Sandwich High School’s field hockey program is off to an unprecedented start under longtime coach Kelsy Beaton, who has guided the Blue Knights to a perfect 15-0 record this season. On Saturday, the team secured a milestone victory by defeating three-time defending Division 1 champion Walpole 3-0 — a feat the coach had not achieved in her 27-year tenure.
Beaton, who has led Sandwich since 1999, had previously only managed a tie against Walpole last season. Reflecting on the win, she expressed both respect for Walpole’s program and pride in her team’s accomplishment. “That was just a huge win for us,” she said.
The Blue Knights, currently ranked No. 1 in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Division 3 power rankings with a top rating of 4.6808 across all divisions, have continued a legacy of strong field hockey performance that dates back to the mid-1980s. The introduction of the statewide tournament in 2021 has not altered their status as a dominant force.
This year’s team has successfully navigated the graduation of key scorers Quinn Jordan and Khloe Schultz, thanks in part to Beaton’s deep roster and systematic coaching approach. “I have a big team… they’re practicing with me every single day,” Beaton said, emphasizing the benefits of continuity and preparation.
Senior tri-captain Sadie Clarkin, along with fellow captains forward Elisabeth Stutzman—who leads the team in scoring—and defender Bella Digiacomo, have played significant leadership roles. Clarkin, a midfielder committed to Quinnipiac University, praised Beaton’s demanding but effective coaching style. “She’s hard on you because she thinks you can do better,” Clarkin said. “I’d like to be told what I’m doing wrong and how I can improve. It works in how we win games.”
The current squad differs from last year’s team in style and composition. Beaton described them as “fiery,” fast, and highly motivated athletes who have quickly developed cohesion despite a relatively new starting lineup. “I honestly don’t think we’ve ever looked like this before,” Clarkin noted.
Beaton expressed enthusiasm for the season and her coaching role, stating that the team’s success and enjoyment confirm her decision to remain behind the bench. “I love the strategy, the scouting. I’m doing OK at it,” she said. “Maybe if I wasn’t doing well, it might be easier for me to say I’m done.”
Elsewhere in Massachusetts high school field hockey, Cohasset holds the top spot in the Division 4 power rankings with a 12-2 record. Led by senior captain Liv Appel, the Skippers recently secured a 1-0 victory over Notre Dame Academy of Hingham. Coach Laura Giuliano attributes the team’s success to a deep roster, strong bench, and a senior class committed to consistency and efficiency.
Ipswich, with an 11-2-1 record in Division 3, has relied heavily on junior midfielder Ava Poire, who scored the lone goal in a recent 1-0 win over Hamilton-Wenham and contributed significantly in a prior match against North Andover.
As the postseason approaches, several Massachusetts high school teams continue to build momentum and develop talent through robust youth programs, with coaches emphasizing both competitive success and player development.