Outline:
Syracuse, N.Y. — The 2025 All-Central New York field hockey team features 16 players selected by reporters. Among them are the field hockey player of the year finalists: Adriana Izzo of Little Falls, Alyssa Lessels of Vernon Verona Sherill, Leah Randall of Clinton, and Sloane Sestito of Rome Free Academy.
The winner will be announced at ‘s | The Post Standard’s annual All-CNY Sports Awards presented by Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists. The event is scheduled for June 23, 2026, inside the Liverpool High School Auditorium. Additional details can be found here.
Here are the 2025 All-CNY field hockey all-stars:
Brooke Benson
School: Rome Free Academy
Class: Junior
Position: Goalie
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports?
I’m planning on playing field hockey in college and I play SYR indoor field hockey.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is definitely my field hockey coach, Coach Mac, because she’s always encouraging me to be the best I can be on and off the field.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season?
My favorite memory with my team this season was going undefeated in the regular season and winning the sectional title.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower it would be to fly so I could travel the world freely.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
If I could trade places with someone for one day it would have to be with any D-I goalie, so I can experience what it’s like to be in their position.
Carlysle Ducey
School: Cazenovia
Class: Sophomore
Position: Forward/Midfield
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports?
I’ll be playing indoor field hockey, basketball, unified bowling, and golf.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
All of the amazing coaches I work with, especially my Cazenovia coaches — Coach Sheftic, Coach G, Coach Carroll, and Coach Byrne. Also Coach Morrison from ST Storm and all the coaches I am working with now at SYR for indoor.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season?
The Morgan’s Message Dedication Game was a really fun and special game for me. Having all the support from my teammates, coaches, school, community, and family was really amazing.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I have Type 1 Diabetes, so having a pancreas that works feels like a superpower. I’d probably choose that.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
I would probably want to trade places with Ashley Sessa or Liv Bent-Cole to be able to experience getting coached by Tracey Fuchs.
Kayla Flask
School: Weedsport
Class: Senior
Position: Attack
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports?
Playing my last season of high school basketball.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My older sister because I learned from her that hard work will always pay off in the end.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season?
Beating Port Byron in the first round of sectionals because we were able to secure the win in overtime.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Super speed because I could save my gas and not have to drive everywhere.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Megan Moroney because she’s the best.
Abby Hebble
School: Camden
Class: Sophomore
Position: Defender
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports?
Currently, I am wrestling and plan on playing softball in the spring. In the future, I plan to play a sport at the collegiate level.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My sister Delainey Hebble has been my biggest inspiration because I grew up watching her play throughout high school and college. She showed me how hard work pays off in the end.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season?
My favorite memory with my team this year was defeating Whitesboro in overtime in the Section III semifinals, because we had lost to them twice during the regular season.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I would choose teleportation so then I could easily get anywhere of my choosing.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
I would trade places with Paige Bueckers to experience life as a female professional athlete.
Adriana Izzo
School: Little Falls
Class: Junior
Position: Midfield
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports?
I’m currently playing varsity basketball in the winter.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration has been my mom because she has played at the college level and has worked with me from a young age.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season?
My favorite memory with my team this season was winning sectionals and advancing to the second round of regionals. This was my favorite memory because it was very exciting and filled with emotion.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
If I could have a superpower, I would have teleportation because I could be anywhere at any time.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
If I could trade places with anyone for a day, it would be Erin Matson, the UNC field hockey coach and a former player, because she has many accomplishments and is a great role model in field hockey.
Giuliana Izzo
School: Little Falls
Class: Junior
Position: Goalie
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports?
Undecided for my future plans. Participate in varsity basketball and varsity softball.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My dad. He pushes me to become the best version of myself and guides me through difficult times.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season?
Winning sectionals because all of our hard work in and out of season paid off.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Flight, so I could view things from a different perspective.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
A professional athlete who overcomes adversity through hard work and determination.
Alyssa Lessels
School: Vernon Verona Sherrill
Class: Junior
Position: Forward
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports?
I plan on playing lacrosse in the spring and I am currently playing ice hockey and club field hockey.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspirations are probably my grandma, Dawn Yerkie and my mother Heather Lessels because they always push me to be my best. They are both amazing women. They are extremely determined and very smart. They both play a huge role in my life and I look up to them a lot.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season?
