Written By: Abigail Smith

The Rye Country Day School Varsity Field Hockey Team concluded the 2025 season with a win over Hackley at Manhattanville College, securing the NYSAIS Championship title and proving to be the most dominant team in the league. 

From preseason practices in mid-August to the championship in early November, the Wildcats displayed consistency, chemistry, and confidence, finishing the season with a 13-3-1 record. The team opened their season with four straight shutouts, including wins over Greenwich Country Day (3-0), Riverdale Country School (6-0), Hopkins (7-0), and Horace Mann (6-0). Despite a close 1-4 loss to Greenwich Academy, the Wildcats rebounded by defeating Hackley (3-1), St Luke’s (6-1), and Holy Child (6-0), ending their regular season strong. 

As the NYSAIS postseason tournament began RCDS was ready to compete, with no doubt that they were championship bound. After losing to Fieldston in overtime last year, the Wildcats were prepared for a comeback in their semi-final game. They ended with a crushing 9-0 victory against Fieldston. Three days later, the team headed to Manhattanville College with a flawless performance in the championship game, beating Hackley 3-0 to win the NYSAIS cup. The Wildcats’ defense, anchored by goalie and captain Dylan Fenyes ‘26, secured another shootout with the midfield and forwards ready to attack. Goals came from Meera Spencer ‘27, Clare Keating ‘26, and Kate Keating ‘26. Captain Clare Keating was overjoyed to end her senior season with a win. She reflected how “we’ve worked so hard for this all season and gave everything we had, which made this win so special.” Kate Keating also added, “What I will remember most isn’t just our win, but how close we became and how hard we fought for each other.” 

Coach Summers praised the group’s unity and work ethic, sharing how they have played for each other every day up to the championship. The NYSAIS Championship title marked the perfect finish to their season defined by their growth, grit, and determination.