No. 24 Ranked Long Beach Marines Team Preview

Long Beach comes in at number 24 in the LILJ top 26 preseason rankings, and this year the program is under new leadership as Nicole Ozbud enters her first season at the helm taking over for longtime head coach Rachel Ray. The Marines consistently find themselves in the final four or better of Nassau Class B and last season was no different after an 11 win regular season and an appearance in the county semifinals where their season came to an end against Manhasset. As they turn the page and begin a new era, the Marines aim to keep the level of consistency that the program has established and continue to be a final four team.

After graduating key seniors from the class of 2025, including All-American midfielder Delaney Chernoff, goalie Saoirse Feerick, and seeing junior Anala Teemer transfer to IMG Academy, the Marines enter a bit of a transition that will see them lean heavily on a mix of returning upperclassmen as well as a budding young group to shape the next chapter of the program.

Offensively, the foundation is strong. Senior Sky Kilfeather the lefty attacker committed to Florida State returns as the team’s most proven all-around threat after a huge 70-point season with 36 goals and 34 assists, while junior Marianna Chimienti (URI) brings scoring punch with 58 points as a sophomore. Senior Sienna Warren (Pace) adds another consistent option at attack, and midfielder Reilly Amorosa (UNH) in the junior class sophomore and Maya Kallelis give them speed and upside through the middle of the field.

On the defensive end, with the departure of Feerick in the cage, junior Fiona Lynch looks to be the one that will step into an expanded role in goal. The Marines also have multiple underclassmen that could have a chance to see a larger role this season including sophomores Thea Gallinaro and Mia Warren and freshman Shannon O’Shea.

To get the season started Long Beach opens up with three non-league contests against Carle Place on 3/16, Bethpage on 3/18, and Friends Academy on 3/21 before playing their first game in the power conference against South Side on 3/23.

With much of its scoring returning but significant defensive and leadership roles to replace, Long Beach will focus on growth, chemistry, and consistency in 2026. If the young core continues to develop and the defense settles in around its new personnel, the Marines have the pieces to remain competitive in the power conference and build momentum as the season unfolds.