My favorite memory with my team this season was winning sectionals for the second year in a row because we all have so much fun together and it was so awesome to win together as a team.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Time control because I could slow time down or pause it to give myself more time to get things done, or I could pause it if I needed to be somewhere fast.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Kendall Coyne because she’s a professional ice hockey player and I think it would be really cool to see what her life is like for a day, because I’ve looked up to her since I was little.
Abigail Mantione
School: Baldwinsville
Class: Senior
Position: Forward/midfield
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports?
I am currently playing varsity basketball. I will be playing varsity golf in the spring. I am committed to playing field hockey in college.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My mother is my biggest inspiration. She played field hockey in high school and college. She taught me how to play the game and pushes me to continually improve. She is my number one fan, who has always been there through practices, tournaments and games.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season?
My favorite memory is beating C-NS in the semifinals, when I was an integral part in creating a corner penalty, took the corner shot, and assisted in the score.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Super speed. I would be able to get more things done faster so I could help others more.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
King Charles of United Kingdom of Great Britian. I would like to be Queen and feel how it is to be royalty.
Rylie Meagher
School: Camden
Class: Sophomore
Position: midfield
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports?
I plan to go to college, but I am not sure where I want to go yet. I do wrestling in the winter and softball during the spring.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration has been my mom.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season?
My favorite memory this season is when we beat Whitesboro in the semifinals after losing to them twice this season and losing last year in the semifinals.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I would choose teleportation so that I could be in any place when I want.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
I would trade places with the president so I could see what it’s like to run the country for a day.
Molly Orth
School: Morrisville-Eaton
Class: Senior
Position: midfield
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports?
I plan to play college field hockey at SUNY Geneseo and major in early education. I’m currently playing volleyball and will do track and field during the spring.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is Cassie Sumfest from the UNC field hockey team because she tore her ACL in 2019 and had to sit out for the rest of her season but after recovery, she played and started in all 20 games of the 2020 season. She worked extremely hard to get back to where she was before and she showed me that if you put the work in and love what you do you can do amazing things no matter what comes your way. She now plays on the U.S women’s national team, all because of her hard work and determination.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season?
My favorite memory this year was all the team dinners we had that brought us so close and when we played Clinton in the Section III semifinals and won. Watching our team come together and play our best to get that win was such a great feeling.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower, it would be to read people’s minds so that when a player is dodging me or making a pass, I know exactly what they will do and I can stop them.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
If I could trade places with anyone for a day, I would pick Josh Allen because I would love to play in the Bills’ stadium and have so many fans cheering me on. It would also be awesome to be rich for a day.
Sophia Puccia
School: Liverpool
Class: Junior
Position: Midfield
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports?
I am planning on playing field hockey in college. Currently, I am playing club field hockey for Syracuse Field Hockey Club.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My sister, Bre Puccia, because she introduced me to field hockey and has helped me grow as a player. She works hard no matter the circumstance and always shows up even when things are hard.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season?
My favorite memory this season was our last game. We played our hardest and had such great connections. The game intensity built us as a team and I can’t wait to see what that brings to our next season.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Mind reading so I can know what everyone is thinking on the field.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Erin Matson, because I would love to see what her day in the life is like. Seeing her accomplishments and living them as well would be such a cool experience.
Leah Randall
School: Clinton
Class: Senior
Position: Forward
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports?
I’m working at a childcare center after school this winter. In the spring, I will be doing outdoor track and participating in sprinting and pole vault. My future plans are to go to college and major in nursing in hopes to becoming a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. I’m looking at playing field hockey at the college I chose. I’m undecided on the college so far, but I’m getting closer to making that decision.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration has always been my mom. She inspires me to always try my hardest and guides me in the right direction. She always gives me a positive outlook on life. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season?
My favorite memory with my team this season was how special everyone made senior night. Also, I loved the team bonding dinner the night before the first round of sectionals, when we all made posters for our lockers. Last year, the fall of 2024, I will forever cherish the memories from winning sectionals and regionals and how the fire trucks escorted us back to Clinton. Making it to the state final four is a memory that will last a lifetime.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
My superpower would be to fly so I can be like a bird and travel the world.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
If I could trade places with anyone, it would be Jane Goodall because I have looked up to her since I was a little kid. I have been inspired by her wisdom and perspective on life. I would love to observe the way animals interact up close and experience the passion she had for her work. One of my favorite quotes of hers is, ‘Find the reason and do your bit.’
Jayden Regan
School: Little Falls
Class: Junior
Position: Forward
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports?
I plan to attend college and have not decided but I want to do dermatology and Botox injections.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration has been my two coaches for constantly pushing us to work harder in each aspect of the game, to play every game with intensity and never settle with being “just good.”
