The 2026 field hockey season kicks off earlier this year with regular-season games beginning on September 1, primarily due to a late Labor Day. The Section 1 championship will occur on November 1 at Nyack High School, with state championships following on November 14 at Arlington High School. Teams from Section 1, along with private schools Hackley and Rye Country Day School, have also released their schedules for the upcoming season. In total, the season will culminate in various exciting matchups as teams vie for early positioning and playoff berths.

By the Numbers
  • Regular-season games start on September 1 and end on October 20.
  • Section 1 Championship is on November 1, while state championships occur on November 14.
State of Play
  • Schools are starting their seasons earlier than usual, causing mixed reactions among students and staff.
  • Hackley and RCDS will compete in both their local leagues and New York State Association of Independent Schools championships.
What's Next

As the season progresses, teams will aim to solidify their standings leading into the championships. With the early start, strategies may evolve quickly as schools adjust to their schedules. Increased attention is expected on the matchups leading up to the finals, which will likely be highlighted events in the autumn sports calendar.

Bottom Line

The 2026 field hockey season promises an exciting lineup and competitive play, with the potential for significant local engagement as schools battle for the top spots. Early starts could lead to surprises and invigorated rivalries that shape the landscape of high school field hockey.