Liz Luster, who takes over the program after serving as the JV coach in Rockport a season ago. Luster is also currently the girls lacrosse coach at GHS.
This fall, her new squad will rely on the strengths of her two senior captains and one junior captain (Flannagan). Overall, they have a a steadfast group that’s certainly capable of, at the very least, rivaling last year’s record and making a push for the Division 4 state tournament.
“Driven by grit and determination, this team levels up every single time they hit the field. Everyone on the roster wants to grow, both as individuals and as a unit,” said coach Luster. “That drive has already sparked strides in just a few short weeks.”
In addition to the captains and the junior Rose in the midfield, Luster is very excited about the potential contributions from sophomore Raegan Currier and 8th-grader Vanessa Tucker. The Vikings’ primary goal is to establish a strong foundation for the program by “mastering fundamentals, sharpening communication, fostering teamwork and building confidence on the field.”
“While our competitive drive is strong, we are prioritizing week-to-week growth as our primary measure of success,” added Luster. “We hope to cultivate a supportive culture, maintain enthusiasm for every practice and game, and reflect on the season with a sense of pride.”
BOYS SOCCER
Head coach: Conor Douglass (2nd season)
Last year’s record: 11-5-5 (Lost to Brighton in Division 4 Elite Eight)
Captains: Flynn Blanchard, Sr. M; Deion Kasera, Sr. M; Mario DeBenedictis, Sr. D; Jack Trupiano, Sr. D
Other key players: Jerry Adams, Sr. F; Liam Fauci, Sr. M; Julian Fedele, Sr. M; Liam Dewan, Sr. F.
Season opener: Tuesday at Manchester Essex (4 p.m.)
Outlook: Head coach Conor Douglass’ first season with the Vikings was a huge success, as he led the team their first-ever trip to the Division 5 state quarterfinals and a 10-game unbeaten streak to close out the regular season. Thanks to a driven, senior laden roster in 2026, all signs point to another uber competitive campaign this fall.
“After having such a successful season last year, the team came into the preseason determined to not only replicate that, but go even further into the postseason,” said Douglass. “The Cape Ann League is an extremely competitive league and it really gets us prepared to make a strong run in the D5 state tournament.”
Douglass noted the team’s strong leadership and experienced senior class. Both Blanchard and Dewan are natural goal scorers; DeBenedictis and Trupiano are physically tough on defense; and MJ Silver and Rowan Beers “use their versatility of size and speed to win balls and quickly move it up the field,” says Douglass.
Rockport could also benefit from newcomers Owen Fauci and Finn Wilkinson, both of whom are sophomores that “have shown they can be a good asset to our older players.” If there’s one question mark surrounding this year’s Vikings group, it’s replacing all-league goalkeeper Zakarya Bouafi, who was named the GDT fall sports Male Player of the Year as a senior in 2025.
GIRLS SOCCER
Head coach: Sharon Chapman (3rd season)
Last year’s record: 5-12-3 (Lost to Rising Tide Charter School in Division 5 Round of 16)
Captains: Caitie Dewan, Sr. ST; Callie Arsenault, Jr. CB; Sunny Gallagher, Jr. CM.
Other key players: Kenzie Elder, Soph. UTIL; Lucy Flannagan, Soph. CB; Emilia O’Connor, Fr.; Elizabeth Gentile, JR. GK
Season opener: Tuesday at home vs. Manchester Essex (4 p.m.)
Outlook: The Vikings remain on the up, with all three captains poised for excellent seasons leading the charge. Gallagher, for one, is one of the more talented athletes in the area and will control play in the middle of the field.
“Her ability to orchestrate our offense and also track back on defense makes her such a versatile player,” said coach Chapman.
Arsenault will anchor the defense for the second straight season, with “her leadership in the back helping younger players adapt and grow in their defensive roles,” says Chapman. Dewan, one of the team’s lone seniors has been moved up to striker from her usual position at center back.
“Her strength, speed, skill and determination will strengthen our offense,” added Chapman.
The Vikings also boast versatility with youngsters Elder and Flannagan, both sophomores, returning for key varsity roles. Freshman O’Connor also played meaningful minutes as an 8th-grader last season and should make an even bigger impact now with a year under her belt. Gentile is new to the team as a junior, but has “put in many hours of training in the offseason and will continue to grow in the role as our varsity goalkeeper,” says Chapman.
“Our goal this season is just to continue to move forward and improve on last year. They have been committed in the offseason to build on their skill and fitness level,” said the coach. “Our captains did a great job providing meaningful summer workouts and their efforts have paid off. Our team s starting in a much better place than we did last season; Rockport has become a team that other teams will need to prepare for.”
The Vikings also have the luxury of deploying a JV team this year, which will be coached by former GHS girls soccer coach John Stevenson.
Sports Editor Nick Giannino may be contacted at 978-675-2712 or ngiannino@northofboston.com.