Orchard Park enters 2026 with work ethic, young core at center of preseason outlook

Overview

• Orchard Park Varsity Field Hockey is led by head coach Emily Markarian, who said her group should be known for hard work, endurance and playing through the final whistle.
• Grace Bottlinger and Hayden Premschetz are expected to lead the group, with Bottlinger committed to SUNY Geneseo and Premschetz committed to SUNY Brockport.
• The returning attack has proven production: Bottlinger had 10 goals and 12 assists in 2025-26, Premschetz added three goals and 10 assists, and Izabella Senn posted eight goals and seven assists.
• Markarian identified Tessa Jordan as the midfield engine and Senn as a player to watch on penalty corners.
• Orchard Park opens Sept. 1 against Brighton, hosts Starpoint on Sept. 10 and closes the listed regular-season slate Oct. 23 against Clarence.

Orchard Park Field Hockey Pre-season Preview

Orchard Park's 2026 field hockey season begins with a coach who wants the team's identity to be obvious.

Head coach Emily Markarian, who said she has coached the program for six years, described Orchard Park as a young team built around effort, endurance and connection.

"People will see hard workers, a team that doesn't give up, and a team that will play until the game is over," Markarian said. "We have a young team and I'm excited to see what we accomplish this season."

That theme runs through the rest of Orchard Park's preseason outlook. Markarian pointed to team culture as the program's foundation and said the team's biggest strengths are dedication and work ethic. The next step, she said, is confidence.

The leadership group gives Orchard Park a clear starting point. Markarian named Grace Bottlinger and Hayden Premschetz as primary leaders, citing their communication skills and dedication. Bottlinger is committed to SUNY Geneseo, while Premschetz is committed to SUNY Brockport.

Bottlinger also brings a strong production profile into the season. In 2025-26, she recorded 10 goals and 12 assists. Premschetz added three goals and 10 assists, giving Orchard Park another experienced contributor with a record of creating chances.

Izabella Senn is another returning producer to watch after an eight-goal, seven-assist 2025-26 season. Markarian also identified Senn as a penalty-corner specialist, making her a key name in Orchard Park's set-piece plans.

The midfield will have its own focal point in Tessa Jordan, whom Markarian named as the midfield engine. Markarian also pointed to Grace Bottlinger as a breakout candidate and Hayden Premschetz as a player ready to take on an important larger role.

In the circle, Orchard Park's attacking plan starts with ball movement.

Markarian said the team will look to create chances by "passing the ball and moving the ball to open space for more opportunity."

The goalkeeper picture includes one returner and one new goalie, according to Markarian, who said both have room to grow and develop through the season.

"We have so much growth with each of them," Markarian said. "I'm excited to watch them this season."

The schedule gives Orchard Park an immediate test and a steady rhythm through October. The team opens Sept. 1 against Brighton, then hosts Starpoint on Sept. 10. Lancaster visits Orchard Park on Sept. 14 before road dates at Iroquois on Sept. 21 and Sweet Home on Sept. 24.

Late September brings home games against West Seneca and Williamsville South, followed by trips to Eden, Nichols and Amherst. Orchard Park's October home stretch includes Hamburg on Oct. 7, Williamsville East on Oct. 9 and Pioneer on Oct. 13 before road games at Holland/East Aurora and Williamsville North.

The listed regular-season schedule closes Oct. 23 at home against Clarence.

For Markarian, the season goal is direct: play the team's best field hockey and advance as far as possible.