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season?
My favorite memory is winning sectionals again and going on to play harder teams that people were doubting we could win, and shocking people when we did. And of course, also the celebrations and little moments in between.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I would want to be invisible so I could listen in and spy on people.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
I would trade places with my future self because I want to know if I’m doing what I thought I would be doing by then and if all my plans actually were accomplished.
Gianna Ross
School: Whitesboro
Class: Senior
Position: Forward
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports?
Spring sports, golf. I will be attending Arizona State University, majoring in interior design
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My prior coach, Miss LaValley. She always pushed me to be the best person and player I am and with that, she exemplifies determination and courage. I wouldn’t be the player I am today without having her by my side throughout my field hockey career.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season?
I loved all of our laughs at practice and bringing each other up on the bus rides and pre-game talks.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I wish I could have transportation powers so I could be anywhere I wanted more quickly.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Joanna Gains. She is my favorite interior designer and I want to see what her life is like on TV, designing all the beautiful houses.
Sloane Sestito
School: Rome Free Academy
Class: Freshman
Position: Midfield
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports?
I want to play Division I field hockey
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My dad because he was a professional athlete.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season?
Scoring my first reverse chip goal.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation, because I could go wherever I want for the day and just teleport back.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Anyone living in Hawaii.
Addison Shantal
School: Morrisville-Eaton
Class: Senior
Position: Forward
Future plans? College? Playing any winter or spring sports?
Play D-II field hockey at Roberts Wesleyan. I am studying pre-vet biology.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My parents. They have always shown me what true hard work is and when you work hard and always put 110% effort into what you are doing, there is always a positive outcome.
What’s your favorite memory with your team this season?
Bus rides home, blasting music and having fun with my teammates at team dinners.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Being able to teleport. It’s very convenient and sounds fun.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Erin Matson. She is the head coach at UNC. She is my idol and coaches my favorite field hockey team.
Coach of the year
Monica Tooley
Sport: Field hockey
School: Little Falls
No. of years coaching? 37
Who inspires you to coach in your sport?
No one person inspires me to coach. I’m inspired by the athletes I coach, by the growth I see in their skills, to be part of a team, to be challenged and take risks, and the commitment they have to compete. To see the change in them from youth field hockey through school and club levels and then participating, contributing and leading their programs at the collegiate level. I love watching the confidence on and off the field as they become strong and resilient young women.
What is your favorite sports memory from this season?
One of my favorite memories from this season was during our regional game with Greenwich. Our team played confident, aggressive and strong, but there was one moment in the game that lifted us and discouraged our opponents. Our goalie GuGu Izzo, dove at a shot low to the right post as our defender, Katie Crews, backed her up and threw herself across the goal line towards the post — together — to ensure a save in front of the goal line. The intensity and focus of that defensive play fired up the whole team. They knew they had it.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
There is no one I’d trade places with. I’m comfortable and happy with who and where I am today. I do have a new knee, it’s a little over a year old, but the rest of my body is a few decades older (LOL). I’d love to be able to move like my athletes move, to be able to play the game I love, like they can. The game is faster, smoother, stronger and the ball just flows now. The rules have changed so much since I was a competitive athlete on a team and of course, I see the game so differently now. It would be fun to play again and try some of the moves.
What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie?
One of my favorite sports quotes is “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” — Steve Prefontaine from the movie “Without Limits.” One of my favorite movies is “Miracle” and this quote from Herb Brooks: “Great moments are born from great opportunity. And that’s what you have here, tonight, boys. That’s what you’ve earned here tonight. One game…” Both are motivating.
Second team
- Lola Comunale, Baldwinsville
- Isabella Sebast, Baldwinsville
- Jordin Thomas-Rivera, Canastota
- Izzy Normanly, Cicero-North Syracuse
- Olivia Planty, Cicero-North Syracuse
- Katie Randall, Clinton
- Ava Larry, Holland Patent
- Lizzie O’Donnell, Homer
- Katie Crews, Little Falls
- Mollie Regan, Little Falls
- Jane Razza, Liverpool
- Abigail Leamer, Morrisville-Eaton
- Kacie Owen, Mount Markham
- Layla Rice, Mount Markham
- Claire Friedel, New Hartford
- Ella Adey, Rome Free Academy
- Sydney Mendiola, Rome Free Academy
- Alexa Ritchie, Rome Free Academy
- Makenna Engelhart, Whitesboro