Hempfield leads 2026 Section 1 girls' soccer preview

Why Hempfield starts as the favorite

The report says Hempfield is leaning on a strong returning core after going 9-7-1 last season.

• Kate Groff is listed as the headline name and a preseason MVP pick.
• Mia Rajkowski, Kaiya Cox and Elena Dilorio give the Black Knights experience across the attack and midfield.
• Piper Miller and Addison Horner are expected to share goalkeeping duties.

That record from 2025 is not overwhelming on its own, but continuity often matters more than pure momentum in a new school season. Hempfield appears to have answers in key areas before many rivals fully settle.

Township and Penn Manor remain the main threats

If Hempfield has the continuity argument, Manheim Township has the pedigree. The Blue Streaks reportedly come off an 18-3 campaign and a District 3 title, even if they must replace major pieces.

• Moira Brennan looks central to controlling matches.
• Mia Byrne is expected to carry much of the attacking burden.
• A wider supporting group gives Township depth, even during a transition.

Penn Manor also looks firmly in the contender tier after a 13-4-2 season and a state-playoff run.

• Macie Boyd is expected to lead the next phase.
• Marcela Mendoza, Lila Burch and Kendall Burger add intrigue.
• Burger’s return after an injury-hit year could feel like a major boost.

Ephrata’s chance to change the order

Ephrata enters after a 4-10-2 season, but the report points to Mya Curran as the midfielder who can organize the team and raise its ceiling. Jordyn Dietrich, Sophia Schumacker, Abby Saenz and Whitney Pitts round out a group that looks capable of making the section less predictable.

The first weeks should tell the story quickly. Hempfield may hold the preseason edge, but the early meetings with Manheim Township and Penn Manor should reveal whether that status lasts once the points start counting.