Kenmore East leans on returning experience, possession style in 2026

Overview

• Dan Norton said his fourth year at Kenmore East continues the program's move toward possession-oriented play.
• Kenmore East graduated seven seniors, putting more leadership responsibility on returning players and a young roster.
• Mia Colosimo, Samantha Ferreri and Anna Martin are the captains, with Martin and Ferreri expected to organize the defensive side.
• Anna Martin, Lucy Smith and Morgan Martin bring back notable 2025-26 production, while Madison Murdie is a newly featured player to watch.

Kenmore East keeps building its style

Dan Norton enters his fourth year as Kenmore East varsity coach with a young roster and a clear idea of how he wants the program to play.

"After taking over the program, I wanted to change the style of play at Kenmore East moving to possessional play vs. kick and chase," Norton said. "As each year starts, I feel that this program becomes stronger and stronger."

Kenmore East went 7-8 in 2025-26 and graduated seven seniors. Norton said the returning players will be asked to take on larger leadership roles, help establish the team's style of play and give younger players confidence.

His outlook is built around competitiveness, chemistry and returning experience. Norton said Kenmore East is young, but still a tough team to face once things get rolling. The goals are improvement, consistency and playing as a team, with an eye on making waves in the NFL and sectional play.

Captains and returning pieces

Mia Colosimo, Samantha Ferreri and Anna Martin are the captains.

Martin, a Class of 2029 midfielder/defender, had six goals and five assists in 2025-26. Norton also identified Martin and Ferreri as key defensive-side leaders, citing their experience, poise and ability to organize the back line.

Ferreri, a Class of 2028 defender/midfielder, had two assists last season. Colosimo, a Class of 2027 forward/midfielder, had two goals and two assists and is also listed as a set-piece threat.

Lucy Smith, a Class of 2028 midfielder/forward, is expected to organize the midfield and help control play. She had three goals and six assists in 2025-26.

Morgan Martin, a Class of 2028 midfielder, had five goals and two assists last season, while Sophia Lewandowski, a Class of 2028 midfielder/forward, had two goals and one assist.

Avery Johnson is the returning player Norton pointed to as a potential breakout. Madison Murdie, a Class of 2030 midfielder, is the newly featured player he said could become an important contributor; Murdie had one goal and one assist as an eighth grader in 2025-26.

Norton said Kenmore East has a new goalkeeper entering the season. Addie Lask is the Class of 2030 goalkeeper listed on the roster.

Schedule landmarks

Kenmore East's listed schedule opens Sept. 8 at Wilson before a road match at Grand Island and a home date with Mount Saint Mary Academy.

The September schedule also includes home matches against Lewiston Porter, Kenmore West, North Tonawanda and Niagara Falls, plus road matches at Niagara Wheatfield, Niagara Falls and Buffalo Public Schools. October brings home matches against East Aurora, Grand Island and Niagara Wheatfield, with road trips to Lockport, Lewiston Porter and Amherst.