Roy-Hart/Medina Opens First Combined Season Built Around Unity

Overview

• Roy-Hart/Medina enters 2026 as a first-year combined program under head coach Richard Jennings.
• Courtney Aquilina returns in goal after making 166 saves in 2025 with her prior program.
• Maria Trombley, who had 13 goals and three assists in 2025, is expected to organize the midfield.
• Roy-Hart/Medina opens with Tonawanda on Sept. 4, Wilson on Sept. 5 and Akron on Sept. 9.

Roy-Hart/Medina enters the 2026 girls soccer season with a new shared identity.

Head coach Richard Jennings said this is the first year the two schools are combined, and the early focus is on bringing the group together.

“We are extremely excited for the opportunity to build a united program with Medina,” Jennings said. “The girls have been working hard and are looking forward to all the opportunities that are in front of them in the season.”

Jennings described the team’s identity simply: “United as one.” He also said the program’s goal is to “Relentlessly pursue excellence.”

The captain group is Maria Trombley, Courtney Aquilina, Addison Carr and Lilly Maynard. Trombley is expected to organize the midfield and help control how Roy-Hart/Medina plays. In 2025, before the combined program’s first season, Trombley recorded 13 goals and three assists.

Aquilina gives the new combined team an experienced goalkeeper. Jennings said the team returns a three-year starter at goalie, and Aquilina’s 2025 line included 166 saves in 1,360 minutes.

The roster also includes several players Jennings pointed to in specific roles. Ruth Walker is a returning player he expects could take a step forward after an eight-goal, four-assist 2025 season. Peyton Johengen was identified as a younger player who could become an important contributor. Julia Verratti was named as a set-piece threat after recording two goals and three assists in 2025.

Jennings also highlighted Addison Carr’s leadership, saying she “encourages and motivates the girls on the field throughout the game.” Josephine Silsby added two goals and two assists in 2025, giving Roy-Hart/Medina another returning player with prior scoring production.

Those returning players bring individual varsity production from before the combined program’s first season. Jennings said the group has “a great group of returning players” and younger players stepping into value for the overall team.

The schedule begins with Tonawanda on Sept. 4, Wilson on Sept. 5 and Akron on Sept. 9. Roy-Hart/Medina then meets Depew on Sept. 12, Albion on Sept. 15, Barker/Lyndonville on Sept. 17 and Newfane on Sept. 19.