Watching the video of UNC - Hopkins, it strikes me that this could be the most athletic team that Coach Levy has fielded. The freshman class adds a lot of athleticism.
It’s still early, but attackers Cece Powell and Emma McCarthy have been the most visible first years. I think others will emerge. Based on her late 2026 season performance (6 goals in the NCAA tourney), soph Reese King is a good bet to see significant play at attack. Graduated front-line attackers from last season, Caroline Godine and Darcy Felter, need to be replaced.
In the midfield, Kaleigh Harden, Eliza Osburn and Kate Levy return, but graduated senior Kiley Mottice needs replacing (typically four midfielders cycle through two midfield slots). Transfer Kate Galica who’s apparently recovering from an injury, will see time. Sophomore middies Mairyn Dwyer (3g) and Payton Magday(2g) played well against Hopkins. Freshman Sophia Buffardi could also see playing time. Second year Emma Connerty, who missed last season with a knee injury suffered in high school, had a goal vs. JH.
As far as I could tell, the goalies vs. JH were soph Brigid Carovillano (#33) and frosh Bailey Redford (#30). I doubt we can draw conclusions from this — Betty Nelson and Lexi Zenk will be the probable starters.
Players who don’t appear to have seen the field last Saturday in addition to Galica, include Chloe Humphrey (playing with USA Sixes), Eva Ingrilli and Tess Calabria (knee suffered early in the 2026 season).
It should be another strong season. The Heels are virtually assured of being the preseason #1.
GO HEELS!