No. 3 Ranked Garden City Trojans Team Preview

One of the island’s storied programs the Garden City Trojans come in at number three in the LILJ top 25 preseason rankings. This a team that every year has a chance to bring home a state championship, and last year they were on the cusp before coming up short in the state championship game. This year they enter the 2026 season in familiar territory: reloading, not rebuilding. Each season the Trojans blend high expectations with a steady pipeline of talent, and this spring’s roster once again reflects a program built on depth, balance, and long-term development, under head coach Dave Ettinger.

The biggest losses come from a productive Class of 2025, which leaves behind significant scoring and leadership. Among the key graduates are Arcangela Haffner, Tori Ottomanelli, Kathryn Monaco, and Kyle Finnell, along with a veteran defensive group that included Ellie Andersen, Meaghan Lynch, Brooke Hopkins and Brynn Reilly. In goal, Kate Connolly graduated after a strong season in which she posted 119 saves leaving big shoes to fill on the back end.

Despite those departures, Garden City’s returning core—especially from the Class of 2026—is loaded with proven production at attack. Avery Smith (Yale) headlines the attack after a standout 2025 campaign with 59 points, scoring 33 goals, with 26 assists, while Kimberly Colucci (William & Mary) adds another elite scoring threat after having a breakout season, finishing with 58 points, striking for 43 goals with 15 assists. Ashley Clark (Harvard) provides power and consistency inside, tallying 41 points, and Michaela Molgano (UPenn) added 25 points of her own.

The midfield remains a strength thanks to a deep and versatile senior class. Regan Backer (UVA), Deanna Prisco (Northwestern), and Elizabeth Gaffney (American) all bring two-way ability, combining scoring punch with transition play. Katie Horn (Bucknell) and Ciara Hegarty (Holy Cross) round out a group capable of controlling tempo along with the middle of the field and the defense as part of an experienced unit tasked with anchoring a retooled back line. The defense also returns Kate Scuderi the JMU commit in the senior class.

Looking ahead, the Classes of 2027 and 2028 provide promising depth and upside. Players like Ali Bennett (Holy Cross) and Grace Brantuk (Cornell) continue to grow into expanded roles, while Stella Goettelmann (Colorado) and Claire Arendt (Lehigh) add speed and versatility from the midfield and defense. Amanda Backer and goalie Teagan Gately represent part of the next wave, with Gately already gaining some varsity experience between the pipes in the offseason.

This winter the team took part in the LILJ winter league where they went 4-2 in six games against some of the island’s elite high school teams. Part of the keys to success for Garden City will come down to how quickly new contributors step into varsity roles and how effectively the experienced returners lead. With multiple high-level scorers returning, a deep midfield rotation, and a tradition of defensive discipline, Garden City once again looks poised to remain a factor deep into the season with the ultimate goal being Class B NYS Champions. The Trojans will open up the regular season with a non-league matchup against Bayport Blue-Point on 3/20, followed by their first league game in the power conference against Syosset on 3/23.